Look for recession-proof opportunities. There are things that can create an income, even during a down economy. More people will be looking to save money. Second-hand stores, computer repair, car repair, consignment stores, almost any type of business where people can save money will be in demand.

Look at people's needs for money-making opportunities. People will always have needs, no matter how poor the economy. Health, food, shelter, transportation, child care, clothing. People will always need these things, and if you have the skills or products, you can find ways to make extra money. Maybe you can baby sit in the evenings after work, sew and sell wedding dresses, start your own cab company, or sell produce at a roadside stand.

Be creative. If you can't find opportunities, you can always create them for yourself. If you have a rental house that you can't rent out because the market is too expensive for the renters, maybe you could rent it out by the room instead. A down economy shouldn't keep you from looking for ways to make extra money. Besides the myriad tried-and-true methods of making extra money doring a down economy, with the Internet and modern technology, there are more opportunities than there ever were before.