Work & income guide

How to Make Extra Money From Home After Retirement

Start with the amount you actually need. If you need a few hundred dollars a month, you may not need a complicated online business at all.

What to consider first

Look at the time required, startup costs, predictability of income, learning curve and whether you would actually enjoy doing the work. A good opportunity on paper can still be a bad fit for you.

Options worth exploring

  • Use an existing professional skill
    This option can make sense when it fits your skills, schedule and goals. Research the specific employer, platform or business before committing.
  • Take flexible remote work
    This option can make sense when it fits your skills, schedule and goals. Research the specific employer, platform or business before committing.
  • Sell things you already own or make
    This option can make sense when it fits your skills, schedule and goals. Research the specific employer, platform or business before committing.
  • Build a small service business
    This option can make sense when it fits your skills, schedule and goals. Research the specific employer, platform or business before committing.
  • Explore online business only after understanding the model
    This option can make sense when it fits your skills, schedule and goals. Research the specific employer, platform or business before committing.

What I would avoid

Be cautious with programs that emphasize guaranteed earnings, pressure you to buy expensive training before explaining the business, or make the work sound effortless. Real income generally requires useful work, customers, an employer or an audience.

Next step: Don't choose from a sales pitch. Compare several paths, start small and measure what actually works for you.

Continue with the main work-from-home guide →