There’s one thing you know for certain: you want to retire. However, the thought of calculating (and recalculating) exactly how much you need to make it happen can be overwhelming. It’s common to worry about how much is “enough” to save, how to catch up if you haven’t been saving money, and what changes you can make right now to grow your nest egg. Preparing for this exciting next step isn’t one to be taken lightly. After all, you’ve worked your whole life for this moment.
10 Questions to Ask as You Approach Retirement
What was once just a dream is now coming closer to reality. Before you take the big leap, it’s essential to have a clear picture of what your retirement years will look like. As you crunch the numbers on how much you need to retire, ask yourself these important questions.
Important Rules of Thumb for Retirement Savings
There are quite a few popular methods to follow to calculate how much money you need to retire comfortably. Retirement rules of thumb help us avoid playing the “will I have enough” guessing game. So, which rule of thumb is right for you? Everyone’s retirement goals and plans are unique, so use one (or a combination) of the methods below as a guide. However, before you dive in and choose a rule of thumb, set yourself up for success by creating an in-depth retirement plan. Use our 10 retirement questions above to build a clear picture of what assets you have, where they are coming from, along with how and when you’ll use your money.
The 10 Times Rule
This rule of thumb focuses on saving ten times your pre-retirement income by age 67 to maintain your current lifestyle. The key is to increase your retirement savings based on your age. For example, you’ll want to save six times your pre-retirement income at age 50, seven times at age 55, and eight times at age 60, with the goal of ten times at age 67.1
The 80 Percent Rule
Based on the 80 Percent Rule, a person earning $100,000 annually will need $80,000 each year after retirement.2 This method takes into account the money you won’t be spending during retirement. After leaving your job, you won’t have to worry about work-related costs, such as gas, tolls, or purchasing business clothing (and getting them dry cleaned). Gone are the standard payroll deductions for your retirement plan and payroll taxes on Social Security.
The Four Percent Rule
Looking at your overall retirement savings is important. It’s also crucial to look at how much you’ll be able to safely withdraw each year to avoid running out of savings. After calculating your combined retirement savings (401[k], IRA, pension, and other assets), plan to take four percent of that total annually. For example, if you have one million dollars in combined retirement savings, you can take out $40,000 each year.
Pro Tip: The methods above don’t factor in Social Security. Unsure of how much Social Security you’ll receive? Create a my Social Security account to securely view your benefit estimates.
Where Will My Retirement Money Come From?
How you invest in your retirement determines where your money comes from after you retire. An ideal retirement portfolio has money coming from a variety of sources. From cash savings to retirement accounts, pensions, and Social Security, your retirement funds should be diverse.
According to the Social Security Administration, for the most part, retirement beneficiaries receive 40 percent of their pre-retirement income from Social Security. 3How do your retirement savings compare to our combined income graph below?
How Can I Start Saving More Money Right Away?
When day-to-day expenses, unexpected medical bills, cost of living increases, and other hurdles are thrown your way, it can be hard to save for retirement consistently. As an older adult, if you feel like you’re behind on your savings, don’t panic. There are many changes, both small and large, that you can make today to save more for retirement.
Investing
Are you putting enough into retirement? Max out your standard retirement contribution in 2022, or invest as much as you can annually. Each year you can invest up to:
- $20,500 for a 401(k), 403(b), or SARSEP
- $14,000 for a SIMPLE 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA
- $6,000 for an IRA
Ready to play catch up? If you’re 50 years or over, the IRS permits annual catch-up contributions4 (in addition to your standard retirement contributions).
- Contribute an extra $6,500 to your 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), or SARSEP
- Contribute an extra $3,000 for a SIMPLE 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA
- Contribute an extra $1,000 to your IRA
Lifestyle
Changing your day-to-day spending habits adds up over time. Keep track of how much you’re saving by adjusting your lifestyle.
- Channel your inner chef: cut back on dining out and food delivery
- Skip that drive-through cup of coffee: brew it at home for major savings
- Embrace a staycation: take a break from traveling
- Brown bag it: pack your lunch for work
- Be mindful when shopping: do you really need it or just want it?
Finances
Take a hard look at where every dollar goes. Are you getting the most for your money?
