Option 1: Comma and Question Mark
* "Maybe we can earn some money," Tim suggested.
* This is the most common option, as it clearly separates the statement from the speaker.
Option 2: Comma and Period
* "Maybe we can earn some money," Tim suggested.
* This option is also correct, but it places less emphasis on the fact that Tim is the speaker.
Option 3: Question Mark and Period
* Maybe we can earn some money? Tim suggested.
* This option is less common and may be confusing, as it implies the first part of the sentence is a question, even though it's not.
Choosing the Best Option
The best punctuation depends on the intended meaning and tone. If you want to emphasize that Tim is the speaker, use a comma followed by a question mark. If you want to emphasize the idea of earning money, use a comma followed by a period.