ADVERTISING FEATURE – RETIREMENT LIFESTYLES
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THE prospect of moving from a weekly wage to super payments or a pension can be daunting for new retirees.
One strategy to smooth the transition and make up any shortfall is to look for ways to ‘work’ from home or to find opportunities to earn some pocket money.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Dog walking
People often find themselves too busy to walk the dog.
The frantic pace of mid-week activities for families with school-age children can mean the family pooch stays locked in the backyard from Monday to Friday.
Offering dog walking services may be an ideal way to make a few extra dollars.
You can set the pace in terms of when and how often you offer the service, and how many dogs you choose to walk together.
In no time at all, you could have some extra cash for holidays, birthdays or special events, and be reaping the health benefits of your regular walking routine.
The RSPCA website has some tips on how to manage dogs on leads.
Sell your stuff
Most garages are full of unused sports equipment, clothes, toys and perfectly serviceable camping gear or other unloved items that realistically will never see the light of day.
Households can so easily become cluttered with things that belonged to parents or children or that somehow ended up in the shed.
Why not sell your surplus ‘stuff’ and convert it into cold, hard cash?
Garage sales are a great way to move plenty of items in just one day.
Place a classified advert in your local paper to target local buyers or to sell interesting individual items.
In the Great Lakes area you can simply call your local paper or send an email to classifieds.mnc@fairfaxmedia.com.au to place your ad.
House sitting
House sitting is another way retired couples or singles can earn some pocket money on a semi-permanent basis.
Once again, you control how and when you get involved; you can sign up for a short time or for a longer stint, with or without pet-minding duties thrown in.
All you need is the required freedom and flexibility, and the ability to show the proper care and attention to someone else’s property.
While it may not be as lucrative as other part-time work, a change of scene can feel as good as a holiday, plus you’ll enjoy being back in your own bed at the end of the process.
Of course you may need to consult a tax agent or your accountant about your earnings and how, if at all, this may effect your tax position or pension payments.
However, with a bit of imagination, you too can use your spare time and initiative to help make ends meet once you’ve retired, and to make the most your potential to keep earning.
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