Have you ever considered peer to peer lending? We’ve been investing with Prosper for almost 6 years. Overall, we’ve lost money, though part of that is because we were invested during the major economic downturn. Over the last year, our returns are positive.

However, each state has it’s own laws about whether or not their residents can invest with Prosper, so even if you love the idea, your state may not allow it.

Remember that peer to peer lending is an investment and it carries the same risks all investments do- the possibility of great returns or losing it all.