After college finals are over and you've moved back home for the summer, what's next? Chances are your bank account could use a boost, but that doesn't mean you have to find a job that bores you. In fact instead of considering a job, why not create a business and be your own boss? Any of the following ideas can be recreated summer after summer, especially if you've invested in equipment. Let's start brainstorming:

1. Watch children, walk dogs or house sit. Parents of school-age kids face a challenge every summer regarding what to do for child care while they are at work. Gather some solid references and create a brochure or small-space ad in your local newspaper. If full-time babysitting isn't for you, go after the vacation market and give some "TLC" and exercise to dogs while the family is away. Generally, you charge per visit and leave it up to the owners how many times they want you to stop by per day.

2. Wash and wax cars. Not everyone has time to take their cars through the car wash, and some prefer a gentle hand washing over harsh automated brushes. Come up with a business card and put them under wiper blades at the local supermarket. Buy a portable vacuum, some cleaning supplies, sponges and towels, a bucket and you're in business. You can make between $20 and $30 per car and if you do a good job, you should have some loyal customers.

3. Be a one-man concession stand. Not all public parks and baseball fields have a vendor selling cold drinks and snacks, so this could be your own personal gold mine. Buy the biggest cooler you can comfortably tote around and fill it with anything you think might be desirable. Be creative − offer glow-in-the-dark sticks, portable fans, ring pops and plenty of cool drinks. If you're stuck for ideas, ramble around the dollar store for a while. Make a waterproof sign, grab a portable chair and plant yourself in the shade at every public event you can think of.

4. Lawn mowing. Granted, cutting grass for a summer job isn't all that original, but where there's growing grass, there's potential for income, right? There's usually an abundance of companies offering full-service lawn care, but sometimes people like to support a college student instead. Mowers can be expensive to buy, but you should be able to find a good used one for around $500. They can be rented, too. You'll also need gasoline, hedge clippers and a trimmer for edges and around landscaping. Count on making between $20 and $40 per yard, depending on the size.

5. Tutor or lead a workshop of some kind. You don't have to be a math whiz to make money teaching others. What about setting up a gymnastics class in the park or leading a weekly finger-painting session for elementary school kids? You could even start a book club to help kids with their summer reading. Make up some flyers and leave them at the library or contact elementary teachers in early spring for ideas on how to reach parents with your idea. Have fun with it!

Ronni Carter counsels adult students on scholarships, financial aid, online degrees, online colleges, and career advancement.