12 Apps & Tools to Earn Money in Retirement in 2023

Congratulations on reaching retirement! While this phase of life may signify a transition from full-time employment, you can still explore new avenues to earn some extra cash. 

Nowadays, your smartphone can be much more than just a device to stay in touch with your grandkids. With the right apps and tools, it can be a money-making sidekick that helps you earn a little extra in retirement.

Thanks to the ever-expanding gig economy, numerous apps, websites, and tools are available to help you generate income while enjoying the flexibility and freedom of retirement. Explore the cyber world and some tools that can add a sprinkle of green to your golden years.

Freelance Apps/Tools

Freelancing is a popular option for retirees seeking flexible work arrangements. Here are a few platforms that connect freelancers with clients looking for their expertise:

1. Upwork: If you’ve retired from a job but not from your skills, this platform allows you to freelance those talents out to folks who need them. Upwork provides ample opportunities to showcase your talents and earn money.
   
   It offers a wide range of job categories, from writing and design to consulting and virtual assistance. Whether you’re a whiz at bookkeeping, a wordsmith, a graphic design guru, or a tech wizard, Upwork connects you with people who need your expertise. You set your rates, and Upwork takes a service fee ranging from 5% to 20% based on your lifetime billings with each client.
   
2. Fiverr: Fiverr allows you to market your specialized skills and services, known as “gigs.” Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, translator, or voice artist, Fiverr provides a platform to monetize your expertise and connect with potential clients.
   
3. Etsy: Got a knack for crafting beautiful things? Etsy lets you sell your handmade goods to buyers all over the world. It charges $0.20 to list an item for four months, and when you make a sale, Etsy takes a 5% transaction fee.
   
4. Foap: Are you a bit of a shutterbug? Foap lets you turn your photos into cash. You can sell your pictures to marketers, publishers, and advertisers. Each photograph can be sold for $10, with you and Foap splitting the profits evenly.

Reseller Apps/Tools

If you have a knack for finding hidden treasures or enjoy decluttering, reselling items can be an excellent way to earn money. Here are a couple of popular platforms to consider:

1. eBay: eBay can be a great option if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and an eye for value. It remains a go-to platform for selling both new and used items. You can sell pretty much anything here, from vintage collectibles to that unused treadmill in your basement.
   
   The platform’s vast user base provides ample opportunities to find buyers and maximize your profits whether you have collectibles, clothing, or electronics to sell. Listing up to 200 items per month is free, and after a sale, eBay takes a 12.35% final value fee.
   
2. Poshmark: Poshmark focuses on fashion and allows you to sell gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. With a user-friendly interface and a thriving community, Poshmark offers an engaging platform to showcase your style and turn your wardrobe into extra income.
   
3. Airbnb: Rentals could be an exciting venture if you enjoy meeting new people and have a spare room or vacation home. It allows you to rent out your property to travelers. Airbnb charges a host service fee of about 3%, and the earning potential can vary depending on the location and quality of your property.

Content Creation Tools

Retirement is an ideal time to explore your creative side and share your knowledge or passions with others. Here are a couple of content creation tools that can help you monetize your expertise:

1. Teachable: If you have specialized knowledge or skills to share, consider creating online courses through Teachable. You can design and sell courses on topics like cooking, photography, music, or personal finance and earn money while imparting valuable knowledge to eager learners.
   
2. WordPress: If you’re a wordsmith, blogging platforms like WordPress can be a profitable hobby. You can monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or ads. Earnings can vary greatly depending on your blog’s popularity and your chosen revenue method.
   
3. YouTube: If you’re social media savvy and enjoy sharing your experiences, consider YouTube. It has emerged as a powerful platform for content creators to generate income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within a year, you can earn money from ad revenue. Whether you’re a master chef, fitness enthusiast, or travel aficionado, YouTube offers a space to share your experiences and passions while earning money. You can create content about anything you’re passionate about!
   

Social Media Platforms

Leveraging the power of social media can help you monetize your online presence and build a community of followers. Here are two platforms to consider:

1. Instagram: With its visual nature, Instagram is an ideal platform to showcase your photography skills, hobbies, or lifestyle. As your follower count grows, you can collaborate with brands, become an influencer, and earn money through sponsored posts and partnerships.
   
2. TikTok: TikTok’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, offering a platform for creative expression and entertainment. By sharing engaging content and building a following, you can explore brand opportunities, reach a vast audience, and tap into a vibrant community of users.

These apps and tools can provide a nice little income boost but may also require effort and time investment. So, pick something you enjoy doing, and it will feel like something other than work. 

Go ahead and explore these tools, and add a dash of hustle to your retirement bustle! And while you’re at it, remember that any income you make may have tax implications, so it’s best to chat with a tax advisor.