- Shop smart: take advantage of senior discounts
- Clear out credit card debt: avoid overspending and high interest rates
- Downsize: move into a smaller home to save on monthly payments, utilities, and repair costs
- Shop around: make sure you’re getting the best homeowners and auto insurance rates
- Take a look at your tech: update your cell phone or internet plan
- Check your interest rates: refinance your mortgage if the time is right
Andrew Meadows, Senior VP of HR, Brand, and Culture at Ubiquity Retirement + Savings, gave us some of his top tips for saving for retirement. “The best savings can come from a change in your life,” says Meadows. “Did you know most utility providers offer special programs for seniors? By asking a few key questions, you may find yourself paying much less for your phone, internet, or other costs that might seem high right now. Most of the big technology and internet providers have programs specifically based on age. Find out today how you can save money on something you use each day!”
Making a few quick calls to your providers is an easy way to save money. It never hurts to give it a try; you never know which companies might have a special deal for older adults.
Health
Staying healthy is truly an investment in your future. A couple retiring at 65 will pay an estimated $300,000 on out-of-pocket health care, including Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. In addition to cutting out unhealthy expenses, just think of the medical costs you’ll save by taking care of yourself.
- Eat clean: reduce the amount of processed foods and red meat
- Pick up the pace: make fitness a priority with get at least 15 minutes of exercise daily
- It’s all about prevention: stay up to date on routine medical and dental check-ups
- Buy local: shop farm stands and markets for the freshest produce
- Ditch unhealthy habits: cut out nicotine and alcohol
Seek Advice From Friends and Family
While retirement planning can seem very intimidating, and you might think you need the help of an expert, that’s not always the case. Andrew Meadows notes, “Everyone’s retirement savings number will be different. Sometimes, the first and only time we need advice is at retirement age. Now that you’re here, don’t worry about having to find an advisor when some of the best advice can come from family and friends. Seek out folks in your life that have it figured out and ask them what they did. There’s nothing like sharing important information with those you love that could improve their lives.”
Chatting with your loved ones and getting a new perspective on things might help you build the best retirement plan for your unique needs and goals.
How Can I Make Sure My Retirement Savings Last?
Once you’re officially retired, the goal is to leave the stress behind. Follow these helpful tips to stretch your nest egg.
- Don’t start Social Security too early in your retirement: The longer you delay taking Social Security until you turn 70, the larger your monthly check will be. For example, when you reach full retirement age (FRA), you’ll receive 100 percent benefits. If you choose to delay your Social Security benefits for 12 months, you’ll get 108 percent of the monthly benefit.7
- Tap into tax credits and deductions: There are many ways to reduce your tax bill. Before filing your income taxes, check to see if you’re eligible for the IRS tax credit for the elderly, a higher tax filing threshold, and a higher standard deduction.
- Become a one-car family: Add the money earned from the sale of your second vehicle into your emergency fund or nest egg. Moving to one car has other financial benefits like reducing wallet-busting expenses such as gas, maintenance, and insurance costs.
- Know your town’s property tax laws: Many states and municipalities offer seniors a reduction in the tax-assessed value of their home or a property tax exemption. To receive these tax breaks, you’ll most likely need to complete an application, so have your local tax assessor walk you through the process.
- Work part-time: A part-time job post-retirement has several perks. In addition to a source of income, working part-time can provide a sense of purpose, expand social opportunities, and increase physical activity. If you haven’t reached full retirement age and are claiming Social Security, make sure your income doesn’t exceed the earnings limit ($19,560 for 2022). Otherwise, your benefits will be reduced.8
- Adjust for inflation: Don’t overlook the cost of rising prices. Factor inflation into your retirement years before you retire as the cost of living will continue to increase. Keep a close eye on the Consumer Price Index‘s (CPI) current and projected inflation figures reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Did You Know: Since 1975, Social Security recipients have received payments with an annual adjusted cost-of-living by the Social Security Administration.9
Changes in inflation over the years. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/10/business/economy/cpi-inflation-february-2022.html
Getting out of debt and saving for retirement can be quite a challenge! In the video below, Jeff Hoyt, Editor-in-Chief of SeniorLiving.org, speaks with Attorney Eric Olsen about why seniors may never have to pay certain debts.
Citations
- Fidelity. (2021). How much do I need to retire?
- AARP. (2021). How Much Money Do You Need to Retire?
- Social Security Administration. (2021). Starting Your Retirement Benefits Early.
- Social Security Administration. (2021). Learn About Retirement Benefits.
- CDC. (2021). Economic Trends in Tobacco.
- Cancer. (2022). Tobacco: What is it costing you?
- Social Security Administration. (2022). If you were born in 1960 your full retirement age is 67.
- Social Security Administration. (2022). Information about Social Security taxes, benefits, and costs for 2022.
