Money Management

Starting a side hustle in retirement is exciting but potentially risky. Learn how to protect your finances and leverage your experience. [[{“value”:”

So-called “second acts” are common and popular in America. Why? Because not only are people living longer, healthier lives, but starting a business in retirement is now seen as a realistic and exciting option in life. Almost 70% of all entrepreneurs now are between 40 and 60 years old.

Consider these successful late-life entrepreneurs:

Colonel Harlan Sanders franchised his first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at age 62.Leo Goodwin started Geico Insurance at age 50.Gert Boyle began what would become billion-dollar Columbia Sportswear when she was 42.

So, yes, it’s quite possible to do, but, that said, it’s vital to approach any late-life business venture — even a side hustle — with care. While it’s exciting to apply one’s life experiences in a new way, it’s also a financial and emotional commitment that is often easier for the younger than the older. For retirees, the stakes are higher; there’s less time to recover from potential missteps and money setbacks.

With that caveat out of the way, and with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to minimize the risks and maximize rewards. Here’s how.

4 rules for boomerpreneur side hustle success

Keep these guidelines in mind if you plan to start a new business.

Rule 1. Protect the nest egg

One crucial piece of advice: Do not dip into your retirement savings to fund your new venture. Your retirement funds should be considered sacrosanct. They’re there to ensure your future financial security, not to finance a potentially risky side hustle.

You need to consider other funding options like small business loans, crowdfunding, or even partnerships. Again, keep your retirement funds untouched to safeguard your future.

This is Rule No. 1 for a reason.

Rule 2. Leverage your experience and network

You undoubtedly have decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge that can give you a leg up. Use it. Milk it. It’s your unreasonable edge, your unfair advantage. Your experience, skills, and vast network is your superpower. Take advantage of it.

How, you ask?

Start by tapping into your network. Reach out to former colleagues, business contacts, and friends who might offer support, advice, or even become your first customers. Similarly, if you’re great at marketing, that should be your focus. That is your “Genius Zone” where you should play, entrepreneurially speaking, the most.

Rule 3. Start small and test

You do not want to put all of your eggs in one basket. Too risky. Instead, consider a side hustle on the smaller side before going all in. Whether it’s launching a part-time consultancy or testing your product in a limited market, starting small reduces risk while giving you a feel for the entrepreneurial world. And right now, at this stage of your life, minimizing risk should be a top priority.

Rule 4. Focus on your passions

One of the best parts about starting a side hustle in retirement is the freedom to pursue what you truly love. Now, if your passion is 17th-century Flemish architecture, your passion likely will not find much of a market. Let’s keep this reasonable. Your passion has to fit a market need to be financially viable.

If you have a lifelong hobby, a skill you’ve honed over the years, or a new interest, that passion can be a powerful motivator and a key to success. When you love what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like work.

Carol Garner’s inspirational example

Take my old pal Carol Garner for example. At 52, Garner found herself divorced and over $1 million in debt. Rather than freeze up and recede as so many others might, Garner chased her problems. She embraced a new adventure.

Here’s how: On a friend’s suggestion, Garner adopted a bulldog she named Zelda. She then entered Zelda into a local Christmas card contest on a whim, dressed Zelda as Santa, and Zelda won. How could she not?

And Garner won something even better: A vision for a new life, via a new business.

In 1997, the idea of dressing up pets and sharing their photos wasn’t a thing. But Garner’s creativity and willingness to try something different paid off. Zelda in costumes quickly became a thriving multimillion-dollar business that spanned greeting cards, books, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Garner’s advice to those considering entrepreneurship in their later years? “A great entrepreneur has to be daring, different, and smart.”

So that’s the deal: Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of your business journey — in fact, it could be just the beginning. By being cautious with your finances, leveraging your experience, and following your passions, you can create a side hustle that not only brings in some income but also adds joy and fulfillment to your life.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Buying gifts for housewarming parties can be challenging, but Costco has lots of options. Read on to see my top recommendations. [[{“value”:”

So, your friend just bought their first home, or maybe they’ve been there a little while and have been settling in before hosting a housewarming party. Either way, you’re on the hunt for a gift, and you want to make sure it’s a good one.

