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But hasn't it always been different for Paris? The 25-year-old socialite is reportedly set to inherit an estimated $30 million from her family's hotel empire. But instead of waiting around for the estate tax to be cut, she's been turning her party girl image into a bankable empire.

"I haven't accepted money from my parents since I was 18," Hilton says. "I worked my ass off. I've done it all on my own."

$150,000 for Just Showing Up

In addition to a planned fifth season for her reality TV show, she's got two upcoming movies — "Bottoms Up" and "The Hottie and the Nottie" — despite laughable reviews for "House of Wax." Her 2004 book, "Confessions of an Heiress," was a New York Times best-seller. Together with her new album, she's a veritable queen of all media.

In July, Forbes ranked Paris No. 56 on its annual Celebrity 100 list, with $7 million in earnings. While she's faraway from Tom Cruise, the Rolling Stones and Oprah Winfrey —who are Nos. 1, 2 and 3 — rivals like Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff don't even earn a spot among the elite.

"The celebutante has amassed her personal fortune mainly through licensing deals," Forbes reports. "She boasts the most Web hits of anyone else on the Forbes Celebrity 100, although she's also the only lister with her own highly publicized (and downloadable) porn tape."

Hilton may have been embarrassed by the Internet sex tape — "One Night in Paris" — shot by ex-boyfriend Rick Solomon. But her lawyer told "Vanity Fair" in October that she's been able to share in its profits.

But when you consider Paris Hilton's newfound revenue streams, also keep in mind that when you're her, you get paid for just showing up. For as little as a 20-minute appearance, she gets $150,000 to $200,000, according to Us Weekly.

Her Club Paris in Orlando — where she is contractually obliged to spend two evenings every month — has announced plans to open other venues in Miami and Las Vegas.

On top of it all, is the wide range of Paris Hilton products. Her perfume, Paris Hilton for Women, launched by Parlux Fragrances in 2004, was soon followed by Paris Hilton for Men. Her line of jewelry, including jewel-encrusted shoelace leashes for lapdogs, are top sellers on Amazon.com.

In July, the pop star dialed up more money in cell phone gaming. With the release of Paris Hilton's Diamond Quest, players try to match various types of jewels for points.

And don't worry about wearing yourself out collecting Hilton's forthcoming lingerie, bathing suits and champagne. Paris Hilton has also signed a deal for an energy drink. "I don't like the taste of alcohol," she says. "It grosses me out."