Name: JD Beebe
Age: 24
Location: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Communications Strategist

As a gainfully employed 24-year-old during a dismal economic time, JD Beebe doesn't have a lot to complain about. Oh, but being young in San Francisco can be murder on your wallet. Beebe buys his lunch during the week, and then spends money on drinks after work with colleagues — networking pays off in the long run, right? And then there's the occasional date with his girlfriend. "I've gotta keep the lady happy," JD says. "She likes to go on dates a few times a month, and that definitely takes its toll on my wallet."

His mom suggested he pack his lunch for work, but JD couldn't see himself brown-bagging it. "I like buying my lunch because it gives me a chance to get out of the office and think about some of my side schemes," he says. And, in fact, JD's schemes may be well worth a $9 chicken burrito at Chipotle. For example: Inspired by Zach Galifianakis's hirstute character in last summer's raunchy hitThe Hangover, JD started selling novelty beards online, just in time for Halloween. The Los Angeles Times found it amusing, as did MTV.com and 368 wanna-be Zachs. By Oct. 31, JD had made more than $3,500 in profit — more than enough for a few nights out. Probably not enough, however, to buy and feed a live tiger.

Do you have a money quandary? A success story? A cautionary tale? We'd love to hear from you. Send an email to editors@bundle.com and include a photo.

Now that The Hangover beard enterprise is taken, read more on sidelines, early employment, and other ways to drum up extra cash:

• Media blogger Rachel Sklar on selling her clothes
• CollegeHumor.com's Ricky Van Veen on cleaning out dumpsters for minimum wage
• Need money? Give blood, watch porn
• The struggle to support myself, even after graduation
• Would moving in with mom and dad be that bad?

Do you have dreams of selling fake human facial hair? Tell us your best ideas for side money and what you're doing to make it a reality.


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