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Money · For retirees

14 Ways for Retirees and Seniors to Make Money

Retirement can include meaningful work on your own terms. These fourteen ideas use your experience and protect your savings.

By
Senior woman presenting at a whiteboard while teaching a class

Many retirees want extra income, a reason to get out of the house or a way to share what they know. The good news is that decades of experience are valuable to employers and customers.

These fourteen ideas include flexible jobs, small businesses and smart moves to stretch your savings. Before taking on work, consider how earnings could affect your taxes and benefits.

1Side hustle

1. Consult in your former field

Your former employer or others in your industry may pay for your know-how on a project basis.

How to start

  1. Reach out to former coworkers and managers to let them know you are available.
  2. Define a clear offer such as training, project management or advising.
  3. Set an hourly or project rate and use a simple contract.

What to expect

Consulting can pay well per hour and lets you set your own schedule. Keep good records because you are self-employed.

2Beginner

2. Take seasonal retail work

Stores hire extra help during the holidays and other busy seasons. Some offer employee discounts.

How to start

  1. Apply early in the fall for holiday positions.
  2. Ask about part-time schedules that suit your energy and plans.
  3. Look for roles such as greeter, cashier or gift wrapping.

What to expect

Seasonal work is temporary but social and flexible. Some seasonal hires are invited back each year.

Hand holding a small glass jar with rolled-up dollar bills inside
3Side hustle

3. Substitute teach

Schools often need substitute teachers. Retirees with patience and life experience can be a great fit.

How to start

  1. Check your state's substitute teacher requirements, which vary.
  2. Apply with your local school district and complete a background check.
  3. Choose the days and grades you prefer.

What to expect

Daily pay varies by district. You can usually accept as many or as few days as you like.

4Side hustle

4. Teach a class in person or online

Community centers, libraries and online platforms host classes in cooking, gardening, woodworking, languages and more.

How to start

  1. Choose a topic you know deeply and enjoy talking about.
  2. Pitch a class to a community center, library or church.
  3. Record lessons for an online course if you enjoy teaching on camera.

What to expect

Class fees vary. Teaching often leads to private lessons and new connections.

5Long term

5. Host a roommate or student

An empty bedroom can become monthly income. Home-sharing programs match older homeowners with renters and sometimes with help around the house.

How to start

  1. Check local rules, your insurance and any HOA restrictions.
  2. Use a written lease and screen renters carefully.
  3. Consider programs that match seniors with vetted home sharers.

What to expect

Steady rent can help with property taxes and bills. Choose renters carefully, since you are sharing your home.

6Beginner

6. House sit for traveling families

Families who travel want someone trustworthy to watch their home, water plants and care for pets.

How to start

  1. Start with friends, church members and neighbors.
  2. Agree on duties, dates and pay ahead of time.
  3. Leave a short note or photos each day for the owners.

What to expect

Work is occasional and depends on travel seasons. References make it easier to find new clients.

7Side hustle

7. Prepare taxes during tax season

Tax preparation companies hire and train seasonal staff. Detail-oriented retirees often do well.

How to start

  1. Look for tax preparer training courses that start in the fall.
  2. Get the IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number required to prepare returns for pay.
  3. Consider volunteering with a free tax program first to build skills.

What to expect

Work is concentrated in the first months of the year. Seasonal roles can return year after year.

8Beginner

8. Work at the polls on Election Day

Local election offices pay poll workers to help run voting sites. It is civic work that pays a stipend.

How to start

  1. Contact your county or city election office to sign up.
  2. Attend the required training.
  3. Be ready for a long day on Election Day itself.

What to expect

Pay is usually a modest stipend for training and the work day. It is occasional but meaningful.

9Side hustle

9. Guide tours or work as a museum docent

If you love history or your hometown you can lead walking tours or work at museums, historic sites and attractions.

How to start

  1. Contact local museums, historic sites and tour companies about paid roles.
  2. Learn the stories behind the places you love.
  3. Check whether your city requires a tour guide license.

What to expect

Many docent roles are volunteer, so ask about pay. Paid tour work is often seasonal.

10Long term

10. Weigh when to claim Social Security

Your monthly Social Security benefit grows for each month you wait to claim after your full retirement age, up to age 70. For some people delaying is one of the best ways to raise lifetime income.

How to start

  1. Create a my Social Security account to see your estimated benefits at different ages.
  2. Think about your health, savings, work plans and spouse's benefits.
  3. Talk with a fee-only financial planner if the choice feels complicated.

What to expect

There is no single right age. Waiting means bigger checks later but fewer checks overall, so it depends on your situation.

11Long term

11. Downsize and invest the difference

Moving to a smaller home can free up equity and lower upkeep, taxes and utility bills.

How to start

  1. Add up the true costs of staying, including repairs and property taxes.
  2. Compare them with the costs of a smaller home or rental.
  3. Put freed-up money to work with a clear plan, not on impulse.

What to expect

Downsizing can improve monthly cash flow. Moving has real costs, so run the numbers before you decide.

12Beginner

12. Work at sports venues and events

Stadiums, arenas and concert venues hire part-time ushers, ticket takers and guest services staff.

How to start

  1. Check venue career pages before each season starts.
  2. Choose roles that match your comfort with standing and walking.
  3. Enjoy the games and shows while you work.

What to expect

Shifts follow the event calendar. It is social work that can come with perks.

13Side hustle

13. Offer caregiving and patient advocacy

Families often need help with appointments, paperwork and coordinating care for aging relatives.

How to start

  1. Decide which non-medical services you can offer.
  2. Consider caregiving or patient advocacy training.
  3. Respect privacy rules and keep careful notes.

What to expect

This work can be very meaningful and in steady demand. Any medical care requires the right license.

14Side hustle

14. Become a paid campground host

Campgrounds and parks often look for hosts to greet guests and help with upkeep. Many offer a free campsite and some pay a wage.

How to start

  1. Search for campground host openings at state parks, private campgrounds and RV parks.
  2. Compare what each role offers, such as a free site, hookups or hourly pay.
  3. Ask about the daily duties and hours before you commit.

What to expect

Many host roles trade work for a free site rather than cash. It can cut living costs while you travel.

Before you start: stay safe

Seniors are a top target for scams. Never pay for a job, never give out your Social Security or Medicare number to unknown callers and hang up on anyone who pressures you to act fast. If you claim Social Security before full retirement age, work income above a yearly limit can temporarily reduce benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best part-time job for retirees?

It depends on your interests. Consulting uses your career experience, substitute teaching and tour guiding keep you social and seasonal retail adds flexible income.

Will working affect my Social Security?

If you are under full retirement age and earn more than the yearly limit, some benefits may be withheld temporarily. After full retirement age there is no earnings limit. Check the latest rules for your situation.

How can seniors avoid job scams?

Legit employers do not charge fees, ask for gift cards or send checks you must cash and return. Talk to a trusted family member before acting on any unexpected offer.

Retirement is a chance to work on your own terms. Choose something that brings you joy as well as income.

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