Hi there, Mrs. 1500 today. We are detouring from our family-oriented blog for this story, so please take the little ones out of the room before you continue.
A few years ago, Budgets are Sexy featured a guest post by T. Thema Martin from Savionaire, who wrote about a side hustle as a Phone Sex Operator. J. Money noted that “…This may or may not be my all-time fave hustle yet 😉…” Well J., we have another side hustle to throw into the sordid mix. Our neighbors’ approach is a little more “in-depth,” a little more “hands-on.” Their hustle is probably more “hard-core” than most. (Forgive my Junior High humor.)
Our street is not normal
Our little street is a fascinating place to live. We have told you about the Secret Millionaires on our Street, and the Crapcycles across the road. We recently discovered that the people who live all the way at the end of the block have quite the side hustle.
We had already known that this particular house hosts a huge party about once a month. There are cars parked up and down the street for these bashes. The house has an indoor pool, and the neighbors have jokingly suggested that they are having orgies. In fact, when we talk about it, we refer to it as the “orgy house.” (We also refer to the house where our neighbor passed away inside as “Dead Harold’s house.” New owners, still Dead Harold’s house.)
Rumors are confirmed
So one day last month, a neighbor was chatting with her husband, who asked, “Has anyone ever Googled that house?” She grabbed her computer, typed in their address and lo and behold, the rumors and speculation are all true.
They have their house listed on several swinger sites, and even have their own personal website, where they advertise the next party’s theme, and report on how many people popped up (I can’t help myself) at the last soiree.
Parties cost $40 per couple and $40 for a single guy, but hey ladies – single women are FREE!!! They average 40-60 people per party, with year-end holiday-themed parties closer to 90 attendees. I wonder what happens under the mistletoe? Wait, scratch that thought.
The first thing I thought when our suspicions were confirmed was a compliment I had given to the guy who lives there. Over the summer, I saw him backing his boat into his driveway (no double entendre here!). It was a really long boat and he got it in with just one try (stop it, I’m killing myself). I hoped he didn’t think I was flirting with him, or wanted an invitation to a party.
Next, I wasn’t really sure how I felt about it. I try to have an open mind, but it sure isn’t THAT open. The parties start pretty late, like 8:00, so the children in the neighborhood are fast asleep by the time things get into full swing. (HA!) But these people live at the dead-end of the street. Their “guests” have to drive past my house. It’s just weird.
On the other hand, there is only one party per month, so how bad is it, really? We have never had a problem with any of the guests – at least not that I know of. An in-depth probe (somebody stop me!) of their web site suggests that if you need a lot of alcohol to attend a party, it really isn’t for you. So I am not overly concerned about drunk drivers on my street because of the parties. Again, it’s just weird.
Other than this, they are good neighbors**. They are quiet and keep to themselves – except when they are sharing it all with others! (this is really too easy…)
And what about the financials?
Finally, take a minute to consider the money these parties bring in. For the Big Christmas Ball (there I go again), there were 91 attendees. If we assume that half the people were paying, they made close to $2,000 in 6 hours. The only expenses are condoms (they provide them!) and (hopefully) a big load of chlorine for the pool the next day. After that, it’s all sweet profit. $2,000 isn’t a bad haul for one night of, well never mind.
Finally, I am NEVER trick or treating there again! Whole new meaning to “trick” here.
*Notice how the rich dinosaur is having its way with the poor one? This is the way of the world.
**Mr. 1500 note: These people are great neighbors. I noticed that one day when a neighbor got her car stuck, the guy who lives in this house used his truck to pull her out. They also have a long driveway on which they recently built a little sled hill. They invited the whole neighborhood to use it. I say, live and let live.
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ha! Oh my goodness! Makes the slightly illegal house concert we went to on our block last weekend (come to think of it, I bet the homeowner takes a cut of the door price, so another side hustle!) seem tame by comparison. =)
Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies recently posted…Happy Friday – Happy Retirement!
Who did you see? Anyone famous?
I’m beginning to think that someone could write a tv drama that is based on your street…
Mrs SSC recently posted…Lifestyle creep: Is it killing your early retirement?
A dramedy for sure…
“We also refer to the house where our neighbor passed away inside as “Dead Harold’s house.” New owners, still Dead Harold’s house.)”
There is a house near my parents that is referred to as the “axe murder” house. Its for sale again, and we are looking for a new house and told our agent we didn’t want to look at the axe murder house and she instantly knew which one we were talking about…. kind of creepy
That being said… I think living in a former swingers party house might be slightly more creepy.
