Lifestyle 3 Ways You Can Earn Extra Money in Retirement 2/18/2015 | By Seniors Guide Staff Thirteen percent of Americans over age 65 are still working or looking for work, according to a 2013 survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Some seniors keep working late into their 60s to maximize Social Security payments, while others do so out of necessity. Regardless of which group you’re in, working into your golden years should be both enjoyable and profitable. All the experience and wisdom you’ve accumulated over the years can be used to provide extra income and a sense of personal fulfillment. Here are three ideas to get the ball rolling: 1) Career Continued Dr. Rafael Garza originally became a doctor because he’s always loved helping other people. He started his family medical practice in 1962 and continued working full-time until 1999 at age 74. Dr. Garza told the New York Times that despite being extremely passionate about his job, age simply caught up to him. But quitting altogether was not an option. He decided to take a few continuing education courses in wound care, and today he works three days a week helping trauma patients. Retirees have the opportunity to use the skills and passion they already have to continue a fulfilling career at their own pace. Retired teachers, for instance, can provide private tutoring. Advertise your services on Craigslist and tutor-matching websites like WyzAnt. Retired engineers, chemists and accountants can consider consulting work. Keep in mind some consultants require additional certifications, while some states and municipalities mandate licenses. Another option is to apply for temp work at staffing agencies.The 2013 study by the American Staffing Association found that these firms employed 3 million workers per week that year. Temporary employees are desirable due to provisions in the Affordable Care Act that require companies with 50 or more full-time employees to pay a share of said workers’ health insurance premiums. Companies avoid these expenses with contract workers. 2) Recreational Revenues A study by the National Center For Policy Analysis, citing data from the Census Bureau, found that retirees spent far more money on hobbies and miscellaneous entertainment in 2012 than retirees did in 1990. Seniors can knock out two birds with one stone by turning their hobby into a money-making venture. Dog lovers, especially those living in apartment and condo complexes, can offer to walk residents’ dogs while they’re at work. Seniors feeling spry and energetic can consider running a daycare out of their home. Both services can be advertised simply by hanging flyers on front doors. Antique collectors can scour flea markets and sell their discoveries on eBay. Most ventures like this will require startup capital to get off the ground. Consider applying for a Small Business Administration Microloan. Another option is to sell future annuity payments to J.G. Wentworth for a lump sum of cash now. You could also try crowdfunding your small business. 3) Apportion and Allocate There’s no shame in wanting to do nothing during retirement, particularly after working 40 straight years. You can make this possible by renting out rooms in your home. The proceeds can either go toward paying your mortgage or straight into your pocket if the house is paid in full. Either way, you’re freeing up funds to use for whatever you choose. Always type up a written contract and have it notarized to protect yourself in the event of late or unpaid rent. A relaxing, fulfilling retirement entails doing things you enjoy everyday without worrying about finances. Those who can say their hobby is also their work have made this happen. Read More Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.