Easy Ways to Earn Extra Cash in Retirement
The sharing economy offers opportunities for retirees to make money on the side.

Taking advantage of the sharing economy can be a great way for retirees to generate some extra income. You've probably heard of Uber, the taxi service, right? All you need is your own car and a smartphone to get started as a driver.
But Uber is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other ways to bring in money on the side. What they have in common is the Internet: through mobile apps and Web sites, ordinary people bypass traditional businesses to borrow, lend and trade goods and services. Often associated with young hipsters looking to save a buck, the sharing economy is attracting many older folks, too.
Say you're good with kids…or getting things organized…or fixing furniture. You could try TaskRabbit, which connects you with people who need specific services done such as babysitting, packing or handyman chores. You get paid online, so no cash ever needs to change hands. TaskRabbit charges a 20% fee in exchange for processing payments and matching those who need help with those offering help.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you've got a spare bedroom or guest cottage, why not use it to generate extra income? That's the idea behind Airbnb. Airbnb handles the online billing and takes a 3% cut. Hosts are paid 24 hours after their guests arrive, a delay designed to protect visitors, who can get a refund if they don't like the accommodations. Airbnb will also reimburse hosts for up to $1 million in damage. For some, it's a way to scratch that itch of opening up a bed and breakfast with much less commitment. And many retirees enjoy making ongoing connections with the people who come through their houses.
For those who prefer furrier guests, Dogvacay, which connects pet sitters with pet owners, might be interesting. Dogvacay backs up sitters with a 24-hour hotline for help, as well as insurance for both hosts and pet owners for its 15% cut.
There's a service that's a match for just about anyone, whether retired or still on the job. To learn more, check out even more ways retirees can earn extra cash in the sharing economy.

In his former role as Senior Online Editor, David edited and wrote a wide range of content for Kiplinger.com. With more than 20 years of experience with Kiplinger, David worked on numerous Kiplinger publications, including The Kiplinger Letter and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. He co-hosted Your Money's Worth, Kiplinger's podcast and helped develop the Economic Forecasts feature.
-
What Is Quantitative Easing?
Quantitative easing is one strategy the Federal Reserve uses to stimulate the economy. Here's how it works.
By Will Ashworth Published
-
Five Things to Do Before December 31 to Come Up with Extra Cash
Need some extra cash ahead of the holidays? Here are five easy ways to up your purchasing power before year-end.
By Emma Patch Published
-
Does It Make Sense to Rent in Retirement?
Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility and it frees up cash.
By Sandra Block Published
-
10 Things You Need to Know About Retiring to Florida
Making Your Money Last If Florida is part of your retirement plan, we offer up a few tips to help you find your way.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
The Best Bank for You, 2023
Making Your Money Last Kiplinger's list of the best candidates for your next financial institution based on interest rates, fees and other features.
By Lisa Gerstner Published
-
New RMD Rules: Starting Age, Penalties, Roth 401(k)s, and More
Making Your Money Last The SECURE 2.0 Act makes major changes to the required minimum distribution rules.
By Rocky Mengle Published
-
6 RMD Changes We Could See This Year
Making Your Money Last Congress is considering two bills that would make major changes to required minimum distributions. Could your RMDs be affected?
By Rocky Mengle Last updated
-
A Kiplinger-ATHENE Poll: Retirees Are Worried About Money
Making Your Money Last Concerns about recession, inflation and health care costs weigh on retirees and near retirees.
By the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Published
-
Protect Your Retirement Income from Inflation
Making Your Money Last Costs are rising, and the market is bearish, but that doesn’t have to jeopardize your long-term security.
By Sandra Block Published
-
What to Know About CD Ladders, A Flexible Way to Save
Savings One way to keep your earnings on track is to spread out your cash.
By Rivan V. Stinson Last updated