5 Creative Ways to Make Money After Retirement

Retirement funds don't go as far as they used to, whether it's Social Security, a pension, or a Roth IRA that you've been squirreling away money into for the last twenty or so years. 

A good many retirees are cashing in on hobbies or skills they cultivated before retirement, subsidizing their Social Security or pension - and there's no reason you can't do the same. 

Here, we'll discuss five different ways you can earn an income after retirement - and none of them involve bagging groceries. 

Start an Etsy

If you do artisan crafts or art - like crocheting, knitting, jewelry and beadwork, pottery, painting, and so on—start an Etsy and start selling your goods. 

You'll have to dedicate some time to learning how to market your Etsy shop, like learning to use social media outlets effectively, doing trade shows, and learning about email marketing—but the craft-oriented online shop provides free tutorials on successfully marketing and selling your goods. 

While generating sales can take time, there are shops that make better than decent wages only selling on Etsy—and with good marketing techniques, it can serve as an excellent supplemental income. 

Write or Program Remotely

If you're a decent writer—and you enjoy it—you can earn money writing web content and online articles. A number of companies offer up remote gigs for everything from web content writing to programming in a number of languages, and pay their authors decently for what they produce. 

There are a number of companies that provide job listings for remote workers or freelance authors, and if you manage your time well, your work can add up to a tidy sum at the end of the day. 

Start a Direct Selling Business

The direct selling phenomenon has exploded in the United States, and increasing numbers of sellers who want to supplement their income are cashing in. 

MLM-based businesses like Tupperware, Mary Kay, Avon, or ACN allow franchisers to purchase a starter kit or set and sell directly to customers. While this option can require a lot of work—learning how to market, undergoing training to become an effective direct seller, and at least occasionally delivering orders—it can be a fulfilling and fun way to earn extra money if you're diligent. 

Before you get involved, be sure to look up Avon, Tupperware, Mary Kay, or ACN reviews to be sure you know what you’re getting into and get a good picture of other people’s experiences.

Teach or Tutor

Online teaching and tutoring is a rapidly growing field, and no matter what you know how to do, chances are you can earn some extra cash teaching it from the comfort of your own home. 

Thumbtack, WizIQ, and TutorHub are just a few examples of sites that offer online tutoring and teaching. Some also allow you to set your own rates, and nearly all offer comprehensive walkthroughs on how to use the platform effectively. 

This may be an especially good option for retired academics and instructors, as online teaching and tutoring typically allows the instructor to set their own schedule and work as few or as many hours as they want. 

Monetize Your Blog or YouTube Channel

If you're a fan of uploading videos of your pets, grandkids, godkids, or baby cousins to YouTube—or you have an idea for a weekly vlog, or one that you do already—you can sign up for YouTube's affiliate program and earn money via advertising on your channel. 

YouTube uses targeted advertising based on content and viewer habits, and you can cash in on that as an affiliate. You can also host advertising on your WordPress, Tumblr, or Livejournal blog. 

Some advertisers will pay a flat rate to host their ad on your virtual space, some might only pay per click, and some will feature a combination. If your blog or channel gets a lot of traffic, this can be a great option to supplement your income.

No matter what your interests are, these are just a few creative ways to supplement your income after retirement - and all of them can add enjoyment to the post-retirement experience.