Retirement brings the freedom to focus on what matters most, but a little extra income can make that freedom even sweeter. Whether you’re hoping to cover rising living costs, fund your hobbies, or just stay active and engaged, there are plenty of flexible ways to earn money on your own terms.
Read more:
- Here are 11 side hustles you can start with less than $100
- Check out these 20 side hustles you can do from home
- Looking for passive income? Here are the best ways to earn passive income.
Freelance Former Career Skills
Retirement doesn’t mean your professional expertise suddenly disappears. In fact, it can become your most valuable asset. Whether you worked in education, finance, healthcare, writing, or technology, there are businesses and individuals willing to pay for your knowledge.
Freelancing lets you work part-time, from home, and on your own terms. You can offer consulting, editing, bookkeeping, or mentoring services. Websites like Upwork and LinkedIn make it easy to connect with clients. It’s a great way to stay mentally active, feel valued, and earn extra income without the stress of a full-time job.
Handyman Services
If you’re skilled with tools and enjoy fixing things, offering handyman services can be a lucrative side hustle in retirement. Many people need help with small jobs like painting, furniture assembly, gutter cleaning, or minor home repairs. You can charge by the hour or by the project, depending on the task. This work often pays well because homeowners prefer hiring someone local they can trust, rather than a big contractor. It’s flexible, keeps you active, and allows you to set your own schedule. Even just a few jobs a month can add up to $1,000 or more in extra income.
Rent out a Spare Room
If you have an empty spare bedroom, you could turn it into a steady income stream. Renting out a room through Airbnb or to a long-term tenant can bring in $500–$1,000 or more each month, depending on your location. Some retirees prefer to host traveling nurses, students, or even fellow retirees looking for a short-term stay.
This can be a great option if you enjoy meeting new people and don’t mind sharing your space. You stay in control of your home, set the terms, and make money from a resource you already have.
Want to kick it up a notch? Here's how to buy and invest in vacation rentals.
House Sitting
House sitting is an easy and low-stress way to earn extra money, especially for retirees with flexible schedules. Homeowners pay for someone to keep an eye on their property while they’re away, whether it’s for a week-long vacation or a months-long assignment abroad. Duties may include collecting mail, watering plants, and ensuring the house is secure. Some jobs even include pet care, which can boost your earnings. House sitting often comes with the added perk of staying in a comfortable home, sometimes in desirable locations. With repeat clients, this can turn into a steady and reliable stream of income.
Pet Sitting
If you love animals, pet sitting is a fun, flexible way to earn money in retirement. Many pet owners need someone to check in on, walk, or board their pets while they’re away. You can offer services through websites like Rover or simply let friends and neighbors know you’re available. Pet sitting can be as simple as feeding cats for a few days or having a dog stay in your home for the weekend.
It’s low-stress, doesn’t require a big time commitment, and gives you the chance to spend time with furry companions without owning one full-time.
Also, check out these 17 ways to make money in your spare time.
Renting Out an RV, Boat, or Vehicle
If you own an RV, boat, or even a second car that sits unused most of the time, renting it out can bring in significant extra income. Platforms like Outdoorsy, Boatsetter, and Turo make it easy to connect with renters and handle insurance. Depending on the type of vehicle, you could earn hundreds from a single rental. Retirees especially benefit from this because it turns underutilized assets into steady cash flow without requiring constant work. With proper upkeep and a little time managing bookings, it’s possible to generate $1,000 per month or more simply by sharing what you already own.
Sell Crafts
If you’re creative with your hands, such as knitting, woodworking, painting, jewelry-making, turning your crafts into income is easier than ever. Sites like Etsy allow you to sell homemade goods online, or you can rent a booth at local craft fairs or farmers’ markets. Crafting is a relaxing hobby and a satisfying way to share your talents and connect with others. Many retirees find joy and fulfillment in watching others appreciate their work while earning a nice side income. You set your own schedule and can make as much or as little as you want.
You can sell stuff online even if you aren't super crafty. Here are 10 weird things you can sell on eBay.
Bookkeeping Services
Many small businesses and entrepreneurs need help managing their finances, but don’t want to hire a full-time employee. If you’re detail-oriented and comfortable with numbers, part-time bookkeeping can be an excellent way to earn extra money in retirement. With basic software like QuickBooks, you can track expenses, prepare invoices, and reconcile accounts from home. The work is usually consistent and can be done on a flexible schedule. Bookkeeping also pays well, often $20 to $50 an hour, depending on experience. Retirees with a background in accounting or finance are especially well-suited to this side hustle, but anyone can learn.
Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant, you can help small business owners or entrepreneurs manage their emails, schedule appointments, or handle paperwork from your home. This is perfect for retirees who have office or administrative experience and want to stay sharp without a commute. You can work part-time and set your hours, making it easy to balance with your lifestyle. Many clients are happy to hire someone dependable and organized, even if you’re only available a few hours a week. It's a low-overhead business with great flexibility and growing demand.
Here are some other ideas for work-from-home jobs.
