Create Your Own Economic Stimulus Package!

Part time work in retirement is the best way to survive turmoil in the stock market. I am fortunate enough to work as a contract healthcare consultant for a wonderful company, The Oncology Group. When you retire, consider what skills you have that others might use. If you can afford to volunteer your skills, that's great, but most people need additional income given that retirement funds have taken a hit in the economic downturn. There are always healthcare options if that's your field, or if you've been a teacher, consider tutoring on your own or for a company that provides the service. What talents do you have that could translate into work? Can you play an instrument or are you really good at photography? Teaching a continuing education course at a local community college in quilt making or scrapbooking can earn you a little travel money with a minimal time commitment. Writing and editing are also good ways to make a little extra money if you have an English or journalism background or just had a really good high school English experience! There are several web based companies that are always looking for writers. Check out Demand Studios or just type freelance writers or freelance writing in your search engine. Copy editing is another option if you have an eye for finding errors...you know who you are...you can't read a book, ad or magazine article without finding a misspelling or weird sentence! Consider jobs that compliment your interests such as working in a bookstore or movie theater. I think if I didn't have my consulting option, I would work at Chicos! I love their clothes and would love to get a discount! Many businesses are eager to get mature, part-time workers that are dependable and have skills that are desirable without the drama. Because you are retired, you don't have to struggle with explaining why you want to go back to work...just tell them you need extra money or you've gotten bored!

I have talked to many people over the last few years that have gotten bored in retirement. While they enjoy the money, lots of them enjoy the social outlet of work almost as much. If you are single or your significant other is still working, going back to work part time may be fun, especially if you choose a job that is your avocation. At one point, Woody and I thought we wanted a gallery but that requires too much commitment...the key is to determine how much freedom you are willing to give up for extra cash. If you're working too much, you can't have fun with all your extra money!

So your lesson for today...don't be afraid to go back to work if you need extra cash but think outside the box a bit. You might be tired of your "old" job, but trying something new could be just the economic stimulus you need!

Trip Planning!

It's time to hit the road again! As you know we stayed home this winter rather than leave our beautiful granddaughter! But now that she's a year old, we might be able to leave for a few weeks without having withdrawal. First trip though will be to the beach with the baby and the kiddos! This will be our first family vacation in a while...in fact...the last one I can remember was our Christmas cruise with Libby and Chris. So first stop...Panama City Beach because they have more things for Savannah to do.  Then we head out in the motor home to Brown County, Indiana, South Bend, Indiana for a wedding, then up the Lake Michigan coast...finally to Mackinac Island! We've wanted to go there for about 100 years but just never got it together. Then to Sault St. Marie and on to Door County, Green Bay and then? We haven't figured out where to go next....that's the fun of being retired and owning an RV. Of course....gas is the highest since we went to Montana for 6 months when it hit $4.50 a gallon! We just can't start a road trip without gas going up. As always there is a tip embedded here....if you shop at Kroger, you can earn big discounts on gas. We are Publix people and they just ran a promotion that gave us a $50 Shell card for $40! I think it was to compete with Kroger. So watch for specials on gas and compare pricing between stations. We have a 5-8 cent swing just in our little town.

I just scanned through about 200 channels on TV and can't find a thing to watch..it may be time to down size my Comcast subscription! It must be bad because I'm watching the Kardashian's...I am embarrassed! So I think I'll scan on to something else. How about music videos? Not a bad choice. So second tip...how many of the channels that you pay for do you really watch? I did just save about $20 on my cell phone by changing my plan a bit. So that's at least one dinner out a month at Cracker Barrel or anywhere I have a coupon. I have a purse full of dining coupons...can't remember coupons for the grocery, but I always have one or two for meals.  I guess it's the little things that will add up over time. Like making coffee at home rather than Starbucks! Or if I just have to have Starbucks, getting regular coffee with room for milk instead of a Latte.

Can you believe the floods we're having...and storms...and earthquakes...and demonstrations across the world? I am beginning to wonder if the Mayans had it right that 2012 might be all we get. Our weather here in H'ville has been weird...in the 90's one day and a high of 58 the next. My sinuses are going crazy. Our world is really in a tizzy right now...Nostradamus may be on to something. So...final tip for tonight...never go to bed angry...hug your family and tell them you love them...be kind to others...do random acts of kindness even when no one is looking...and have a little fun along the way! Have a wonderful week peeps!