Written by How to start an online business as a boomer is what you will learn about. Many of you are or should be thinking about your retirement income about now. Many are not ready financially when they retire, so are you truly ready financially is something you should ask yourself.
Affiliate Disclosure
Amazon + Wealthy Affiliate + Friends
Jeffs Promise To You
You will never find any affiliate links in any of my step-by-step guides on any of my websites, I feel that my guides are to educate you, not push products & services at you.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this website may be affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support 65 Plus Life, Boomer Biz HQ, and Dawg Solutions. so I can continue creating free resources for older adults.
Amazon Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any Amazon links used throughout this website may earn a commission when you purchase through them.
Wealthy Affiliate Disclosure: I am also a proud affiliate of Wealthy Affiliate. If you choose to join their platform through my referral link, I may earn a commission. I only recommend Wealthy Affiliate because it has personally helped me build websites and create income online, and I believe it can help other older adults learn these skills too.
Thank you for supporting my work — it truly means a lot.
Jeff
How to Start an Online Business as a Boomer
From Someone Who’s Been There
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you feel two things at the same time.
Anxiety…
and hope.
Anxiety because the world has gone digital and it feels like everyone else got the memo years ago. Hope because, deep down, you believe there has to be a way to earn income online without being a tech wizard, a scam artist, or a 25-year-old influencer dancing on social media.
I understand that feeling—because I lived it.
When I Started, I Wasn’t Confident—I Was Worried
I didn’t wake up one day excited to start an online business.
I woke up worried.
Like many boomers, I was thinking about retirement income and realizing something didn’t add up. Costs were going up. Security felt shaky. And the idea of “just relaxing” in retirement didn’t feel realistic unless I had another income stream.
At the same time, I felt behind.
I wasn’t raised with computers. I didn’t grow up online. And every time I searched for “make money online,” I felt more confused than when I started.
If that sounds familiar, let me say this clearly:
You are not failing. You are not slow. You are not too old.
You are simply navigating something new.
The Overwhelm Is Real—Especially for Our Generation
Before I found my footing, I spent a lot of time overwhelmed.
There were:
- Too many videos
- Too many promises
- Too many people shouting about “passive income”
- Too many tools I didn’t understand
Words like funnels, SEO, affiliate marketing were thrown around as if everyone should already know what they mean.
Meanwhile, all I really wanted was something simple:
A legitimate way to earn income online without feeling foolish or taken advantage of.
And honestly? That’s what most boomers want.
Finding a Path That Made Sense to Me
Eventually, I came across Wealthy Affiliate.
Not because I was looking for a magic button—but because I was looking for structure.
What appealed to me wasn’t hype. It was the step-by-step approach. The ability to learn at my own pace. And a community where people weren’t pretending everything was easy.
For the first time, I wasn’t being told:
“Just do this and you’ll be rich.”
I was being shown:
“Here’s how this actually works—one step at a time.”
That made all the difference.
What Changed Wasn’t Just Skills—It Was Confidence
I didn’t suddenly become “tech-savvy.”
What changed was:
- I understood how websites work
- I learned that helping people is the foundation of real online income
- I stopped chasing shortcuts and started building something meaningful
Little by little, the anxiety eased.
I realized I didn’t need to compete with younger generations.
I didn’t need to be flashy.
I didn’t need to be perfect.
I just needed to show up consistently and help people with real problems.
Today, I Run Three Websites Helping Older Adults
Fast forward to today, and I now have three websites online, all focused on helping older adults navigate real-life challenges—finances, lifestyle changes, and aging with confidence.
That still amazes me.
Not because I’m special—but because I know exactly where I started.
I started uncertain.
I started cautious.
I started wondering if this would really work.
If you’re feeling that way right now, you’re closer than you think.
If I Were Starting Over, Here’s What I’d Tell You
If I could sit across the table from you and give you honest advice, it would be this:
- Don’t rush—this is a long-term income, not a lottery ticket
- Choose one path and stay with it
- Focus on helping people your own age—you already understand them
- Ignore anyone who says it’s “too late”
Your life experience is not a disadvantage.
It’s your greatest asset.
You’ve solved problems, made decisions, raised families, worked careers, and adapted to change before. This is just another chapter.
Is It Really Possible to Start an Online Business as a Boomer?
Yes—but not the way the internet usually sells it.
This isn’t about getting rich overnight.
It’s about building steady, meaningful income you can live comfortably on over time.
It’s about:
- Peace of mind
- Purpose
- And knowing you’re not relying on a system that feels out of your control
And perhaps most importantly—it’s about proving to yourself that you can still learn, grow, and build something new.
You’re Not Alone—and You Don’t Have to Figure This Out by Yourself
If you’re anxious but still feel that spark of possibility, I want you to know this:
I see you.
I understand you.
And I’ve been exactly where you are.
Starting an online business as a boomer isn’t about age.
It’s about courage—and you already have that, or you wouldn’t be here.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore your options, and learn in a way that respects where you’re coming from, Boomer Biz HQ is here to help guide you—one step at a time.
You don’t need to know everything to start.
You just need to start.
You Can Test Drive This—No Pressure, No Risk
One thing I appreciated early on—and something I think really matters to boomers—is that you don’t have to commit your wallet before you understand what you’re getting into.
With Wealthy Affiliate, you can join as a free member and actually see how it works before deciding anything.
That means:
- You can explore the training
- See how websites are built
- Look around the community
- Get a feel for whether this makes sense for you
No credit card required.
No obligation to upgrade.
And just as importantly—no pressure if you decide it’s not for you.
Why This Matters (Especially for Our Generation)
By the time we reach this stage of life, we’ve learned to be careful—and that’s a good thing.
We don’t want hype.
We don’t want fast talk.
