7 Unique Ways For Seniors To Earn Money After Retirement
Ah, the life of a retiree is stress-free, right? Well, not always. There may be times when retired seniors may need a little bit of extra cash. Asking loved ones may be out of the question, and taking out short-term loans require a current and consistent work history.
Here are our top 7 ways for seniors to make money after retirement.
#1 Browse Job Boards Just for Seniors.
Jump online and check job boards meant for seniors and retirees, such as Jollity Jobs. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for flexible hours or even if you’re looking to earn a little extra money on the side; Jollity Jobs has some great opportunities!
It’s easy to apply. All you need to do is register and upload some information. If you can’t find jobs in your area, try searching for remote work and see what comes up.
#2 Sell and Flip Stuff
It’s a win-win. Not only will you make some extra cash, but you’ll free up some space in your home! These are our suggestions on how to start.
A. Look at Home
Look around your home for small appliances, gently-used clothes, collectibles, or other items you don’t need anymore.
B: Go Shopping!
You know the phrase, “You have to spend money to make money.” Find a local thrift store, a local yard sale, an estate sale, or discount designer goods store like Ross or TJ Maxx. While you’re there, pick up well-priced items and then sell them at a marked-up price to make a profit.
To increase your bottom line even more–be sure to ask if they have a senior discount or special senior shopping day.
C: Get Some Sweat Equity
Take a stroll around your local neighborhood or visit your nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore for some household items that need a little love. Spend a few days changing some knobs, repainting, or reupholstering the item. Not only can this be a fun hobby, but it will keep you physically active and mentally stimulated.
Now that you’ve got the items to sell–take a few crisp snapshots and upload them to online websites like eBay, NextDoor, or Facebook Marketplace. Remember to price the item fairly and be ready to negotiate.
You can make a decent amount of money with these ideas. For example, let’s say an old wingback chair sells at an auction for $25. Reupholster it and then sell it for $125 to make a whopping profit. Discounted luxury goods or collectibles can be sold or bid on (if using eBay) for 2-3x the price you paid for it!
Tip! Check the safety guidelines of any sites you use because many scammers are out there, and you don’t want to be taken for a ride.
#3 Rent Out Storage Space
Do you have a spare room in your home or a garage not being used?
Clear it out and rent out the space. To know what to charge, check what storage places in your area are asking and charge a similar rate.
Advertise the space on social media sites like Facebook or NextDoor, and tell your friends and family about the space so they can be on the lookout should they hear of anyone needing storage space.
#4 Offer Expert Services or Lessons.
So what are you good at? What is your favorite hobby? Where did you work before you retired? Use that knowledge to help others!
A few examples are:
- Accounting and Tax Services
- Translation Services
- Photography Services
- Interior Design Consulting
- Notary Services
Speak to your contacts and start generating ways to get going!
As a retired senior looking to earn extra income, becoming an online tutor is a good option if you enjoy teaching (you don’t necessarily need formal teaching experience).
It’s an area that is really booming at the moment, and you don’t necessarily need much experience to start. The essential tools you will need are a computer, a stable internet connection, a microphone, and a headset.
Visit websites like GoStudent, Preply, or iTalki to register and get started. They will probably give you some training, an orientation, and a mini-assessment, then match you up with a student or class, and bingo! You make money. It may sound scammy, but there is a real need for online teachers.
#5 Get Paid to Write
If you write well, why not try your hand at offering writing services? Many different writing styles are in demand today, especially because anyone wanting to be heard online needs content to do so. People and businesses are always searching for reliable writers.
The real benefit of this option is that you can do it from the comfort of your home.
All you need to do is register on a few freelance platforms, such as Upwork, Peopleperhour, and Fiverr where people look for writers to post their requirements. You can then quote them how much you would charge them to do the work.
Tip! Learn to write great job proposals. Price and an eye-catching proposal are what will win you the job.
#6 Become a Pet Sitter
Pet owners are always looking for reliable animal lovers who will care for their pets when they go on vacation or even for walking their dogs when they are too busy to do it themselves.
Charge for pet sitting, walking dogs, taking care of pets at their home, and so on. Pet owners often have greater peace of mind when leaving their fur babies to care for older, reliable, and trustworthy animal lovers.
To get going, ask vets in the area if you can put a notice on their boards or join pet care boards like Rover. If you’re a big animal lover, this is a great way for you as a senior to make easy money while getting all the snuggles.
#7 House Sit When People Go on Vacation
Many people know that it is often better to get a house sitter to stay in their home while they are away rather than leave it empty. Those who have pets and indoor plants also need someone to feed their animals and water their plants.
Once you gain traction as a reliable house sitter, word of mouth will do all the advertising for you, but to start, you could advertise in local newspapers or put a notice up at local stores.
Earning Money as a Senior Isn’t As Hard as You Think
Many people and businesses prefer seniors because they bring to the table what many younger people can’t. These eight ideas are simple and reasonable ways for seniors to make money to boost their income.
In addition, working after retirement comes with a host of benefits and has been known to be mentally and emotionally stimulating and keep you more fit.
