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Now that you're retired, you don't have to deal with annoying co-workers or the boss that always wants you to come in on Saturday. However, as many retirees have discovered, being home all day exposes them to other annoyances, like loud neighbors, roaming pets, and door to door salesmen. If you're worried about how to handle door to door solicitation, this article can provide you with some dos and dont's that will serve you well in the future.

Many seniors are afraid of being rude and will open the door to whoever rings the bell because it was common courtesy to do so when they were growing up. Someone could be in trouble and need to use the phone. But times have changed. Thieves may use this mindset to bully their way into your estate, so you have to be careful about who you open the door to. Don't worry if they need help. That's why everyone has a cell phone these days.

When someone knocks on your door, always check to see who it is. If it's someone you recognize by all means, open the door. However if you're not sure who it is or what they want, you are within your rights to ask them through the door before you open up. And just because they know you're home doesn't mean you have to open the door if you don't want what they're selling.

In situations where safety is an issue, we tend to let out heads overrule our instincts. Our gut may tell us that there's something off about the man claiming to be a government employee doing a survey on real estate but our heads will say that he can't possibly be any trouble. If anything about a door to door solicitor makes you uncomfortable, do not open the door. If a uniformed official makes you uncomfortable, phone the company to check if he is really here on their behalf.

If you do decide to open the door and hear the salesperson out, remember that you are under no obligation to invite them inside. In fact, doing so is a bad idea. You may not be able to get rid of them if you don't want what they're selling and they may even be there to case your place to see if it's worth robbing. Never answer personal questions from salespeople and drop hints that you do not live alone so you will seem less vulnerable. Do not hand over any money to a salesperson unless they have the product with them. This will ensure you are not scammed.