Notary Services
Becoming a notary public is a relatively simple process that can provide a steady side income. Notaries are needed for legal documents such as wills, mortgage papers, contracts, and power of attorney forms. Retirees can charge for each notarization, and mobile notaries who travel to clients’ homes or businesses can command even higher fees. In many states, the startup cost for certification is low, making this a budget-friendly option to get started. It’s flexible, requires little ongoing work, and demand remains steady. With just a few appointments each week, retirees can easily add hundreds to their monthly income.
Deliver Groceries
If you have a reliable vehicle and enjoy being out and about, delivering groceries through services like Instacart or Shipt can be a flexible way to earn extra income. You choose when and how often you work, making it easy to fit around your schedule. It’s an excellent option for retirees who like staying active but don’t want a boss or fixed hours. Many customers leave generous tips, and you can often earn $15–$25 per hour during busy times. Just be sure to consider gas costs and physical effort before signing up.
Check out the best delivery job apps for making extra money.
Renting Storage Space
If you have unused space in your home, garage, basement, or shed, you could rent it out for storage. Many people are looking for affordable alternatives to commercial storage units. By listing your space on platforms like Neighbor.com, you can connect with renters who need a secure place for furniture, seasonal items, or business inventory. This is a nearly passive way to make extra money, requiring little effort beyond maintaining a clean and safe area. Depending on the size and location of your space, you could easily bring in $100 to $500 per renter, stacking up to $1,000 or more.
Become a Local Tour Guide
Love your town or city? Share it with others as a local tour guide. Retirees with knowledge of local history, architecture, or nature can create walking tours or specialty experiences, such as food tastings or ghost tours. You can advertise through Airbnb Experiences, TripAdvisor, or your local tourism office. Being a guide keeps you social, active, and connected to your community. It’s also a fantastic way to meet travelers and teach them something new. Even one or two tours per week can bring in significant extra income, and you get to show off what makes your town special.
Event Staffing
Local events, such as weddings, concerts, and sporting events, often require additional assistance with setup, ticketing, ushering, or serving food and drinks. Event staffing is a great side hustle for retirees who enjoy social settings and staying active. The work is usually flexible and available on evenings or weekends, so it won’t interfere with other commitments. Some events also offer perks, like free meals or access to shows. While each gig may only last a few hours, pay is often $15 to $25 an hour, and regular work can quickly add up to $1,000 per month. Plus, it’s a fun way to meet new people.
Library or Museum Guide
Working as a library or museum guide is a rewarding way for retirees to earn extra income while staying connected to the community. Libraries often hire part-time staff to help with shelving, assisting patrons, or leading children’s story hours. Museums need guides to welcome visitors, lead tours, and share knowledge about exhibits. This role is especially enjoyable for retirees who love history, art, or literature. The work is usually light, indoors, and provides opportunities to interact with people of all ages. With flexible scheduling and steady demand, it’s a meaningful way to supplement retirement income while sharing your passions.
Be a Home Organizer
Home organizing might be your niche if you’re naturally tidy and love creating order. Many people, especially busy families or seniors downsizing, are willing to pay for help with decluttering closets, organizing kitchens, or sorting paperwork. This work is hands-on, fulfilling, and often leads to word-of-mouth referrals. You don’t need fancy equipment or a storefront—just a knack for structure and a little patience. It’s also perfect for retirees who enjoy working one-on-one, making spaces more peaceful, and seeing immediate results. You can charge by the hour or by project, often earning $25–$50+ per hour.
Gardening or Landscaping Help
If you love spending time outdoors, offering gardening or landscaping services can be a fulfilling way to earn extra money. Many homeowners need help with mowing lawns, pulling weeds, planting flowers, or trimming hedges. Seasonal demand—especially in spring and summer—can mean steady work during peak months. Retirees can choose smaller, less physically demanding tasks if preferred, or specialize in container gardening, design, or maintenance. This work is both healthy and rewarding, keeping you active while boosting your income. Even part-time help can command $15 to $30 an hour, making it a practical way to reach $1,000 a month.
Do Before and After School Care
Parents with early work shifts or long commutes often need someone to watch their kids for an hour or two before or after school. If you’re good with children and have a safe home environment, this can be a simple and steady way to earn money. You don’t need to become a full-time babysitter; just offering weekday care either before or after school (or both!). Check with local schools, churches, or Facebook groups to find families looking for help. You set your limits, and even a few hours a week can add up to meaningful income.
Driving for Rideshare Services
Companies like Uber and Lyft make it simple for retirees to earn money by driving in their spare time. All you need is a reliable car and a clean driving record. The best part is the flexibility. You choose your hours, working mornings, evenings, or weekends depending on your schedule. Earnings vary by city, but many drivers can make $20 an hour or more during peak times. Driving also provides a chance to meet new people, which can be fun and social. With steady driving and strategic scheduling, retirees can earn $1,000 or more each month.
Sell Items You No Longer Need
Clearing out your home can be good for your wallet and your peace of mind. Many retirees find that they’ve accumulated decades of furniture, tools, collectibles, or clothes that are just sitting around. Selling items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist is a great way to earn money while downsizing. You can also host a yard sale or rent a booth at a local consignment shop. Even small items like books or kitchenware can bring in cash. It’s an easy way to make room, reduce clutter, and boost your income with minimal effort.
If you just need some quick one-time cash, here are some ways to make $500 fast.
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