9 Easy Ways Retirees Can Earn Extra Income

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Whether you want to boost your retirement savings before you hit the magical age of 65, or you need some side income as a retiree, you are in luck. The Internet has made it easier than ever to earn money without committing to a 9-to-5.

Here are nine websites that can help you boost retirement income.

1. Shutterstock

Enjoy taking photos? Your photographs could earn money if they are approved and purchased by others. The photos that sell the best are high-quality images that can be used as stock photos for websites and eBooks. Shutterstock pays contributors $0.25 per photo download, which doesn't seem like a lot. However, if your collection of photographs gets downloaded 2,000 times over the year, that is an extra $500. You'll need a current form of government-issued ID to join Shutterstock, and you'll also need to submit up to 10 images for their initial review. Once their review team approves your first image, you can start selling.

2. Airbnb

When the busyness of raising a family starts slowing down, many couples discover a passion for travel. You can pursue travel while still paying the mortgage with Airbnb. You can even rent out an extra room or guesthouse with the site. Simply sign up, create your listing (make sure you include lots of photos), and set your rate. What you charge is up to you, but you'll want to factor in the location and the space you're renting.

See also: This Is How You Rent Your Place on Airbnb

3. Teachers Pay Teachers

Are you retired from education, or perhaps just love creating fun teaching materials? Teachers Pay Teachers is a website that allows users to upload their lesson plans and resources for others to purchase. The site boasts that they have helped teacher authors makes $330 million since the creation of the site.

4. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is not just for Millennials or college students; it is for anyone who wants to earn money doing odd jobs, from putting together Ikea furniture to writing a retirement speech. You never know what someone will post. Experts and nonexperienced individuals alike can earn extra cash through this site if they live in a popular area.

5. Care.com

Care.com is a site that connects individuals who need services with local help. You can apply for local job listings in child care, adult and senior care, pet care, and home care. The best part is that you can find work that fits in with your schedule. Some parents just need a trusted adult to pick up or drop off their children at school, while others just want a weekend baby sitter. Don't automatically assume that your tight schedule won't be a good fit for this site. Another thing I love about Care.com is that the site includes background checks, so more people feel confident with whom they hire.

6. Tutor.com

If you are knowledgeable in a certain academic subject, then why not tutor in it? Tutor.com hires experts in all fields and connects you to their large database of students in need. Potential tutors need to pass an exam and the application process to qualify. Tutors in finance and computer science are in especially high demand.

See also: 13 Ways to Make Money Online That Aren't Scams

7. Rover

More pet parents are shying away from kennels and going for personalized overnight pet care. Pet lovers want to know that their favorite pooch is being snuggled or walked when they are gone, not just kept in a cage. Rover is one site that allows you to upload your profile and choose what type of pet care you offer. You can choose to watch dogs at your own place or the owner's, or just tailor your profile to be a dog walker.

8. Skillshare

Most of us are an expert at something, whether that be hand lettering or building computers. Utilize your passion and know-how by turning it into a class on Skillshare. With Skillshare, you earn money every time someone signs up for your course. The site says that their highest-earning teachers make $40,000 a year.

9. Fiverr

On Fiverr, you can make a quick buck (well, at least five) for simple tasks, such as voice-overs, quick articles, or whatever you would like your gig to be. I profiled one of Fiverr's top-sellers who writes resumes. She has been using Fiverr for years and has funded two adoptions with her earnings. Of course, her resumes cost much more than $5.

See also: Find a Side Gig at These 4 Best Micro-Job Sites

Before You Start Making Money Online

There are many websites available to individuals looking to boost their retirement income. However, before diving in head first, take these three tips to heart:

Don't Pay for Jobs

There are too many good and free resources available. If a site asks you to pay money for a "secret guide" or "guaranteed moneymaking business," it might not be legitimate.

Your Time Is Valuable

The reason why I didn't list survey websites or websites that pay you pennies to open emails is because I strongly believe your time is valuable. Even if you are single and retired, there is something better for you than making a few dollars per hour clicking through spam or websites. Set an hourly desired rate for yourself and don't be tempted by sites that pay less.

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...

You have probably said this line to your kids, and I am repeating it to you. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There is no such thing as making thousands of dollars for minimal work, so don't believe the websites, email messages, or forum posters that say so.

And Don't Forget About Your Social Security

Your Social Security benefit may be reduced if you earn wage or self-employment income and begin receiving Social Security early, before your official retirement age. Your benefit will not be reduced if you continue to earn beyond your retirement age. To learn more about earnings caps and other details that may affect your decision to work in retirement, see the SSA's FAQ on earning and retirement benefits.

See also: Boost Your Income With Any of These 30 Side Jobs

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