50 Ways to Save for Retirement Without Having a Fulltime Job

Lately, during Finance Friday the discussion has turned to how to best save for retirement, when you’re not working full-time. This post shares some unconventional ideas on how to boost your retirement savings. One of the reasons I share a lot about the need to have money set aside for retirement is because preparing as early as possible has huge advantages. Please understand that the early bird gets the dough. One of the best things you can do as a young woman is plan for your future.

Of course, It’s also true for men too, but the lessons I share are primarily geared towards moms, aunties, sisters, etc who traditionally have not created long lasting nest eggs. GoBankingRates.com conducted a survey and concluded that “1 in 3 Americans have $0 saved for retirement . . . [and] Two-thirds of women (63%) say they have no savings or less than $10,000 in retirement savings, compared with just over half (52%) of men.”


Creating understanding among women about the importance of having an active involved relationship with their finances is the reason I started Finance Friday 7 years ago. Often we are not only looking after ourselves during retirement years but we sometimes have to carry the wait of other family members too. Therefore, settings aside money for retirement should’ be optional. 

During one of our Finance Friday talks one of the commenters asked “Do you have any articles on saving for retirement while outside the traditional 40 hour per week work force?” I had a few resources such as Making Your Money Work for YouFinance Friday – From Clutter to Cash: how to make money while cleaning your home, and Finance Friday: 10 Ways to Find Money to Invest

However, I decided that we need even more suggestions than the ideas I’ve shared in the past. So here are 50 ways to save for retirement without having a full-time job.

50 Ways to Save for retirement without working full-time

1. Freelance 

Regardless of whether or not you write, take pictures, or complete other freelance work. When you freelance you can often name your price and decide on your own schedule. The websites freelancer.com and odesk.com both create spaces where people are able to match skill levels with projects. 

2. Sell products 

Think about what you can make and what you enjoy making. Choose to make things that you enjoy and can create quickly. Consider, crochet, knitting, sewing, drawing, painting, etc. Then check and make sure there is a demand for the item and decide accordingly.

3. Tutor

Places like Sylvan Learning Center and Kuman hire tutors to work with students. Also, with the rise of homeschoolers nationwide parents look for people to tutor students in areas like academic subjects but also music education and fine arts.

4. Teach a class

Once you know what you have a good grasp on, then can you a start teaching others. A personal trainer,  aerobics instructor, and fitness trainer or just a few options available.

5. Work online

There are many companies who are choosing to hire people to work from home. Some of the professions require the worker to answer calls or provide remote support. Livops, Amazon, etc are a few companies that immediately come to mind.

6. Photographer

In an age where pictures accompany everything; especially, online photographers are in high demand. People aren’t just looking for portraits of people they want photographers who will take pictures of animals, homes, nature, etc. 

7. Caterer

People who have lots of dinner parties could often use caterers. If you have a steady hand, are organized, and knowledgeable then becoming a caterer may be an attractive job for you. Some states require special guidelines for caterers so know the law in your state.

8. Bake and sell

I’m sure to share this type of food service in the US you’ll need to have a business license and permit. However different states have different laws so feel free to research how to make selling food profitable in your area. Keep in mind that authentic specialty foods are sought after the most.

9. Uber and Lyft

There are many stipulations that are in affect when you drive for Uber and Lyft such as:

  • Year 2001* or newer.
  • 4-door sedan, must seat 4 or more passengers excluding driver.
  • In-state plates.
  • No marked, taxi, or salvaged vehicles.
  • Pass Uber vehicle inspection.
  • The car must be currently registered, but your name does not have to be on the registration.

And other requirements to become a driver. Also, transporting others outside of Lyft and Uber can benefit you as well.

10. Drive for Meals on Wheels

Elderly residents in your community could be blessed with food and other needed items with your assistance. They also have openings for substitute drivers. Click here to see the Meeks on Wheels nationwide job openings.

11. Become a personal trainer 

Typically personal trainers may charge between $15 and $100 per hour. You will need to get certified in order to train legally.  Click here to find a list of accredited and well-known certification organizations.