- AARP. (2020). History of Social Security COLA Increases by Year.
This article originally appeared on SeniorLiving.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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40 part-time gigs perfect for retirees
Are you a retiree but still want to work?
Retirement and the concept of transitioning to the next phase of life are undergoing reevaluation. People either delay their retirement to a later age or “retire early” after finding financial independence through the FIRE movement.
Both can be excellent options. When it comes to retirement, no one roadmap works for everyone, including spouses. It is not unusual for spouses who have been together for decades to have different goals if and when they retire. Craig and I differ when it comes to the joys and virtues of working. I always enjoy working, facing challenges I could overcome, meeting people and finding meaning in what I do. Craig is more traditional; he enjoys being an attorney but would like to do other things besides work. These days, there are more options to work seasonally or from anywhere while you travel, so why not consider what is best for you?
According to a Transamerica Center For Retirement Studies survey, many workers expect to retire after age 65 or never retire. The majority (55%) of workers plan to work in retirement either part-time (41%) or full-time (14%). Those who plan to retire after age 65 or work after retirement suggest financial reasons and staying active as grounds not to retire just yet.
You’re at the golden gate, and some of the best years are in front of you. Yet, you don’t want to fully retire even though you are at that “traditional” age to do so. There are many things you enjoy doing and wanting to try out. This time in your life may be an excellent time to start a business, join a board, become a tour guide or work in retail.
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- Fear of not having enough savings for retirement years
- Prefer taking social security benefits as late as possible (age 70)
- Health care costs are rising, and you would like to boost your nest egg
- Make extra money to continue to live a good lifestyle
- Enjoy the social engagement and relationships you make through working
- Seek intellectual stimulation from solving problems at work
- Continuing to work as a senior citizen may not appeal to everyone, but the virtues of work are plentiful for many
We put together a list of jobs for retirees that should fit the varying needs and lifestyles of those who prefer to remain working whether you want to:
- Work from home and online
- Leverage your career credentials and skills
- Use a car or a house
- Get additional training or certification
- Have more spare time
- Share your knowledge and experiences
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Do you enjoy working with numbers? Bookkeepers are those who manage accounts, invoices, payroll and other financial records for businesses. They use various math and computer programs like Excel, Quickbooks and other accounting software. These jobs pay up to $20 per hour if you have sole responsibility and manage other people.
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Serving on a board for a non-profit or corporation is an excellent way to leverage your credentials, skills, and skills. It also can be pretty lucrative. According to the National Association of Corporate Directors, compensation can go up to $115,000 for a large private company seat on the Board. At the same time, a public corporation could command go up to $214,000.
There is significant demand for underrepresented people like female and minority board members that have relevant experience. Sharing your skills on a board can be fulfilling for those who have been managers and leaders. NACD offers certificate programs so you can strengthen your skills.
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An option for those who enjoyed their job, and are not ready to fully retire, is becoming a business or management consultant. You can continue to work at your current employer either part-time or flexible hours or do it independently.
Leveraging what you know to advise on business processes (i.e., business consultancy) or dealing with the people side of the organization (i.e., management consultancy) to develop training or organizational culture can be a win-win solution. For many, consulting is a transitional move to full retirement while earning extra income.
According to Payscale, the average annual base salary, before bonuses, working full-time is $88,628 for a management consultant and $75,151 for a business consultant.
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Retirees can work as administrative assistants or secretaries, especially if they bring a set of varying skills to do essential nitty-gritty work. Their responsibilities are to support administrative professionals in any sector and can work remotely.
They help in multiple ways by organizing, completing tasks, scheduling appointments, coordinating meetings, performing bookkeeping and filing. The average annual salary for administrative assistant staff is $33,510. Still, if they are executive administrative assistants or executive secretaries, their wages can go to $65,230 or a mean hourly wage of $31.36, depending on where you work.
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Engineering is a field like nursing where there is strong demand by employers who need in-depth knowledge, technical expertise, the professional judgment of those who have years of experience. Retired engineers often want to continue in the field after retirement to satisfy their need for intellectual stimulation and solve problems.
They can work part-time and remotely as engineering consultants, independent contractors, freelancers, or contingent workers on short-term or longer-term projects.
Among available engineering jobs and national average salaries for retirees are the following.
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The logistics supervisor oversees daily operations at manufacturing plants and warehouses, coordinating shipments of products. Since the pandemic, supply constraints have impacted product deliveries in virtually every industry. This job commands an annual salary of $54,209.
