Unusual ways to make money
after retirement

Are you looking for unusual ways to make money, now that you have retired?

Roger and I put our heads together and came up with a list of ideas that you might like to consider. Some are sensible, easy to implement ideas, whereas others are perhaps a little far fetched or would depend on where you live. Even if you do not find the right one for you, we hope that you might enjoy a giggle if nothing else.

Prospecting for Gold

OK, not necessarily an ailment that we will all suffer as we age, but gold fever might strike some of us. Do you dream of finding gold in them there mountains? Before you get together your donkey and gold pan it is worth pondering on the following...

Gold prospecting is hard, physical work
The chances of making it rich are few and far between
It can take a lot of research to find the right place to search

On the positive side, the price of gold nowadays is very high and if you do happen to strike lucky you can cheer all the way to the bank.

Retrieving Golf Balls

Seriously! During a round of golf it is inevitable that some balls will go astray, either in rough ground or in the water.

If you are physically mobile, or have diving skills, this may suit you to a tee. (I do apologize - Roger made me do it!) Do be aware that it can be dangerous, however, and that you do need a licence from the golf club in order to do this.

Once retrieved, the balls can be sold back to the golfers, which can be surprisingly profitable. Perhaps one of the more unusual ways to make money.

Greenkeeper

On a similarly sporty theme, if you have the required know-how your local golf club, cricket team or bowling club may be happy to pay you to care of their greens.

Fruit picker

Becoming a fruit picker does not require any experience. It is, of course, seasonal, but if you like working in the fresh air and are fit and healthy it may be worth investigating. It can be hard work and may require a very early start, but if you have plenty of stamina there is money to be made during harvest time.

Busking

Another outdoor activity is that of the busker or street performer.

If you are self confident, can play an instrument, sing or even juggle, this may be for you. If you have talent and are good at interacting with your passing audience then it is possible to amass a sizeable amount of tips.

Do be aware of the local rules and regulations, however, or you could be asked (sometimes not too politely) to move on.

Movie extra

If you are happy in front of a camera, you might like to think about a movie or TV extra as one of the unusual ways to make money. Extras normally have non speaking roles and may only be on set for a moment, but they help to make a scene look more natural. You might be called upon to be one of a crowd, to lie on the ground pretending to be an accident victim, or to sit in a restaurant eating a meal behind the "actors".

Stock Photographer

If you prefer to be behind the camera, and have an eye for a good picture then you could sell your photographs.

Your pictures would need to be technically excellent and be able to be used for multiple purposes.

Most stock photography is nowadays taken on digital cameras and you would need good quality equipment. Long lenses may be essential if you are thinking of covering sporting events, or capturing the natural world in all its glory.

If you are featuring people in your photographs do be aware that you will need their permission if you intend to try to sell the pictures afterwards. This can be handled by asking them to sign a model release.

Department store Santa

Roger often gets mistaken for Santa when out and about, due to his white hair and long beard. With a little judicious padding he would make a very convincing Father Christmas and as such could earn some extra income in time for the holidays.

There are other roles to play in Santa's grotto as well. After all he always needs elves to help him out doesn't he? If you are happy to dress up in pointed shoes and ears and are good with children there is opportunity here for you also.

Taking part in clinical trials

Before we start, I must emphasize that this option can be high risk!

New drugs have to go through vigorous tests before being considered safe to dispense. One of the last stages of testing is human trials, where a group of people are divided into two and some given the drug while the rest are given a placebo. The effects of the trial are studied to see if there are any benefits or side effects to the drugs. Drug companies are prepared to pay for guinea pigs to take part in these trials. Only you can decide if the money is worth the possible risk to your health.

Donating body parts

No! I don't mean kidneys or other internal organs! But some companies will pay for donated human hair (if you have enough to spare), blood or plasma. This will depend on where you live to a great extent.

If you have not yet reached retirement age you may like to consider egg or sperm donation as one of the unusual ways to make money.