Hmmm. Let me take a guess why it is called the axe murder house?
We live near Boulder, CO and the JonBenet Ramsey house is perpetually for sale…
I’m with Mrs. SSC. Your street is fascinating!
I don’t find this all that shocking. At $2000+/party, good for them! With parties that size and the fact that you could easily find them on the internet, there is no hiding their activity. I’d rather have it out in the open than the sketchy stuff people do in their basements.
Kate@GoodnightDebt recently posted…Saving for our Holy Grail
I guess this is true, they really don’t try to hide it. I mean, they don’t advertise in front of their house, but they do have red light bulbs up in the windows on the nights of the parties… And you are right, there are lots of really weird things that happen under wraps in people’s basements…
I think one of you two might have to do a reconnaissance tour on that home and report back. If the wife doesn’t want to go alone, for free (and frugal), then you both need to go. I am sure the report would be a great blog post.
No Nonsense Landlord recently posted…December – January 2015 Rental Cash Flow
I was thinking about running recon with a friend on the street. But then I saw a picture of the pool during the party, and decided Nope.
Got any pictures to post?
No Nonsense Landlord recently posted…December – January 2015 Rental Cash Flow
1500’s,
Great story and side hustle! I didn’t know this kind of stuff happens for real. Guess I’m naive. Curious now if something like this happens in my area, it must happen all over the place. I agree with NNL above, attending this party would lead to a supreme blog post!
-RBD
Retire Before Dad recently posted…Investment Income Update – Dec 2014
Message me and I’ll give YOU their address and YOU can check it out. These people are older, and let’s just say they aren’t winning body building contests…
I work at a hotel, where about every other month, there is a swingers party. Really, it’s just like you say. They stay on their floors, have their own security, and other than the fact that the lobby gets a little creepy in the evening, they’re well-behaved, respectful, and tip well. Good for them, I guess.
Gretchen recently posted…15 Healthy Habits for 2015
They host these parties in a hotel?!? And there are enough of them to have multiple floors? Boy, am I sheltered…
I guess it is better than the old van parked on the street with “Free Candy” spray painted on the side. As long as they keep their headboards a safe distance from the walls and aren’t waking me up, let them push on.
Elroy recently posted…$500 Washer & Dryer
Exactly. They don’t bother me. And one sexual perversion doesn’t mean they subscribe to them all. I am truly only worried about my children, and swingers aren’t automatically pedophiles.
That’s fantastic! Some years ago, there was a B&B a few towns over that was running a side hustle as a swinger’s party place. The city eventually zoned it out of existence using some kind of technicality. I know the neighbors were up in arms once they all found out it, but it had been going on for years without them knowing. I say if it’s going on in someone else’s house, it’s not hurting anyone, and you wouldn’t have even known it was happening, where’s the harm?
Norm recently posted…Ridinkulous Finance Goals
The only reason we ever looked it up was because of all the cars once a month. This house is 6 down from me, and the cars don’t even reach my house. They truly do not bother us. Although I know for a fact there is at least one family on the street who would be up in arms about it if they knew…
All I have to say is WoW.
Even Steven recently posted…Eliminate Your Mortgage……We are Mortgage Payment Free!!!
Boy, howdy.
Too funny! I love that this sort of business exists.
For what it’s worth, I’m against things like strip clubs in residential areas. Not because of any moral reason, but because I believe they hurt property values. I don’t know how much that would apply in this case as it seems the business is fairly underground.
Done by Forty recently posted…Playing with My Emotions
I agree. Strip clubs in residential neighborhoods are a different thing, though. That is a retail business that gets its customers from advertising, and using signs to draw attention. This is a much more underground deal. From the outside, you would never know what goes on inside.
Oh wow, so interesting! Definitely not my lifestyle at all but I can see how it would be a decent side hustle for someone who is into that life.
Fig @ Figuring Money Out recently posted…Things That Do Not Affect Your Credit Score
So not my lifestyle, either. But yeah, one of the more “fun” side hustles, except for the whole sex-with-strangers part…
YES!!! Haha….
Now I think you must do your journalistic research and go UNDER COVER to make sure this information is BONEafide. Guesses don’t DO US any good here – we need things con-FIRMed, sir.
And pics or it didn’t happen.
J. Money recently posted…How I Save Money… [In Pictures]
Well, J.