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Engineers can be essential to communicating their know-how. If they write well, they use their expertise as technical writers who write instruction manuals and other technical documents to help consumers and professionals navigate machinery, equipment and appliances. They earn about $57,116.
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There is strong demand for engineering professors to teach aspiring engineering in undergraduate and graduate students. Professors can get $59,660 annually.
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The quality assurance inspector works for factories and manufacturing plants to ensure the proper and efficient assembly of products and processes according to rules and regulations or recommend changes. They earn about $59,651.
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Although you do not need to be an engineer to perform a home inspection, retired engineers who have valuable expertise and experience often become home inspectors. Home inspectors assess electrical, heating, plumbing, and structural systems in houses. It is essential for homebuyers to have protection by hiring home inspectors to find potential defects in buying homes.
Most homes will be sound and secure, but hazards could make the home inspection potentially dangerous. For retirees, you can have flexible hours, though you will be working in the field, not online.
Many, but not all states, require that you take training and an exam for licensing purposes. According to BLS, home inspection comes under the Building/Construction Inspector and can earn $58,000 or $450 per inspection.
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Do you like the great outdoors? You may like this next job, which often attracts retired doctors, lawyers, and accountants, among other people. Retirees often serve as park rangers in National Parks, which are seasonal jobs (usually six months per year) that provide fresh air, beautiful scenery.
Perusing usajobs.com, I found a job posting on National Park Service that reflects salaries ranging from $64,649 to $84,049 annually. Check it out! I saw other “Help Wanted” for park rangers advertised by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that have technical requirements.
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Those working in the nursing field, notably registered nurses (RNs), have satisfying skill-rich careers. They may want to continue their fulfilling work after retirement in varying capacities. Many nurses miss the team-oriented nature of their field and fulfilling their call to help people.
The pandemic was particularly harsh on nurses who were at the center of those who suffered the most. As a result of the traumatic effects, many nurses left the field, causing shortages of nurses across the country. There are several nurse-related jobs with respective national average salaries for retirees.
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Home care nurses provide services for patients following surgery, rehabilitation or longer-term care, averaging $16.40 per hour.
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Retiree nurses can teach CPR, basic life support skills, and first aid training in emergencies before first responders. They can teach in schools, retirement communities, and hospitals, to name a few. They earn about $23.61 per hour.
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I can’t tell you how often my kids have gone to the school nurse, but it was far more than the school librarian! The school nurse provides health and emergency care to students from K-12 and colleges or camps during the summer when they are sick or injured. They can earn annually $49,220.
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Nurses are essential round-the-clock and fill in gaps when full-time nurses are out or unavailable. They communicate and monitor patients, reporting on their observations to update charts and reports. They earn $31.05 on an hourly basis.
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Medical sales executives can leverage their nursing expertise and familiarity with patients and medical professionals such as physicians, hospitals, and pharmacists to serve as liaisons to get drugs, devices and equipment to those in need. As such, they earn, on average, $74,907 per year.
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Travel nurses may accept assignments in varying regions temporarily to provide nursing services. They can fill gaps when there are nursing shortages due to special events such as COVID-19, hurricanes, earthquakes and more anywhere in the country. They earn $1,734 per week, on average.
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Retired law-enforcement officers often seek to be security guards after retirement at age 55+. They serve as unarmed security guards in retirement communities, banks, casinos, schools, and toll plazas on full or part-time. It remains a dangerous job. According to Salary.com, median salaries, before bonuses, are $33,502 in 2021.
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Do you like driving? You can make your hours driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. There are a few requirements like having a driver’s license and meeting the minimum age requirement in your chosen area. This job can be an excellent interim step towards full retirement.
They will review your background, including your driving record, for safety purposes. You will need a four-door car, preferably not a 20-year-old model, have insurance and registration. If you don’t have a suitable vehicle, you may rent one from these companies.
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Can you cook with flair and enjoy doing so? People like hiring skilled personal chefs for special events or long-term culinary needs. There may be education requirements for being a private or persona chef who can differ from your clients. If you are cooking meals for a particular person or family once in a while, it may be a less formal arrangement.
Hiring a chef may be for varying purposes such as nutrition, elderly or ill, parties, or in-home eating for busy people. Hourly rates are about $30-$40 per hour. However, charges vary per person for large parties.
On the other hand, clients may call on you to have a broad repertoire. You may need to show evidence of your cooking ability, culinary training and certification. You list zip codes or areas you can provide services on sites like Hire A Chef.
