I'd hope to have quadruple that, at the very least, and based on current trends.  I do not borrow unless I have the projection of three times the amount within three to four months.  30 to 50k is peanuts in the big picture.  It may be a lot to some, but let's say I had an extra 300k to 500k.  Right now there are some offshore mining platforms I would get involved with, or green technology that offers significant profit and ROI within a few months.  I am NOT interested in that kind of commitment however, and am generating that capital on my own.  I don't trust traditional lenders as far as I can throw them, and when the need for loans arise (haven't in the last five years), I certainly wouldn't seek help from a traditional loan agency, or Western based financial institution.  I have much more practical options.