Lucky for you, there’s Costco. With a warehouse full of dreams (and Kirkland Signature products), there’s no way you won’t find a gift that’s perfect for the new homeowners and your party budget. But just in case you need some inspiration, I’ve made you a short list.

1. Give the gift of Costco: $65

Consider choosing something that will give your friends a year of savings and benefits of membership. You can give your friends the gift of a Costco Gold Star membership for just $65. It’s one full year of Costco, and every time they shop there, they’ll think of you.

If you think a year of Costco might be a lot for your friend, you can always opt for a Costco Shop card, which is a gift card to Costco that anyone can use. That way, your friend can choose whether they want the gift of a year of Costco, or if they’d rather just buy six months’ worth of toilet paper instead.

2. First Alert Rechargeable Fire Extinguishers: $69.99

It might seem like a bit of a boring gift to give someone a pair of fire extinguishers for their housewarming party. But if they have a kitchen fire or accidentally overheat the grill next summer, they’ll be grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Seriously, though, most homeowners never think to buy themselves fire extinguishers, even though they’re necessary safety equipment when you own a home — heck, I don’t even have any and I’m a seasoned homeowner (I should probably pop over to Costco). You don’t need them until you really need them, and that can be a serious make-or-break moment if you find yourself lacking.

3. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus with 6 Month Ring Subscription Plan: $99

There are few things in my life that are as useful as my Ring cameras. I have some stick-up cameras, as well as the video doorbell.

When a package arrives, I’m right on it. If some neighborhood kid is at the door trying to sell me cookies, I don’t miss a beat. If I hear the ice cream truck, I can check the video and add it to my regular ice cream truck report on our neighborhood Facebook group.

And, hey, if your friends bought a house in a less Mayberry kind of neighborhood than mine, Ring Doorbells are helpful to prevent and solve crimes, to help identify visitors, and just to check things out when they’re not home. Through Sept. 22, they’re $50 off, along with a free six month subscription plan. And the subscription is just $10 a month total for the multiple camera plan, if they’d like to continue using the service on their own.

4. Tools every homeowner needs: $179.99–$189.99

Maybe you’re trying to buy a group gift, or you simply have a bigger budget than what I’ve specified so far. In that case, I have a few choice picks in the way of tools every homeowner needs, even if they bought a brand-new house that’s never been lived in.

May I present to you my two favorites at Costco right now: the Craftsman 20V Max Brushless 4-Tool Kit ($179.99) and the ladder of my dreams, the Little Giant MegaLite+ 18 ft. Reach Ladder with Leg Levers ($189.99).

I personally own a bunch of the 20V Craftsman tools, and this particular bundle is a great way to get into the Craftsman ecosystem. The same batteries and charger work with all the other tools in the system, including the Craftsman weed eater and electric lawnmower.

This particular kit comes with a drill/driver, work light, reciprocating saw, and impact driver. Admittedly, there aren’t always a lot of good reasons to have an impact driver, but the drill/driver and work light are necessary just to hang the TV on the wall –unless it’s a block wall, in which case I guess you do need an impact driver.

I don’t personally own the Little Giant ladder, but it’s on my Christmas list, and I’m not even joking. I do own a shorter version of this ladder and I love it, but it would be better if it were taller for tree-trimming needs. A multi-position ladder is a gift that ensures your recipients will never fall through a dining room chair trying to change a lightbulb or down a staircase while painting near the ceiling.

Costco is for homeowners

There are a lot of good reasons to shop at Costco, but it’s one of a few memberships that basically every homeowner should be aware of and benefit from. Get your friends started early by giving them a great gift with a good price from the Costco near you.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

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Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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More than half of Costco members have the costlier Executive membership. Find out why it may make financial sense for you. [[{“value”:”

Starting Sept. 1, 2024, shopping at Costco is going to get more expensive. Rates for both membership tiers will increase — it will cost $65 a year for a Gold Star membership and $130 a year for an Executive membership.

When Costco announced the increase, it also gave us some interesting information, such as that there are roughly 52 million current members. Perhaps more interesting is that “a little over half” of memberships are Executive memberships.

Given that Executive memberships cost twice as much as a regular Gold Star membership, why have so many people upgraded? There are two main advantages to an Executive upgrade — though most members are likely inspired more by the first than the second.

