Retirement Income: Working online and watching spending

by Dale I.
(Tampa, Florida)

Before retirement, I was working at a low paying job. I had been working in construction, but the poor economy forced me to take a low paying job. Because of the economy, I had already pared back my lifestyle.

Once I retired, Social Security was my only source of income. My wife is still working.

To supplement our income, I began doing maintenance and repair on home computers, but, I average less than $100 a month working on computers.

Then I discovered crowd sourcing on the INTERNET – participating in on-line studies and surveys, writing short articles and similar tasks.
Through crowd sourcing, I average between $125 and $175 per month, spending about two hours per day.

In addition to crowd-sourcing, I joined a number of on-line survey companies and about an hour per day produces about $40 to $50 per month.

Since my income is fixed, I try to cut expenses.

When the car needs maintenance or repair, I do it myself. My neighbor has an extensive collection of tools and is willing to loan me whatever tool I need. He frequently offers to help me with the repair.

In the summer I inspect and re-caulk all windows and doors, to reduce winter heating bills. I use a walk behind mower instead of a riding mower, because it uses less gas.

Food is a large expense, so, I watch sales. When an item that we use is on sale, we stock up on it. I also download and print coupons. We like a $9 frozen Asian dinner for two, but we wait for it to go on sale, usually about $6, and use a $1.50 coupon, so, the final cost is $4.50.

Processed foods are not only unhealthy, they are expensive. I have found that cooking from scratch is healthier, cheaper and it tastes better. A small investment in time will produce better tasting results than expensive processed foods.

Home baked bread and rolls are by far superior to anything you can find in the supermarket, but, you have to be careful buying supplies.

In the supermarket, a small package of yeast which will make three loaves of bread costs about $1.80, but, at a food service supplier you can buy a two pound package of yeast for about $4.

Being aware of prices can stretch a fixed income.

In my area, gasoline prices consistently go up on Thursday or Friday, then go back down on Monday or Tuesday. I just don't buy gas on the week-end.

Clothing prices usually are discounted deeply at the end of the season. The spring closeout is the time to buy winter clothes. Last March, a local retailer had $35 flannel lined jeans reduced to $7.

It is wise to use the INTERNET to compare prices.

Recently, my wife needed a new food mixer. The model that she liked was $499 at the local department store, or $318 from an on-line retailer.

You may not be able to substantially increase your income, but, with a little effort you can reduce your spending to match your income.

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