Ways for Seniors to Make Money
More and more seniors are keen to find out how to make money in retirement. Either by choice or necessity, the idea of retiring to a life of complete leisure is becoming a distant memory.
Contents
- Ways for Seniors to Make Money
- Online Jobs for Seniors
- 1. Become a Virtual Assistant
- 2. Sell Your Skills Through an Online Marketplace
- 3. Create Your Own Store
- 4. Create a Website as a Springboard for Your Business
- 5. Sell Affiliate Products on Your Own Website
- 8. Become an Online Customer Service Representative
- Bonus Online Work for Seniors Ideas
- Best Ways for Seniors to Make Money Online Wrap Up
- Related
This article may contain affiliate links which means that – at zero cost to you – I might earn a commission if you sign up or buy through the affiliate link.
According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans aged 65 or older doubled over the past 35 years. In 2023, 19%, or 11 million older Americans are working. With basic computer skills, the opportunity to earn from home is easier than you might think. How to make money in retirement spans, side hustles for seniors, like opening an online store, to remote jobs for seniors like data entry or virtual assistant jobs.
Even if you must work in retirement, to pay the bills, there’s a silver lining for seniors and retirees building their online businesses. The National Institute of Health claims that you’ll benefit both physically and mentally from keeping your mind and body active in your later years.
Anyone can earn a few bucks surfing the net filling out surveys and watching videos with Inbox Dollars. You earn real cash, not points. (There’s even a sign-up bonus.) This is a great sideline, but to really make a dent in that retirement budget, there are additional ways to keep the cash flowing in retirement.
Online Jobs for Seniors
If you’re wondering how to make money in retirement, you’re in luck. There are so many ways to pad your pocket in retirement. Regardless of your skill area, there are many ways for seniors to make extra income in retirement. If you need money immediately, then you probably want to sell stuff on eBay or Craigslist or sign up to work on an app like Door Dash, Uber, or Task Rabbit.
If you’re willing and interested in learning and planning, it’s possible to create a viable online business from home. Following are ways to earn money online for seniors, retirees or others.
1. Become a Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is someone who performs work online for someone else. The work varies, depending upon your skill set.
A virtual assistant (VA) is an online office or personal assistant who performs various tasks similar to a manager or an office administrator. Your duties can encompass a variety of services, such as administrative support, sales, marketing, accounting, writing, editing, proofreading, graphics design, website development, and desktop publishing services. A virtual assistant works remotely from her home-office using her own computer, licensed software applications, phone, and internet connection.
If you’re a whiz at Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn you can market yourself as a social media manager. There’s high demand for these jobs and you won’t need to leave your couch to do your job.
Read: How to Become a Virtual Assistant >>>
The best places to find virtual assistant jobs are through Upwork, Fiverr or through a virtual assistant network.
2. Sell Your Skills Through an Online Marketplace
Searching for work from home jobs for seniors? The internet has your back.
Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr are amazing portals for the solopreneur. First, look at the sites to find out what customers want. For example, check out Fiverr, where payment starts at $5 but easily goes up, depending upon the services.
We have used Fiverr frequently and have been very satisfied with the quality of freelance workers. Most of the jobs will ultimately pay much more than five dollars too.
On Fiverr you can sell your talents in these categories:
- Graphics and design
- Digital marketing
- Writing and translation
- Video and animation
- Music and audio
- Programming and tech
- Business
- Fun and lifestyle
I peeked into the fun and lifestyle category and found folks selling in these categories; relationship advice, online classes, arts & crafts, health nutrition and fitness, family and genealogy, collectibles and more. In the health and fitness category, there were entrepreneurs with meal planning offerings and article-writing in the health and fitness area. The beauty of working through an online marketplace is that the platform and customers are already there. All you need to do is set up your compelling profile.
The most important tip for working in an online marketplace is to garner some 5-star reviews. So, when starting out you might want to keep rates low until the reviews come in and then raise rates when you have the bargaining power of higher reviews.
Free $5 sign up bonus. InboxDollars pays you to take surveys, shop and play games.