1. The 2% Costco Reward

Arguably the main reason to upgrade to an Executive membership is the 2% Costco Reward. Executive members earn 2% back on their Costco purchases, including at costco.com and Costco Travel.

Here’s what 2% back could look like based on your Costco spending:

Your 2% back is paid out as a lump sum Reward once per year. You can use the Reward toward Costco purchases, including toward your annual membership fee. The 2% Reward is capped at $1,250 (as of Sept. 1) per year.

Pro-tip: The 2% back you earn is separate from any other coupons or rewards. So make sure you stack it with a good rewards card for Costco to maximize your return.

2. Discounts on Costco services

Costco offers a variety of services beyond the stock on its regular warehouse shelves. This includes everything from pet and home insurance to garage door or closet installation.

All members have access to these services — and some general discounts — but Executive members often receive extra perks. Here are just a few examples:

$15 enrollment fee waived for Fido pet insurance through CostcoComplimentary roadside assistance with auto insurance through CostcoComplimentary home window repair/replacement with home insurance through CostcoNo application or statement fees on payment processing services through Costco

Just to be clear, insurance-related benefits kick in only when you purchase your policy while logged into your Costco account and using the links from Costco’s services pages. You can’t just apply them to your existing outside insurance.

Bonus reason No. 3: No more asking you to upgrade

Alright, so this one is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it definitely could be a factor for many people: Once you upgrade your membership, the workers at checkout will stop asking (occasionally demanding?!) you to upgrade.

You can now check out in (relative) peace. Enjoy the serenity.

Is an Executive upgrade worth it for you?

While the various extra discounts on services could be handy for some members, the majority of folks are upgrading to Executive for the 2% Reward. So, to figure out if an upgrade is right for you, all it takes is looking at how much you spend at Costco every year.

As the table above shows, you need to spend $3,250 a year to get $65 back. You’d need to spend $8,250 during the year to get $135 back.

In other words, an annual spend of $3,250 would pay for the upgrade to Executive from Gold Star. If you spend more than this each year at Costco, then an upgrade could be a good move for your budget. If not, then keep your Gold Star membership (assuming you’re getting value from it).

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

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Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Many in the workforce fear what life will be like in retirement. Here’s why their fears may be overblown. [[{“value”:”

LiveCareer, a career service focusing on resumes and cover letters, recently released a survey with startling results. According to LiveCareer’s Retirement Sentiments Report, 61% of workers fear retirement more than death. In fact, workers fear retirement more than a lot of things. Here’s a quick sample:

64% fear retirement more than getting a divorce54% fear retirement more than getting fired53% fear retirement more than falling into poor health

What are we afraid of?

Over one-third of the survey respondents say they’re worried about not having enough saved to cover medical emergencies or unexpected retirement costs. The same number of respondents reported their fear of becoming a financial burden on loved ones.

Another recent poll from Public First, commissioned by the Bipartisan Policy Center’s American Savings Education Council (ASEC), sheds light on factors driving our retirement-related anxiety.

Social Security funding

This survey found that non-retired respondents are concerned the Social Security program will not be fully funded when they retire. Unless Congress intervenes, the primary Social Security trust fund will be depleted by 2033 or 2035 (depending on the source), leaving many to believe they won’t be able to collect on the Social Security they’re currently paying into.

Current headlines

It’s tough to go a day without seeing a personal finance article reminding us how far behind we are in retirement savings. And headlines suggesting the average American needs at least $1.4 million to retire comfortably cause considerable stress. Given that the average retirement savings among Americans of all ages is $88,400, it’s no surprise that retirement feels so scary.

As we compare our retirement savings to the $1.4 million some tell us we need, it’s difficult to imagine how we’ll ever be ready.

Should we panic about retirement?

Along with sharing survey findings, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) offered its conclusions as to why so many Americans are stressed and uncertain about retirement. According to BPC, part of the problem is a widespread misconception that Social Security will cease to exist if its trust fund runs out of money.

BPC insists that Social Security payments will never stop, even if the worst occurs and Congress allows the trust fund to be depleted. According to BPC, the worst thing that could happen would result in a 20% cut in the Social Security benefits a person receives. For example, someone receiving a monthly Social Security check of $2,000 could find themselves down to $1,600.

A 20% cut could be financially devastating for anyone living paycheck to paycheck. However, for the worst to occur, Congress would have to ignore the 70 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits and their (rightfully) concerned families.