I have thought LONG and HARD about your proposal. I have joked with a friend that we need to do an IN-DEPTH investigation.
But I have seen pictures on their web site, and not a chance do I want to see that in person… Bradley Cooper is not attending these soirees. Heck, Zach Galafianakis isn’t even there. Think Marlon Brando – the later years…
$2000 a party (minus $200 or so in expenses)?!?! Do you think I could host one of these without having to participate?
C@thesingledollar recently posted…Finding a Home for Future Me: Creative Housing Options for Solo Retirement
I’m not sure. Not exactly an expert in this sort of thing… You could probably get away with it a time or two. Good luck!
Haha oh my that is hilarious. I think I might Google search some of my neighbors now to see if I find anything interesting…
Michelle recently posted…How I Manage My Finances So I Can Save Time and Worry Less
I would LOVE to see what you find…
I finally made it to the current date, and this + sponge sister posts have to be my favourite.
This stuff happens ALOT in England, I think it’s one of those things where you don’t know until you know… and then you see it EVERYWHERE.
Only last week me and my friend (He’s very into that whole scene) were discussing setting up similar gigs. If you get good reports then it can become ‘By invite only’ and those who want invites are willing to pay handsomely. Depends how ‘hands on’ you want to be. Excuse the pun 😉
Very excited to keep up with the 1500’s!
Ha, sounds like a great gig if you can pull it off. I’d bet it would be easier across the pond where folks are probably a little less uptight! If some of my neighbors knew what goes on there, they’d be marching down the street with pitchforks and torches.
Thanks for reading and I’m glad you enjoyed the Sponge Sister series!
Oh my gosh. I’m right there with you … what an awkward situation to find yourself in. At least their guests are quieter than your average house party? *cringe*
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Of course we have discussed this with the neighbors. Some of them are fine with it, another wants to lodge an anonymous complaint with the city. I don’t know. If they move, we could get worse neighbors. They have no dogs that bark incessantly, no loud parties…
I don’t even know what to say about this. WoW! Your neighborhood is full of interesting stories.
Michelle recently posted…Three Activities That Are Killing Your Budget
And another house is selling on Friday, so more stories probably coming soon…
Whoa, that is…uh…unexpected. At least their, er, hobby brings in some good cash. And they seem nice.
I’d avoid their pool or sitting on their furniture if you do any recon.
James@StartingNegative recently posted…Today’s aside: Millennials – the cheapest generation?
James, I would NEVER put any portion of my body into that pool. Ever.
My parents neighbours are swingers. How do we know? There have been some not so subtle invitations apparently (this is all in the past 4 or 5 years, so as adult children this is hilarious rather than “gross”). I’m not sure there is a cost to go to theirs though. I think it’s just a big group of friends -… which if I was going to a swinger, I can’t imagine a worse idea. More anonymous is key? Or do I have that backwards just because I can’t get in the mindset of a swinger 🙂
Alicia recently posted…2014 Canadian Income Tax for a $50,000 Salary
OK, when I first read this, I read it as your parents are swingers. I had to re-read because that didn’t make sense with the rest of the comment!
Ewww.
And I honestly don’t know which is better – anonymous or friendly. I can’t wrap my mind around the swinging lifestyle.
Back before we had a life, when we indulged in too much evening television and less family interaction, I remember one episode of a crime drama TV show where the parents lovingly put their kids together and then went to their bedroom to “slip into something a little more comfortable”. Before we could jump to the conclusion of where the plot was going, the camera angle quickly panned to a computer with a webcam showing the couple on screen, dressed in whatever you’d like to imagine and armed with plenty of props for entertainment.
I jokingly offered to Mrs. Maroon that we could most certainly afford an early retirement from the 9 to 5 if we considered that line of employment. She, not-jokingly, scorned at me, completely missing the humor, and that was the end of that financial windfall opportunity!
Mr. Maroon recently posted…A Glimpse Into Retirement
OMG! I have read about couples who put a camera in their bedroom and give a show – and that is how they make their entire living. Not a side hustle, but a job. I bet they love to go to work, but what do they do for fun?
About 10 years ago, that would have surprised me, now almost nothing sexual does (I have some really strange friends….) But it sounds like you could make a lot of money with that – I might have to suggest it to some friends who have a pool. I think you could totally run one and not participate – someone needs to answer the door, and make sure the condom bowl remains filled….
Mom @ Three is Plenty recently posted…Detailed Financial Picture – January 2015
Sounds like I’ll give this swing a miss, but it’s interesting to hear about lesser known side hustles 🙂
Steve@EscapeVelocity2020 recently posted…Where Do We Go Now?