3. Create Your Own Store
There are multiple ways to sell online with a store and the sales platforms for your online store are already set up. If you want to hunt down bargains on Craigslist, local garage sales or have an attic filled with collectibles you can market those treasures with a nice profit. Selling on Craigslist is as easy as posting a few pictures and waiting for the buyers to call or email. Some savvy folks take the free items from Craigslist, fix them up a bit and then resell.
Flippa, the online business marketplace has many online stores for sale. If you have computer skills, and ambition, running an online store is among the best work from home jobs for seniors over age 60. It’s easier to buy a store that’s already up and running, than start from scratch. I’ve used Flippa to sell my prior review website, and they have many helpful resources.
Flippa has many affordably priced ecommerce stores for sale:
Offerup, the new local sales app has everything from makeup to cars for sale on their platform. The pictures on the home page jump out and encourage buyers to pounce.
Fulfillment by Amazon has everything you need for your online store including picking, packing and shipping the orders. All you do is sell.
If you’re collecting payments, there are many online payment platforms ready to help such as Paypal or Paysafe. Fiverr even offers complete business services to help with invoicing and recordkeeping.
4. Create a Website as a Springboard for Your Business
Once you have a website, there are multiple ways to make money. In fact, every online entrepreneur should have a website to build and promote their brand. Whether you have an online virtual store, a blog within a website, or simply a website with a portfolio of your work – to make money online, you need a website.
Your own website can be a cornerstone for your online selling business. Fortunately, it’s cheap and easy to set up your own website. I recommend Blue Host and can offer you a special $3.95 per month hosting opportunity. (Just click on the link for the offer) The company is well respected and your monthly fee includes:
- A free domain
- A free site builder
- A one click WordPress installation
- 24/7 customer service
Or you can go online and hire someone to set up a website for you. Regardless of how you proceed, search around and save the online addresses of sites that you like. That way you’ll have inspiration for your own site.
You could buy a website that’s up and running, and customize it to meet your needs.
5. Sell Affiliate Products on Your Own Website
You can participate in affiliate programs where you sell others products and keep a percentage of the sales price. This is one of the funding sources for this website. In fact, this website partners with many reputable affiliates, to promote their products to readers. Just make sure that you have vetted the products that you’re selling and are willing to stand behind them.
Here are a few strategies and programs for selling affiliate products on your website:
Amazon Associates – You can sell anything from Amazon with your own affiliate sign up link and even if someone visits Amazon to look at the product you’re selling and ends up buying another item, you get a commission. The Amazon affiliate commissions are low, although there are folks that sell in volume and make a nice income.
There are other affiliate programs that offer more generous commissions. CJ Affiliate, formerly called Commission Junction is one of the more popular affiliate sites on which to find products to sell.
In order to make money, you need to drive traffic to your website and the affiliate products. There are many ways to do this. One strategy is to write honest reviews or discuss certain products, include your own personal affiliate link and when someone buys, you get a percentage of the sales price.
Flippa has many affiliate websites, that are already generating revenue, that you can purchase at a range of price points.
When selling affiliate products, the golden rule is to promote only those items you believe in. If you sell junk then your reputation will suffer.
Bonus: Best Tech Side Gigs
6. Pet Sitting for Cash and Exercise
Staying active in retirement is one of the most important ways to improve health and longevity. In our neighborhood, the dog walkers with their furry charges seem to be having fun, while they make money. Pet sitting and dog walking provides extra cash and fun for animal lovers. We use Meowtel, when we travel, which is an app that matches cat sitters with those seeking care for their cats, for a fee.
If you need help with your investments, we’ve partnered with WiserAdvisor to provide you with access to three vetted Financial Advisors – in your area. Click the image below to sign up. (no obligation when signing up)
In the San Francisco Bay area, pet sitting is an in demand and high paying side gig. The pet sitters may offer ancillary services as well, for extra fees. Pet sitters can stay and play with the pet for a longer period of time or visit multiple times per day, for additional compensation.
Cash jobs for seniors are available by signing up through an app to care for pets, in your area.
Free $5 sign up bonus. InboxDollars pays you to take surveys, shop and play games.
7. Watch Videos and Take Surveys
If you’re already surfing the internet, then why not get paid to do so. There are many companies that are interested in your opinion and will pay you to watch videos and take surveys as well al complete other online tasks.