Regardless of how much posturing they engage in, members of Congress must know that failing to fund the trust fund is the fastest way to be voted out of office. As one of the few programs with broad support across political lines, allowing cuts to Social Security is a sure way out of D.C.

Not their first rodeo

This is not the first time Congress has faced the prospect of a depleted Social Security trust fund. The last time was in 1983, when Congress found a fix through bipartisan legislation that increased the full retirement age from 65 to 67 and began charging income tax on benefits. Congress has a few options if it wants to avoid cuts to monthly benefits. For example, it can:

Increase the payroll tax (another move that would be unpopular)Increase the income limit. Americans only pay Social Security payroll taxes on the first $168,600 they earn annually. Once they hit $168,600, the payroll deduction disappears. Another option Congress has at its disposal is to raise that income limit.Increase the age at which workers can claim benefits.

In other words, if Congress wants to come up with a solution, it can.

How much do you really need for retirement?

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), only 3% of retirees saved more than $1 million. That means 97% of retirees are nowhere close to $1.4 million, and many seem to be doing fine. A Gallup poll found that 79% of retirees aged 65-80 say they have enough money to live comfortably.

According to some financial planners, a working person who wants to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement should aim to replace 80% of their current income. For example, someone earning $90,000 annually should aim for an annual income of $72,000, or $6,000 monthly. That income can come from anywhere, including Social Security, pensions, annuities, investment interest, rental property, or any other steady source.

For those who fear retirement more than death, a good first step is to review their current household budget and determine how much they’ll likely need to spend in their post-retirement years. Next, they should add how much they want to spend in retirement. If they have hobbies, dream of travel, or hope to turn a hobby into a business, those expenses should be added in.

Once a person has a good sense of their ideal retirement, they should also have a better idea of how much it will take to fund their golden years. That’s the number they want to aim for. In the meantime, some great financial literacy apps can help them gain the knowledge they need to be confident.

As with most things in life, retirement is not a one-size-fits-all affair.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Many Americans retire earlier than anticipated, making a healthy retirement account more critical. See how to improve your nest egg. [[{“value”:”

The expected retirement age in the U.S. is 66, according to Guardian Life. However, millions of us aren’t able to stay on the job that long, and the average retirement age is actually 61. For those who leave the workforce earlier than expected, there are immediate financial concerns, the most pressing being how to stretch a retirement budget.

No matter how old you are today, it may ease your mind to know there are steps you can take to boost your retirement savings. Whether or not you work until full retirement age will matter less if you know there’s plenty of money put away to cover your retirement expenses.

Free up a few dollars

If you’ve studied your household budget and can’t imagine where you could possibly squeeze another dollar out for retirement savings, you’re not alone. A CNBC poll surveyed just shy of 500 people, with 65% claiming to live paycheck to paycheck.

If your budget is already tight, here are a few simple ways to free up a little money:

Cancel subscriptions you no longer use or need: You can quickly cancel an unused gym membership, streaming channel, podcast subscription, magazine subscription, or grooming box subscription.Pay off high-interest debt: Once monthly payments on a credit card or personal loan are paid off, dedicate that money to retirement savings.Use cash: Promise yourself that you’ll only purchase something if you have enough money to cover the cost. Doing so prevents you from slipping into debt.Meal plan, use a shopping list, and order groceries online: Creating a weekly meal plan allows you to build a shopping list based only on what you require for the week. Ordering groceries online means making fewer impulse purchases.Consolidate debt: If your credit score is high enough to land a personal loan at a reasonable interest rate, use that loan to pay off all high-interest debt. You’ll be left with a single monthly payment rather than several, and you’ll save money on interest.

Let compound interest do its thing

Let’s say eating out less often, ordering groceries online, and canceling a subscription service or two frees up $75 every month. Immediately put that money to work. If you were to put those funds into a traditional or Roth IRA earning an average annual return of 7%, here’s how much they would be worth in the future:

These kinds of results can be accomplished by only investing $75 per month. Imagine how much they could balloon if you slowly added more over the years.

Take advantage of “free” money

There’s nothing simpler than taking advantage of an employer match. If your employer offers a 401(k) or other retirement savings program and offers to match a portion of your contribution, it’s basically free money.