Hey, I applaud their innovation and thinking outside the box on how to make some additional cash with their real estate. Gotta admit that I’ve never quite thought about doing THAT with my rental home.
…oh, the possibilities.
Steve Adcock recently posted…Get excited about the little things in life!
More like thinking inside the box. Hey-oh.
I’ll show myself out.
Frugal Buckeye recently posted…The amazing investing pyramid and the doubling dollar
Hahaha! Your street is ridiculous and hilarious… as are your jokes ;). I think I can safely say this is one thing we will not be doing on the homestead to make extra cash (or should I say homestud…)
Mrs. Frugalwoods recently posted…Frugal Homestead Series Part 2: Here’s The Budget
That is an amazing story!
Even though you think your neighbors are straight shooters… You may still want to slip inside… to check everything out. It shouldn’t be too hard… Consider this just a tip… from me. 🙂
Frugal Buckeye recently posted…The amazing investing pyramid and the doubling dollar
FANTASTIC! I am going to ask The Wife if we can put plastic on the couch and rent out our house!
Seriously, if you are in the lifestyle though you could buy another house and have 2 parties a month and take care of the mortgage payment PLUS. Sort of renting to yourself.
Evan recently posted…Wall Street Journal Reviews the Balance Sheet of the Wealthy and Upper Middle Class
Haha, I had a great laugh reading this post, Mrs. 1500!
Quite incredible that it took you guys this long to figure out what was going on in your neighbour’s house. That means they definitely keep to themselves and the 90-something guests aren’t a major bother to the neighbourhood.
Also, $2,000 for hosting a party every month is an excellent strategy to pay off your mortgage without any trouble whatsoever.
Thank you for sharing!
NMW
No More Waffles recently posted…Net Worth Update: €53,274 (+7.59%)
So…. what’s the big deal?
I jest of course, found this as hilarious as everyone else. I agree with live and let live as long as they aren’t hurting or bothering anyone who’s not interested then good luck to them!
theFIREstarter recently posted…2014 Expenses Report – Extreme Bloodbath Edition
Just have to know…is this their only source of income or do they have other jobs?
OK, I’m a little behind the 8 ball but HAH! I’d be trying to peek over the fence. This is just unbelievable. I know these people exist, but I’d never thought to see if they’re in my area. Imagine what they have to say when talking to their accountants about their taxes “Any hobby income? What’s the hobby? Can I get an invite?”
I also wonder if all of the seats are covered in plastic for easier cleanup. Yucko.
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Reminds me of once when I had a young couple as neighbors. They were friendly, attractive, and always had cars and limosines coming and going.
Other young, attractive people would routinely stop over at all hours of the night. The owner could often be heard talking on his cell phone saying “I’ll send my driver right over”. Cops would often knock on their door. So of course I thought… “drug dealers”.
Nope. They were running a call-girl service.
I had no idea until one day in the back yard as we were chatting the guy handed me a business card and said to call him if I ever got tired of my “old lady” (wife).
I laughed, and later that day called my buddy, who happened to be their land-lord. They were gone at the end of the month.
This reminded me of the house parties that we used to throw in college. We charged $5 for a red solo cup and $1 for jello shots. We usually made a small profit, but ended up with a big mess to clean up. Hmm, I think I may have a few (non-sexy) ideas – thanks 🙂
Harmony @ creatingmykaleidoscope recently posted…Use A Mommy Journal Instead Of A Baby Book
Nice! And I ummmm, remember (sort of) those parties in college too. Keystone, bleh! Did you go to college in Illinois too? 🙂
Not Illinois – but Keystone was one of the usuals. Cheaper beer = bigger profit. Ugh, and we drank sooooo much of it 😛
Harmony @ creatingmykaleidoscope recently posted…Use A Mommy Journal Instead Of A Baby Book
“Cheaper beer = bigger profit”
Ha, yes! Maybe you should have made the cups smaller too!
All of this brings back memories. I may or my not remember escaping out of a back window one time when representatives from the local law enforcement unit paid a surprise visit to one of these parties. Ahhh, the memories!
The best was when all of us dressed up as police officers for Halloween and threw a party – and then the real ones showed up!
Harmony @ creatingmykaleidoscope recently posted…New Ways That We’re Going to Make Money This Year
That is HILARIOUS! “Hello real officer!” “Hello fake officer!”