One of our favorite sites for making money online, especially for those who’ve hit their retirement age and want to supplement their Social Security checks is InBox Dollars. There’s even a sign up bonus for an extra income boost. You probably won’t make a windfall of extra income with this approach alone, but every little bit helps.
8. Become an Online Customer Service Representative
When wondering how to make money in retirement, check out the wealth of customer service agent jobs. A quick internet search uncovered listings on Indeed, ZipRecruiter FlexJobs, and Glassdoor listings. We’ve all called a customer service agent, and thus know the drill, as well as what makes a good customer service rep. You’ll receive training on the company and its products. Basic communication skills are a must.
ZipRecruiter lists the pay for online customer service jobs starting at $15 per hour and topping out a $24 per hour. Not a bad online job for a 60 or 70 year old.
Bonus Online Work for Seniors Ideas
- Evaluate your skills and create an online course to sell through your website, or on social media.
- Use an app like Acorns round up feature to transfer money directly into an investment account, when you shop.
- Write an ebook, or ten. Using ai features, writing books on topics that you research, or are familiar with can created quickly.
- Become a consultant, using your skills and knowledge. Apply for consulting jobs through traditional outlets and your own website.
- Apply for a remote position, using your existing skills and experience, through online job portals.
Best Ways for Seniors to Make Money Online Wrap Up
Allow yourself some time to investigate money-making options. Choose a route that fits in with your skill set and personality. Get creative, there’s always someone that wants to learn what you know or buy what you’re selling. Find your niche, build your website, or buy one online and start your own online money-making business.
Ultimately, your own creativity and resourcefulness is your strength when looking for a side hustle for retirees.
If you need help with your investments, we’ve partnered with WiserAdvisor to provide you with access to three vetted Financial Advisors – in your area. Click the image below to sign up. (no obligation when signing up)
Related
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- Quicken vs. Empower (Personal Capital) Review: Which Is the Best Money Management Tool?
If you need help with your investments, we’ve partnered with WiserAdvisor to provide you with access to three vetted Financial Advisors – in your area. Click the image below to sign up. (no obligation when signing up)
Disclosure: Please note that this article may contain affiliate links which means that – at zero cost to you – I might earn a commission if you sign up or buy through the affiliate link. That said, I never recommend anything I don’t believe is valuable.
8 thoughts on “8+ Online Jobs for Seniors and Retirees”
im a seventy four year old senior male , and I’m looking for things to do to make extra money ! Social Security , just doesn’t make it now a days!
Im in good health for my age , that’s my opinion ! would like any helpful advice !
Thank you Gary Madison SR.
I am 62 years old and living in mumbai India
Your article has given me good insight. I & my wife are living together and have to work till I live. But finding it difficult to search freelance work. Please share any further information.
Thanks
To make extra money, you might consider offering training, education, or advice in your areas of expertise, online. There are many websites that serve as portals where you can sell your skills. I’m not aware of these markets in India, but in the U.S. Upwork is one example.
I am a 72 senior citizen looking to make extra money to supplement, my income . Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Nancy, Thanks for stopping by. Check out this article for money making ideas for seniors https://barbarafriedbergpersonalfinance.com/earn-money-online-seniors-retirees/
Hi Nancy, with the robust U.S.job market, there are retail jobs available to supplement your income. To make extra money, you might consider offering training, education, or advice in your areas of expertise, online. There are many websites that serve as portals where you can sell your skills such as Upwork. If you have a product to sell, you might investigate Etsy.
Hi, I am a 62 year old aerospace systems engineer. I live a long way from the office (154Kms) and want to retire but still need the income for now. WE are keen medieval reenactors and love the outdoor life, including bushcraft and survivalism.
I am looking for ideas and or advice.
Thanking you in advance.
HI Terry, I’m assuming that you can’t work from home. It’s tough to match an engineer’s salary with most of the freelance, side-hustle jobs. But to make some extra cash, to supplement your investment portfolio, pension income, and Social Security, look to your interests and skills. You might want to work part time in a store that serves the outdoors person, such as an REI or Bass Pro. You could start an online store with items for medieval reenactors. Look at selling your skills and consider freelancing on UpWork or similar websites. Please keep us posted on how your journey progresses. Best, Barbara
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