Girlawhirl's Super Pal told her about Zopa.com™, an online money lending site that cuts out the proverbial middle men and puts people who need money in a direct lending relationship with the people who have it to lend—all legally binding of course.
Anyone who wants to see a return on their money and help others can sign up as a lender and post how much money they are willing to lend out and at what interest rate. Then those looking for money can shop around and see what interest rates fit their budget. Zopa mixes up the money so no borrower takes money from just one lender and then monitors the payments.
It was the perfect answer for a friend like the artist who is able to handle loan payments even if a big bank doesn't think she can. And it got Girlawhirl thinking, maybe her next big investment would be in… people.
A further note from Girlawhirl's financially savvy Super Pal: as with any investment, specific returns are not guaranteed. Always check with your financial advisor before making decisions that affect your portfolio.
Go Do It!