21 Ways to Make Extra Money in Retirement

Frankly, I'd like to have Emily Brandon's job, and let her have my retirement so she could field-test her 21 ways to make money. Our retirement money does not increase as fast as our expenses do.

Part-time jobs are hard to find. So we try to stretch the money we have:

1. Many grocery stores throw out perfectly edible food. If you're there when they do it, they might give you some. Option -- dumpster diving -- gets harder as you age.

2. Cut gasoline costs by making a list of where you need to go, and consolidate those trips into fewer trips.

3. Shop at cut-rate grocery stores, using a grocery list.

4. Plant a square-foot garden and eat fresh veggies as they grow.

5. Freeze bread and thaw one slice at a time.

6. Buy things out-of-season.

7. Unplug instant-on TVs and computers, which use electricity on standby.

8. Use compact fluorescent bulbs to save electricity, but don't break them!

9. Set your thermostat higher in summer and wear less clothing. Reverse for winter.

10. Buy American, to keep jobs in our country.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Now, here's how to stay optimistic:

1. Help others, especially others who are in worse shape than you.

2. Go to church or synagogue or mosque, and thank God for what you have.

3. Pray for others.

4. Look around the world, and see how good you've got it!

5. Count your blessings. Often.

My apologies, Emily, for pirating your thread. Thank you for your article.

Mr. Brown of TX 1:22PM August 03, 2010

When it comes to making extra money, up to fifty percent of your total income, suggestions such as blogging, consulting, marketing your skills, all work, but not overnight. Focus on your interest, have a genuine desire to add value to your area of interest, give it a twist such that you've dug out a small niche within the niche, and enjoy it to the point where you would do it even if you won the lottery. If you can follow those principles, you've created the groundfloor for earning a solid extra income.

Jenna of OH 2:14AM August 03, 2010

The politicians - both dumocrats and repubs have let all the US companies move hundreds of thousands if not millions of jobs overseas. They have brought about the ruination of manufacturing in the US. About all a retiree can do these days is to take a part time job at Wally Mart. I guess one of the best things you could do is to take a part time job there, slip, fall, and sue them. That way you can have guaranteed income the rest of your life :^)

Phred of AR 1:36PM August 02, 2010

At this point there are so many doing just what you have suggested that it is extremely overcrowded. I have great computer skills and would like to work online but no one seems to want an older person to work for them. Times are though all around and what you suggest looks to others having money to spend. Everyday there are large garage sales and as for crafts everyone is doing that too. Craigs list has mile long ads selling crafts, computer skills, and everything else.

Sunni of CO 1:18PM August 01, 2010