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Do you have a passion for teaching and want flexibility? Become a tutor online or in person and share your knowledge. Select your hours and subject of expertise for the ACT or SAT or graduate exams. Consider tutoring privately or classes. It can be a seasonal or all-year-round gig. Tutoring can work into your schedule by working part-time or remotely.
There are education requirements, with high school completion as the minimum. Typical hourly pay of $30 or higher will depend on the subject, with a more challenging curriculum like math getting higher demand and pay. A few companies to consider working for: The Tutoring Company, Tutor.com, and TutorMe.
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Retirees often go to colleges towns as a destination in their senior years because of “increased cultural and learning opportunities.” Forbes’ 25 Best Places to Retire counts nine picks as college towns. The attraction for retirees is the chance to leverage their expertise and share their knowledge with young people. As such, retirees, who have advanced degrees, often become adjunct professors at colleges. Adjunct professors make about $1,500-$3,000 per course.
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Have you ever wanted to be part of a research study and save humankind? Medical research is essential to finding new drugs, remedies, and dietary supplements, but they have to go through many clinical trials. Teaching hospitals, clinics, biotech companies and research organizations seek people who will participate in their studies for paid opportunities that can be $1,000 or more. You can check local hospitals or clinics in your area, like ResearchMatch.org, Covance or ClinicalTrials.gov. Kessler Foundation does survey questionnaires.
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Did you see the movie Nomadland, the movie about transient American seniors seasonally employed? w Francis McDormand’s character, Fern, works as part of Amazon’s “Camper Force’s” temporary workforce. Amazon offers sign-on bonuses of up to $1,000 and $20 an hour to work in their workforce. The vast majority of Amazon’s 1.3+ million employees have hours that work for them. Part-timers get the same benefits as full-time employees. Amazon has other opportunities, notably:
- Amazon Flex encourages you to use your car to make deliveries for $18-$25 per hour, depending on the location.
- Amazon Fresh is its grocery delivery of fresh food.
- Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is an online crowdsourcing marketplace. You can become an MTurk employee in your spare time and be part of their global on-demand workforce.
Suppose you have spare time and want to work at MTurk from home. In that case, you can apply your skills to research data processing, data verification and details, image/video processing, transcribe audio recordings, and information gathering. A lot of the work deals with tedious data gathering of completed surveys and polls. The hourly pay varies from low single digits to $16 per hour depending on the task, plus some jobs pay bonuses.
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People like learning about things off the beaten path. If you have specialized knowledge, speak in more than one language, and are passionate about the area you live in, you can become a local guide. Tour guides are in high demand when they share their expertise and stories that animate a specific city or town.
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Do you enjoy photography as a hobby? Why not take it to the next step and pursue what you love doing, whether portraits, family photography, travel, sports, nature, stock photographs, or candid photography. Sell your photos online or to respective companies that specialize in your area of expertise. Consider listing on Fine Art America or stock photo sites like Getty Images or Shutterstock.
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Do you enjoy writing? If you write well, you may want to consider doing it on a freelance basis. You want to consider a desirable niche that works for you. It takes time to develop your niche, writing skills and voice.
There are many ways to land some writing jobs online. It is easier if you have a professional blog so that you can point to your work. However, you can start by doing cold pitches and contact editors online. When you’re new to freelance writing, check the job board for freelance writers, and ask around if you can guest post.
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The customer service representative is often the company’s face when the consumer needs answers, help, or has complaints that may escalate into queries and concerns. They are responsible for engaging customers on behalf of the company.
Duties include answering questions on the phone or email, participating in meetings to provide feedback or learn new communication tactics, and having expert knowledge about a product or service. According to BLS, they may earn $17.23 per hour or $35,830 annually.
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The retail industry, mainly brick and mortar companies, is bouncing back since the pandemic closed many retail stores. The retail sales associate engages customers by engaging them, making suggestive sales pitches, sharing product knowledge, and answering their questions. Retirees are welcome in all parts of the retail industry.
Depending on their retail experience, they can earn $13.13 per hour or $27,820 for the entry-level, or if they have more experience in their previous career, earnings can go up to $37,539 (Glassdoor). Retirees may consider these jobs part-time or for seasonal holidays.
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A cashier or a retail cashier is responsible for processing payments in cash, debit, credit, and checking transactions using the cash register or another point-of-sale system in a retail environment. They also balance the register at the end of the day, make a change, record purchases, and scan items for sale.
