I turn 18 in a week and have $2000 in my savings account. How can I make my money work for me?

The shoe business model you mentioned isn’t much different than car sales. A used car might have 2500-5000 profit in it, but you’re also investing 10x that much to play at that level.

Somewhere between shoes and cars is another game that will gradually snowball your money. Whether it’s buying bulk of [SOME_DESIRED_GADGET] from overseas and selling it locally at a profit for people who can’t wait... or even adding value.

And if you want to put some active work into making your money grow, this is an awesome time to be alive. You have access to overseas components to build a better mousetrap without having to carve the wood block (if you follow my metaphor)

Here’s an example:

I know a guy who buys IP camera components (ready to plug and play, but no enclosure) from overseas for $9-$12 each. He 3D prints hidden enclosures (fake smoke detector, picture frame, toy) and sells them for significantly more than his time and supplies. There are people willing to pay $150 for a $20 thing that they don’t have time, knowledge, or equipment to do themselves.

/r/personalfinance Thread