Words are not enough to describe how bad the economy is for seniors nowadays. Gone are the days when you say that retired seniors are living well, jet-setting to and from exotic islands and have nothing better to do than spend money for luxuries and unnecessary things. Seniors are now spending their “retired” time working freelance and extra time for finding money-making ventures they could embark on. Apparently, there was no age limit for money-hunting these days.
These past few months, I have posted about freelance jobs for older adults and full-time job tips that can help seniors find something that they can actually work on and earn money. Extra money is very important nowadays, even if you had prepared well in the past for your retirement years. Moreover, extra money doesn’t really necessarily mean they should be spent the minute you get them into your hands; they should be saved for the rainy days and in fact, you will never know what comes next so it is best to come prepared for it than regret it later. Remember, medical bills are continually rising and it seems that it isn’t stopping anytime soon.
According to surveys, seniors prefer staying at bed and breakfast inns than in any other accommodation settings when they travel. Mostly because bed and breakfast inns are cheaper than hotels plus they provide that homey feel we usually missed the minute we stepped out of our houses. Best of all, it provides lasting friendship between the travelers and the house owner; more like an accommodation on a personal level.
Requirements for a small bed and breakfast business are quite simple: of course you will need a house with rooms you can rent out to lodgers. You also need to be accommodating, meaning you love company and you don’t mind if there are people sharing your house and using your stuff. The house itself should be in a tip-top shape before you can advertise about your small, at-home business. Furthermore, you will need some basic cooking experiencing for the “breakfast” part. If you are currently living with a younger caregiver who could lend you a helping hand then your B&B business could work and earn you money.
Rates for B&B vary greatly, depending on your location and accessibility of your house. It is best to do some research first about your area and if there is an existing competition within close proximity. Also, take time to look for travelers to accommodations ratio if and when a competitor is present. Check online for rates and base your own from there. Of course, don’t expect this little venture to bring lots of money especially during the first few years; like stated earlier, this business is supposed to be an added incentive only and not a large-scale hotel operation so it pays not to expect too much from it.
If you have decided to go for this kind of venture and you have no prior background whatsoever, get help for planning and start-up management. You may want to get your house inspected for pests, cracks and electrical wirings and connections. Call your local agencies and authorities for restrictions and certifications, if you need one. Plus, don’t forget to discuss it over the next family dinner so everyone would know what you are planning to do.
