rileyuk.co.uk

I heard about Zopa website on the BBC website and has been set up to allow us to lend money to people who need it by setting our own rates and terms.

It could be an interesting way to make a bit more money than the normal. I would be interested to try this with a small amount of cash (ie what I can afford to lose!) but has anyone tried it?

turning into a loan shark are you? i've got a black suit and a cricket bat if you need someone to collect the money and break some kneecaps :D

It looks interesting, and they do say they spread the risk by splitting your money between several borrowers. It'd be interesting to see what their commission is, but I'm actually more interested in the Kiva "social lending" project mentioned below. I'd rather lend money to someone starting a business in Bulgaria than some narcissistic cow who wants to use a loan for plastic surgery or something equally stupid.

I am totally a loan shark. I already have the suit and the cricket bat. I am sure you will see it very soon! :D

mr_e wrote:It looks interesting, and they do say they spread the risk by splitting your money between several borrowers. It'd be interesting to see what their commission is, but I'm actually more interested in the Kiva "social lending" project mentioned below. I'd rather lend money to someone starting a business in Bulgaria than some narcissistic cow who wants to use a loan for plastic surgery or something equally stupid.

Bit judgmental there Mr E !!

That's why you like me so much, ain't it? Honestly, though, nothing like an extreme example here and there. I'd still go with Kiva, though.

In all honesty, I'd like to see the lending of money for profit banned (one part of Islamic law I do like), but that's for another topic.

What's all this about suits and cricket bats? If you need someone o collect money, I would hope you'd turn to family members who are qualified for this job before you try to do it yourself.

You mean we are not allowed to beat people for the cash they owe then? Gosh what has happened to the country, you will be telling me that women can vote next!

I've read an article about an agency which will help you buy a hotel room, set you up with a mrotgage and help with the business plan. You can stay in said room for so many nights a year and all profit goes directly to you. Then after a few years, if you want, you can sell on.

The agency had a really obvious name like buyahotelroom if anyone is intersted. But my memory is crap and I can't remeber the exact name!

Interesting way to set it all up, there are some fun ways to invest money. Of course it is very difficult to work out how much profit you are due to make from the room. What happens if you need to re-invest to make the room nice or clean it. . . . I will have to look it up online - these sort of things are always a bit of a risk.

Hummm would be interesting to see how many ways you can make £100 out of £10 - small amounts of dosh - and a few ideas...