Should you sell, pawn or borrow against your assets?

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Avid collectors of records, stamps or train sets who are short of cash could put their prized collections to good use. Don't worry, you don't necessarily have to sell them to raise money.

With many cash-strapped Brits and small businesses struggling to borrow from banks, some are turning to unusual assets to raise money. Pawnbrokers have seen customers come through the door with things like Fender guitars, designer handbags or rare books.