ZipRecruiter pegs cashiers’ earnings at $11 per hour or $22,599 on a national average.
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The merchandise or visual displayer showcases the merchandise to move customers to make purchases. They design and install displays for clothes, accessories, jewelry, sporting equipment, furniture, and other windows. Retirees who have previous experience in retail may seek these jobs to leverage their prowess in the retail industry.
According to Payscale, the average merchandise displayer or window trimmer can earn $58,958 annually.
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If you like working with floral arrangements and have experience handling floral designs, this can be an excellent job for a retiree. Everyone seems happy when giving or receiving flowers and can make a dreary day feel like sunshine. I always admired those who arrange flowers in beautiful designs.
Becoming a florist became a dream job for Dr. Susan Garetz when she retired from medicine as an ear, nose, and throat specialist in 2016. Long before she retired, she joined a garden club and enjoyed making floral arrangements as her hobby, turning into her second act, studying how to do Japanese floral designing.
Floral arrangers earn $14.92 per hour or $31,033 annually.
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Do you like making crafts? You can do it during your spare time and remotely. It has become much easier to sell your unique goods to a seemingly boundless market in recent years. These online marketplaces may charge listing, transaction and payment processing fees, so you must check each company.
The best-known companies are:
- Etsy
- Shopify
- Big Cartel
- Zibbet
- IndieMade
- ArtFire
- Handmade at Amazon
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There are expanding platforms to sell your professional services as freelancers. You can list your services and bid for jobs among the places you can list and bid for jobs are Fiverr, Upwork and 99 Designs. You can name your price starting at $5, give your experience and how you work. Among the services you can offer:
- Graphics & Design
- Digital, Email & Social Media Marketing
- Web Development
- Writing & Translation
- Videos & Animation
- Music & Audio
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You don’t have to be a CPA to prepare taxes, but you probably want to be good with numbers. Tax preparation is usually seasonal, busy on the days leading up to the crunch time of April 15th, the traditional tax filing date. H&R Block will train you (for a fee) to work on taxes for them. Payscale shows tax preparers earn about $13.87 per hour.
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Market researchers rely on consumers to participate in focus groups to retrieve invaluable opinions on new and existing products and services. You can participate one-to-one by phone, zoom, in a small group that meets in person or online. Each focus group will be different. Your compensation could be on an hourly basis ranging from $50-$150 or per research session. Groups typically meet for an hour or two. Participation can be a lucrative gig for studies paying $400 per hour for those who have flexible schedules.
Here are recommended focus groups given their ratings:
- User Interviews
- Respondent.io
- Recruit and Field
- FocusGroup.com
- Probe Market Research
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When people take vacations or travel for work, they will consider hiring a house sitter. Owners worried about burglaries seek security and peace of mind. Professional house-sitters may water plants, collect mail, take out the trash and do pet care. They can earn $25-$45+ per hour, depending on the location. House sitters may do short overnight stays or more extended stays.
It is essential to the owner to trust someone temporarily residing in your home, taking care of beloved pets or plants. They will want a background check. You can register with organizations such as TrustedHouseSitter.com or HousesittersAmerica.com, where reviews and verification are helpful for prospective customers. When pet sitting is the primary function, you can hire a pet sitter (see below).
A house or property watcher is different than a house sitter. The person may monitor the home a few times during the week. They look for disturbances and leaks and check the house’s temperature to avoid burst pipes or boiler problems. This job can be seasonal when areas are primarily for summer or winter homes.
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Do you love pets and want the next best thing to owning one? Pet sitter! We love our pets and will do almost everything to keep them comfortable when we are away. When pet sitting is the primary concern, owners will seek out experienced pet sitters to take care of their pets by feeding, walking and paying attention to them. Let’s face it: We love these essential family members and want to avoid the kennel, but we also want to travel without guilt.
Pet sitters can be paid per hour or daily for visiting the pets during the day or staying overnight either in the person’s home or your home. Professional sitters may have several pets in your home at a time. The house-sitting organizations mentioned above do pet sitting as well.
Pet sitting can vary from $15-$50 per hour. We paid $65 per day plus tips for a pet sitter who happened to be our dog walker. He stayed overnight, feeding, walking and caring for our dog.
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Many jobs for retirees may suit your lifestyle as you determine whether you want to work as a transition to full retirement, earn income, engage with other people or simply enjoy the intellectual stimulation of lifelong learning.
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originally appeared on YourMoneyGeek.comand was
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