6 Unique Ways for Retirees To Earn Passive Income in 2025
Written by
Brooke Barley
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Though retirement is a time for relaxation, some retirees may be looking for an opportunity to feel productive or just a way to earn some extra money. There are many different methods to bring in cash without diving back into traditional employment.
Read on to learn about some approaches experts recommend for retirees to generate passive income.
Invest In Real Estate — but Get Creative
Real estate is a known way to make money passively, but Adam Hamilton, CEO of REI Hub, said buying a property and renting it out isn’t the only way to make money with real estate.
“An alternative option that requires way less money is turning a portion of your home into a short-term rental, listing it on a site like Airbnb. Even if all you have is a spare bedroom and bathroom, that could work! You could have great success bringing in consistent passive income that way,” he said.
Retirees don’t necessarily have to have a house to rent out, either. Melanie Musson, a finance expert with InsuranceProviders.com, said renting out an empty room in a house can be lucrative too.
“If you have grown children, there’s a good chance you’re living in a home with extra rooms that were once your kids’. If you live in an area with a high cost of housing and demand for affordable accommodations, you could rent a room for $500 a month or more,” she explained.
Become an Influencer
For retirees who love the spotlight or maybe have a niche they’re knowledgeable in, Musson suggested starting a YouTube channel or making TikToks.
“You might think that social media influencers are only successful if they’re young. However, if you have the personality to draw followers, you could be just as successful as a 20-year-old,” she said.
Offer Expertise
If influencing isn’t appealing, Musson suggested that those who have a special skill sell lessons to those who want to learn it. “If they’re gifted musically, they could teach music lessons. If they have experience in the area of finance, they could offer coaching services. If they’re skilled in cooking, they could offer meal prep classes,” she said.
Annie Cole, Ed.D., money coach and founder of Money Essentials for Women, agreed that this is a great way to generate passive income. She suggested retirees use their network to find opportunities. “Reach out to your LinkedIn network and see if you can share your expertise as a fractional consultant,” she said.
Invest Well
One of the most passive ways to make money is spreading wealth wisely.
“Make sure all of your money is invested!” Cole said. “Spread your money across retirement and brokerage accounts (long-term), certificates of deposit (mid-term) and a high-yield savings account (short-term access).”
Get Paid for Opinions
Cole also suggested that retirees sign up for websites that pay for respondents’ opinions. It’s an easy way to make money just by sharing opinions.
“Create a free profile on respondent.io to get matched with paid research opportunities that match your profile,” she said.
Flip Furniture
Retirees who are good with their hands might enjoy flipping furniture to make extra cash.
“Regularly browse thrift shops and Facebook marketplace for furniture deals, fix them up, then resell them for a profit,” Cole said.
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