Let’s say you earn $50,000 a year, and your employer offers to match up to 3% of your annual salary. If you contribute at least 3% ($1,500) to the retirement plan, your employer will add another 3% for a total annual contribution of $3,000.

If you’re not contributing to a company retirement plan, you may believe you need the money now, and that’s fair. However, most retirement plans involve tax-deferred contributions, so your paychecks won’t shrink as much as expected. If you contribute $1,500 toward your employer 401(k), that’s $1,500 in income that won’t be taxed.

Automate

One of the most common pieces of personal finance advice is to automate your savings. Humans crave immediate gratification. Due to a thought process called “the present bias,” we want to do the thing that immediately makes our present selves feel good.

For example, when we’re faced with the opportunity to invest for the future or spend money on something we want right now, we’re likely to make the choice that makes us feel good at the moment. The further into the future the other choice might benefit us, the less important it seems today.

In other words, we’re hardwired to spend our money now rather than put it away for the future. Although we logically understand that planning for the future is necessary, we tend to give in to immediate cravings.

Whether it’s contributions to a retirement plan or transfers from each paycheck into savings, automating removes the present bias by eliminating the need to choose between spending and saving.

It doesn’t matter how far away you are from retirement. The goal is to plan for it as though it’s right around the corner.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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The best travel credit cards offer more than just rewards points. Check out some money-saving features you may not be taking advantage of. [[{“value”:”

Credit cards, when used wisely, can be excellent financial tools that let you build a strong credit history while earning some form of rewards. And travel credit cards are tailor-made for people who leave home regularly, whether for work trips, family visits, or all-new adventures.

If you already have a favorite travel card in your wallet, you’re likely familiar with its rewards program and how it earns you points or miles with every purchase. But when was the last time you explored the details of that card to make sure you’re taking full advantage of what it offers? There may be a few perks you didn’t notice before that can provide a lot of value.

1. Membership fee credits

Credit card issuers often partner with other companies to provide discounts or credits to their cardholders. Depending on your card, you might get credits to cover traveler-focused benefits like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear memberships, allowing you to zip through airport security like the posh frequent flyer you are.

Other cards can offer hundreds of dollars back per year on ride-hailing services, airline fees, and hotel stays. If these are services you’re already using anyway, check your credit card fine print to see how much money you can get back by using your card.

2. Shopping portal discounts

Shopping sprees can be fun, but you know what’s even better? Getting those same purchases at a discount. And your travel card can help there, too.

If your card issuer has a shopping portal on its website or app, browse through the current offers to find discounts and bonus rewards at a wide variety of stores. By clicking on the offers and shopping through your card’s portal, you have access to tons of savings. Offers rotate and expire, so even if you don’t see something today, check back again to find a better fit.

3. Travel insurance protections

We’ve all likely experienced some sort of travel disruption — a missed airline connection, a canceled flight, an empty baggage carousel with your suitcase MIA. It’s an unpleasant reality of travel that something, somewhere along the line, will go awry.

The good news is that if you paid for your trip with your travel credit card, you likely have travel protections to fall back on. Many cards provide reimbursements for costs incurred due to long airline delays, cancellations, or lost luggage.

Check out your card’s benefits page on the issuer’s website or app to see what protections are available to you, then don’t sleep in the airport terminal if your flight is canceled! Go ahead and book that hotel room. You’ll rest easy knowing your card will make you whole.

4. Purchase protection

Maybe you just bought a fancy new camera for your big trip, but on the first day out — crash-bang-splat! Now it’s only a camera in the past tense. Are you out of luck?

You may have to resort to taking photos with your phone for the rest of the trip, but your travel credit card could fix the hole in your wallet. Many cards offer purchase protection, covering against damage or theft up to a certain dollar amount per item and per calendar year. Take a look at your card’s benefits on the issuer’s website or app to find out just how much you’ll be covered for, and in what situations.

Milk your card for all it’s worth

Yes, earning rewards on your spending is one of the biggest and brightest features of travel credit cards. And airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees are excellent bonus benefits that make these cards worth using.

But make sure you’re aware of all the perks your card offers, and take advantage of as many as you can. There may be some that snuck by you before that will put more money in your pocket for your next trip.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR until nearly 2026

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Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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