So, it is a new year and I am trying to get through all my “put aside for later mail”.  If it was not a bill, Christmas card or something that LOOKED important, it was put aside until such a time as this.  

I am having a nice cup of coffee and what do I see.  In the December 2018 AARP Bulletin, there is an article regarding Website Wolves.  UGH, I mean I am thankful for AARP calling these people out because it makes me MAD when these scammers try to take advantage of us seniors. 

They offer to help you set up an internet business.  OK, there are legitimate people who do that.   HOWEVER, you do not just create a website, put it online and expect people to come rushing to buy from you.  These scammers were offering inexpensive web design kits simply to generate leads for telemarketing. 

If I could just be Queen for a day, I would do horrible things to people who bilk money from others simply for their own profit.  There are people, like me, that really need help creating an online business and you cannot assume everyone is honest.  There are pros and cons to living “back in the day” when a hand shake meant something.  So, what is a person to do?  You always have to do your due diligence.  Check them out first and get references. 

Before I retired, I figured out my finances.  I looked at what monthly living expenses and income would be, the savings I had and what I hoped to do in retirement such as travel and enjoy myself while I still could.  I determined that with what I had, I could go “crazy” for 3 years.  Then I would have to find a part time job to cover my deficit. My deficit was small but it existed. I could not wait any longer to get more money.  I was SO over my job and the long commute.  I would  NEED a job.

I started looking for Online or Home based work.  I did not want to deal with a commute and wanted income that fit MY schedule.  I stumbled upon Wealthy Affiliate.  I can tell you with all sincerity, it was the best decision I ever made.  I say this for a few reasons that I have stated below. 

If you check my profile, you will see that I started in 2011 (before retirement) but in reality, I did not engage until a couple years later.  I meant to but work got in the way.  After retirement, I got serious and jumped into the training.  It was exciting!  Let me say upfront, it is NOT A GET RICH QUICK deal.  If you need money right NOW to pay your bills, get a part time job or stay with the job you have.

What it IS is an opportunity to make money legitimately doing affiliate marketing.  What is affiliate marketing?   It is simple.  You promote product(s) or services for companies online.  When one of your readers purchases, you get a commission.  This is the Cliff Notes (loved them) version.  Kyle (co-owner) shows you step by step how to do this. 

Baby boomers have a lot of experience and blogging is one of the ways we can share that experience.  We might as well make money at it.  Let me say right here that you have to have the right mindset.  Do not do this if you want to scam people out of money.  You should truly want to be of assistance.  I take pride in our generation of people.  The majority of us have ethics and treat people right. 

Write about your passion.  My first site is about scrapbooking.  http://scrapbookingforanyone.com/  I love scrapbooking and have been doing it for YEARS.  People would see my books and feel overwhelmed.  So, I created a blog to help them see that it really isn’t that hard.  It is more about your heart than your artistic ability.  I put in some links to products that I use from Amazon and voila, when they use my link and purchase from Amazon, I get a commission.  The beauty with Amazon is that they do not even have to buy scrapbooking supplies.  If they buy a car from that link, I get the commission.   Hey, with the way Amazon is going, they could sell cars in the future. 

You get out of it what you put in.  Honestly, I could make more out of it but I get sidetracked a lot with my family and friends.  This is my choice though and the beauty is, I can come back and pick up where I left off.  I like that.

Why will Wealthy Affiliate have me forever? 

• From the beginning, Kyle (co-owner/trainer) takes you step by step on HOW to do everything.  I definitely needed this as I did NOT have a clue.  I took 2 computer coding classes (Pascal) back in the day and RAN back to my accounting class.  I could not code my way out of a box!!
• I have all the flexibility I could want – working when/where I want (have computer will travel)
• I can make as much or as little as I want (more effort/dedication = more money)
• There is no “pay this small amount then we will up sell you more……..” (ANNOYING!)
• The community is huge and diverse (age, country and knowledge wise) so I have met people all over the globe and communicate with them frequently
• The community is not cut throat (hello workplace).  Everyone actually helps you if they can
• There is continuous training online and every Fri there is a webinar addressing different issues.  Of course, there is NO additional charge.  Aside from that Jay (the guy who does the webinars) is entertaining
• I love Kyle and Carson (co-owners) – they are sincere, down to earth guys.  They WANT you to succeed and do everything in their power to help

SO, if you are like me, and overspent on Christmas and waiting for the bills, take a look at this.  I say it may not help you with the Christmas bills but I have known people that make money right away.  However, they were more experienced and focused than I was.  Maybe you are too.  It took me maybe 6 months?  Full disclosure, I do make a commission from you joining but it is NOT a MLM where I want to sign you up so you sign others up under me. 

Trust me said the spider to the fly….sorry, could not resist.  Seriously, it costs nothing to look and decide for yourself.   I am passionate about this and tired of all the scams out there.  I was duped a couple times.  This IS a part time job and you have to put time and energy in but it is so worth everything you get out of it. 

Comments and Thoughts are welcomed and encouraged. I am seriously here to help.

~Debbi