12. Care for children/Babysit

You can work on your own. In some states keeping one or two children may be legal without licensing you just have to review your state laws. In addition there are third party sites like: Care4hire.com, care.com, Urbansitter.com, sittercity.com, and greataupair.com are just a few agencies that hire people to watch children. Going through an agency can give you a larger number of clientele. 

13. Sell Diaper cakes or other specialty baby shower gifts

Are you creative and good with your hands. Can you take a few objects and make them look extraordinary? If yes, this option can make you good money on the side. Just remember to keep supply costs in mind.

14. Sell gently used items on eBay, Craigslist, consignment shops, etc.

Finding amazing new clearance items such as clothes, shies, toys, and electronics tendo to sell well online. High end items that are name brand in very good condition look sell well. This post “Finance Friday: Need Money? Got Too Much Stuff? Sell on eBay” will give you a good summary of how to get started.

15. Sell new items on Amazon

Individuals can sell on Amazon too. You will need a bank account to link the account to and spacial approval to sell electric goods.

16. Write, publish, and sell ebooks

Check out the article “How to self-publish an ebook” by CNET Executive Editor David Carnoy. His article helps those interested in self-publishing an e-book and also lays out the best options for publishing quickly and easily.

17. Develop, market, and sell mobile apps

This summer my daughters attended Apple Camp and during their camp there was a segment for the parents where the instructor showed how we could make our own mobile apps. I never realized how simple it was. If you are considered making your own app. Instructables.com has a cool tutorial to show you step by step how to make your app a reality.

18. Work part time for a temp agency 

Temporary agencies, have provided work for people in transition for decades. A headhunter can also help you find work. Also finding jobs for people as a headhunter can be a lucrative side gig as well.

19. Work as a seasonal worker for a retail store

20. Clean homes or develop a business cleaning and detailing people’s cars.

21. Sell essential herbs

22. Sell beauty products 

Some of the popular Options are: Avon, Marykay , or Rodan & Fields

23. Make money through websites like Swagbucks, Mypoints, Bing, EarnHoney etc.

Many of these sites don’t require much, just log on watch videos, search with their search engine, etc and you can earn some extra cash.

24. Make and sell jewelry 

25. Make and sell clothes 

26. Invest in the stock market 

27. Rent a room

28. Rent out an extra property 

Either rent to a family or sign the property up as an AirBNB home.

29. Become a consultant / life coach

30. Make money blogging

31. Consider using cash back services when you buy online items

32. Take online surveys or testing products

33. Lawn care maintenance 

34. Walk dogs

35. Bath and groom pets 

36. Get into acting

Companies are hiring for models, commercials, and movie extras. Fresh talent is in high demand. 

37. Donate blood or plasma

Not one of my favorite options, but donating for money exists and can give you a few extra bucks to put aside each month.

38. Participate in paid clinical trials

39. Become a graphic designer 

40. Consult as a designer

41. Upcycle and sell renewed furniture 

Do you love the show “Flea Market Flip?” Do you have the natural talent and ability to turn old items into thoughtful repurposed pieces? If you said yes, then go for this option because it could be rather lucrative. 

42. Manage people’s social media. 

Most people; especially small business owners don’t have time to handle their business’ social networks and maintain a profitable business. 

43. Make only through YouTube.

44. Sell meal plans

45. Charge to host pamper parties in your home.

46.Start your own card business. 

Sure, you can create and make your own cards if you have a creative knack for writing and design. However, I was a thinking wouldn’t it be great to have a service that would send your loved ones and friends cards on your behalf. I know my family members love mail and this would be the perfect service for me.

47. Create a laundry service

48. Rent out your small appliances 

49. Do hair on the side 

Some hair services do require a special license.

50. Create your own in-home facial or spa business.

Hopefully, one of these ideas can be used to help you earn some extra money to save for retirement. But, even if none are a good fit for your situation, the list is a creative start to assist anyone looking for out of the box ideas on how to earn more money so they can contribute to their retirement savings account.

 

Reader response:

What are some of your money making ideas that you are willing to share with others?

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