NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - By 2030, the number of Americans over age 65 could more than double, putting a strain on the federal budget. But Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan says retirees can lessen the burden by financing more of their retirement themselves.

Americans are already working longer. Some say they've headed back to the grind out of financial need, but others say they want to work. Many are learning new skills and launching a second careers.

Are you looking to make a career comeback? Here are today's 5 Tips.

Are you interested in returning to your former field or doing something completely different?

If you're looking for employment in your old field, make a list of what you've done and accomplished in past positions. That can help you craft a targeted, more relevant resume. The AARP has helpful resume writing and interviewing tips on its Web site, as well as a career worksheet and links to community colleges across the nation in case you need to brush up on skills. Check out www.aarp.org.

If you're thrilled by the idea of doing something completely new, however, you're not alone. According to a recent survey by Harris Interactive and AIG SunAmerica, nearly 40 percent of people aged 55 and over view retirement as a whole new beginning.

The Department of Labor's Career InfoNet at www.acinet.org is an invaluable tool for those looking to plot a new course. There are links to help you identify potential fields of interest and a skills profiler that can help match your skills with appropriate job types.

Have you always dreamed of being a pastry chef -- or a yoga instructor? There's even a "certification finder" to help jobseekers learn about the skills and education requirements needed for different occupations. The site also features resume and interview strategies.

Are you looking to get back to work? CNNfn's Gerri Willis shares five tips on launching a second career. Play video (Real or Windows Media)

If you're ready to get back in the game, there are some great free online job search tools specifically for seniors. Log on to www.seniorhelpwanted.com, which offers a range of job listings for executive positions, part-time laborers, work-at-home jobs and everything in between.

Web site www.seniorjobbank.com lists nationwide jobs to help individuals over 50 find employment. Check out www.seniors.gov, where you'll find listings for federal job and volunteer opportunities nationwide. At www.theretiredworker.com, you'll find listings for part-time, temporary and occasional work.

Conventional wisdom has been that companies prefer hiring younger workers. But some in corporate America are embracing seniors.

The AARP just released its honor roll of Top 35 Employers for workers over 50. Firms like Deere & Co., Adecco and Pitney Bowes were recognized for their commitment to recruiting, retaining and treating mature workers right.

The employment outlook is bright for older Americans. According to the AARP, 20 percent of the workforce will be over age 55 by 2012, compared with 14 percent in 2002. Among the measures companies embracing are phased retirement programs, flexible work schedules and retraining initiatives.

Phased retirement programs allow older employees to work reduced hours for a period of time before full retirement. This way, retirement becomes a gradual process rather than a sudden life change.

Flexible schedules allow workers to choose what time they'll begin and end their day, and how many hours they'll work. Some companies may even allow their employees to work from home some of the time. Retraining is also helpful, allowing older workers keep up with changing workplaces.

These measures are great for older workers looking to stay employed. But employers benefit too. They get to keep skilled workers in the company ranks. And in many cases, older workers serve as mentors and trainers for younger employees. For a look at the AARP's honor roll, visit www.aarp.org.

In 2002, 5.6 million workers aged 50 and up (16 percent of the 50-plus workforce) were self-employed. If working for someone else in retirement doesn't appeal to you, why not be your own boss?

If you'd like to put your lifetime of work experience to work for yourself, why not think about doing consulting in your old field? You'll be able to use your skills, do what you love and set your own hours.

If you're looking to start your own business from scratch, a good place to begin is SCORE, a nonprofit association that provides would-be entrepreneurs with free, face-to-face and e-mail business counseling. Counseling and workshops are offered at 389 chapter offices nationwide. Services are provided by volunteers who are experienced entrepreneurs or corporate managers. For more information, check out www.score.org.

Also, make sure to check out the government's www.careeronestop.org "Business Center." The site has links aimed at helping would-be entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their businesses. Another one to try is www.notretiredyet.com, which has helpful articles for the entrepreneurial-minded and retirees looking to become free agents.

There are some things you'll need to know before you dive into a new career, or get back to the grind.

If you're full retirement age (age 65 and 4 mos. or older) and work, you can keep all of your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. But if you're younger (between 62 and full retirement age), there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits.

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The government will deduct $1 for each $2 you earned above $11,640 from your benefits. If you turn retirement age during 2004, the government will deduct $1 for each $3 you earned above $31,080 from your benefits, until you officially turn 65 and 4 months.

For more benefits and tax related information, visit www.ssa.gov where you'll also find calculators to help you crunch numbers or call 1-800-772-1213.

Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News. Willis also hosts CNNfn's Open House, weekdays from Noon to 12:30 p.m. (ET). E-mail comments to 5tips@cnn.com.