If you are retired like I am, you could probably use a little extra cash. Why not turn your hobby into a paying job? Think of it, you already have the necessary tools, so not investment is involved.

I am blessed to be able to play the piano and keyboard. For years I made extra money playing in bars and restaurants for some spending money in addition to what my job was paying. However, my kind of music is not in demand anymore. I do play for nursing homes and senior centers, but this was not paying much. Then I approached my senior center and offered to teach seniors to play the piano.

This idea spread like wildfire. The only drawback was the number of students I could handle at one time. But, after the course was finished, the students who got the hang of it, wanted private lessons. Wow, was I excited. My method of playing the piano is very simple and most seniors can do it.

What are other I ideas I have found seniors doing?

QUILTING

I attended a funeral recently and the deceased was covered in a quilt made up of sections that had a significance in his life. For instance, his high school and college symbols were represented, as was reference to his profession, names of children and grandchildren, sports teams he supported, etc.

Soon after I met a lady who did this. I was amazed at the amount of money these quilts cost. Of course, it takes a great deal of time to make them, but the quilter is doing something they enjoy.

BABY SITTING

I know this sounds like a job for teenagers. But having someone to watch over your children who has raised their own children and watched over grandchildren is much better than having a youngster do the job. Besides, once the children have gone to bed, you will be getting paid for watching TV which you would be doing at home and not getting paid.

HOUSE SITTING

There are people who travel often for expended periods of time who need this service.This is basically a no talent job. You must be prepared to offer references from professionals. A letter from someone in the clergy would not hurt. These jobs may be hard to find.

EBAY

I know someone who started out selling items on Ebay. She was just selling items that she had around the house that she no longer used. She started explaining to others how she was selling items on ebay. Soon people were asking if she would list their items for them. If and when these items sold, she charged a fee for her efforts. She did not make a great deal of money doing this, but it was worth her while.

All of the above ideas are fairly simple and involve using your time to make money for doing something you enjoy doing. If you have more ideas, pass them along. I'd love to hear from you.