Retirees share 'too good to be true' side hustle which helped them see a 'large reduction in electricity bills'

Their new chapter began after the passing of their beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Max, when Stinchcombe started exploring dog walking as a profession.

She told GB News: "After Max passed away, I was looking into dog walking as a profession and then came across home and pet sitting. It just seemed like the perfect fit - it had the whole package."

The couple were drawn to the opportunity through Homesitters Ltd, which allowed them to combine their passion for dogs with their love of travelling around the UK.

While the couple didn't take up homesitting for financial reasons, they've discovered significant monetary benefits from their new venture.

By spending extended periods away from their own home, they have seen a significant drop in their energy consumption and other utility costs.

Stinchcombe said: "We were quite surprised at how much we've saved on our own bills. It's an unexpected perk of homesitting and adds to the already rewarding experience. It's been a win-win for us.

"We have noticed a large reduction in both our gas and electricity bills since joining homesitters. We have hundreds in credit in our octopus account which is a nice bonus and will make winter a very warm one indeed.

"Being on a water meter has also meant a reduction in our monthly direct debit. We are enjoying spending the additional funds on more exciting things like holidays and days out. Most definitely one of the many perks of homesitting."

The allowances they receive from homesitting contribute to their social activities, allowing them to enjoy meals out while exploring new areas.

Homesitting provides her a "fulfilling experience" beyond the primary responsibility of caring for animals. Retirees can earn hundreds of pounds extra each month for taking on homesitter duties.

At Homesitters Ltd, the minimum pay one can expect to earn for caring for a home for two weeks - without pets - is £333.06. This includes a daily food allowance with 1 hour 45 minutes of duties a day.

The minimum pay to care for a home, with two dogs and a cat, for two weeks is £367.92 which also includes the daily food allowance. On top of this, their mileage (to and from, and preliminary visit) is reimbursed to them.

Homesitters also make savings on their home utilities as they are away from home, and can stay at the home for free whilst homesitting.

The Stinchcombes take their homesitting duties seriously, going above and beyond for their clients. Andy dedicates time to garden maintenance, including re-seeding lawns, while Eleanor ensures homes are spotlessly clean and tidy for the owners' return.

The role allows them to maintain their active lifestyle while providing a valuable service to homeowners.

"It's incredibly rewarding to know that we're making a difference in both the homes we look after and the lives of the pets we care for," the pair agreed.

The Stinchcombes emphasise that their success in early retirement comes down to careful financial planning from the start of their careers.

They said: "Advice for early retirement really does just come down to forward planning from an early age. Invest money into personal pensions."

The couple stress that with proper planning, retirement can be both enjoyable and financially stable.

For them, homesitting has become more than just an activity - it's a fulfilling lifestyle choice.

Stinchcombe added: "We absolutely love taking care of the pets and making sure the clients can go away safe in the knowledge that their pets and home are in safe hands.

"We find it extremely rewarding and the financial rewards I've mentioned above are a bonus."