And we definitely don’t want to feel trapped in something we don’t fully understand.
Testing it out as a free member lets you decide:
- Is this pace comfortable for me?
- Does this approach make sense?
- Can I see myself learning and growing here?
If the answer is yes, you can upgrade when you feel ready.
If the answer is no, you walk away having lost nothing but a little time—and gained clarity.
That’s Exactly How I’d Want You to Approach This
I’m not here to tell you this is the only path or that it’s right for everyone.
What I am saying is this:
If you’re curious about building a real online income in retirement, you deserve a chance to see how it works without risk.
That’s how I started—carefully, cautiously, and with my eyes open.
Whether you choose to move forward or pass, the decision should feel informed and comfortable. That’s the way it should be at this stage of life.
Consider This
If you’re feeling anxious but still hopeful…
If you want a retirement income you can live comfortably on…
And if you’d rather see for yourself than take anyone’s word for it—
A free test drive may be the smartest first step you can take.
No pressure.
No hype.
Just an honest look to see if this opportunity fits you.
Why I Feel It’s Important to Share This Opportunity With You
I want to be very clear about something—because clarity builds trust.
I’m not sharing this as a push or a promise.
I’m sharing it because it was part of my journey, and I believe you deserve to know your options.
When I was struggling and searching for a legitimate way to build online income, I wished someone would simply say:
“Here’s an opportunity. Look at it carefully. Decide for yourself.”
No pressure. No hype. No hidden agenda.
That’s exactly how I’m approaching this with you.
This Is About Choice—Not Convincing
At this stage of life, choice matters.
You’ve earned the right to:
- Evaluate opportunities on your own terms
- Walk away if something doesn’t feel right
- Take your time without being rushed
That’s why the free option exists—and why I believe it’s important you know about it.
You’re free to:
- Explore it and decide it’s right for you
- Explore it and decide it’s not right for you
- Or pass on it altogether
All three are valid decisions.
Why I Don’t Keep This to Myself
Some people choose not to mention opportunities like this because they worry it will sound “salesy.”
I see it differently.
I believe withholding information can be just as unfair as overselling it.
If something played a meaningful role in helping me move from uncertainty to building real online income—especially income focused on helping people our age—I feel a responsibility to mention it openly and honestly.
Not to persuade.
Not to pressure.
But to inform.
What You Do Next Is Entirely Up to You
There is no deadline.
There is no obligation.
There is no “right” answer.
If this opportunity aligns with where you are right now, you’ll know.
If it doesn’t, you’ll know that too.
My role here isn’t to tell you what to do—it’s to walk beside you, share what I’ve learned, and respect your ability to choose what’s best for your life and your retirement.
One Thing I Do Hope You Take Away
Even if you decide this isn’t for you, I hope you take this with you:
You still have options.
You still have value.
And it is not too late to create income that brings both comfort and purpose.
That belief is bigger than any platform or program—and it’s the reason Boomer Biz HQ exists in the first place.
And If You Decide to Pass—That’s Perfectly Okay
I want to leave you with one final reassurance.
You are never required to join anything to benefit from Boomer Biz HQ.
If you look at Wealthy Affiliate and decide it’s not right for you—or you’d rather not explore it at all—that’s absolutely fine.
There is no pressure here.
No expectations.
And no “catch.”
You are always welcome to learn, read, and grow right here.
Boomer Biz HQ Exists to Help—Not to Push
Every article on Boomer Biz HQ is written with one purpose:
to help older adults succeed online at their own pace.
That means:
- No forced signups
- No rushed decisions
- No pressure to buy anything
Some readers want to explore outside tools and platforms.
Others prefer to move slowly and learn through articles alone.
Both approaches are respected here.
Your Success Comes First—Always
I built Boomer Biz HQ because I know how overwhelming this journey can feel—and how discouraging it is when everything online seems to be trying to sell you something.
My commitment is simple:
- To share what I’ve learned
- To be honest about opportunities
- And to support you whether you choose to act—or not
If all you ever do is read the articles, learn at your own pace, and build confidence over time, then this site is doing exactly what it was meant to do.
Take What Serves You—Leave the Rest
You don’t owe anyone a decision.
You don’t owe anyone a purchase.
And you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Take what helps you.
Pass on what doesn’t.
Move forward in a way that feels right for you.
That’s how real progress is made—and that’s what Boomer Biz HQ is here to support.
How Wealthy Affiliate Compares to Other Popular Platforms
Below are a few options people consider when they want to learn how to make money online—especially through affiliate marketing, niche sites, or digital business training.
Wealthy Affiliate — All-in-One Training + Tools + Hosting
What it is: A platform that combines:
- step-by-step training
- website hosting
- community support
all in one place.
Why people like it:
- Great for beginners who want training and the tools in one spot
- Training specifically focused on affiliate marketing and niche websites
- Supportive community of learners
Trade-offs:
- Focused on a particular style of online business (affiliate + content sites)
- Some people want more specialized tools that are separate rather than bundled
Udemy / Skillshare (Course Marketplaces)
What it is: Vast libraries of individual courses on topics like affiliate marketing, SEO, content creation, and website building.
Why people like them:
- Very affordable and often on sale
- Great for bite-sized lessons and basics
Trade-offs:
- Courses vary widely in quality
- You’ll need to bring your own web hosting and put pieces together yourself
Authority Hacker (Authority Site System)
What it is: A more advanced, structured training program focused on building authority websites with deep, long-term strategies.
Why people choose it:
- Very detailed and strategy-rich
- Includes templates and systems
Trade-offs:
- More expensive
- Best for people committed to building larger sites, not quick starts
Affilorama
What it is: Affiliate marketing training and tools that help beginners understand the basics.
Why people like it:
- Free starter lessons
- Beginner-friendly overview
Trade-offs:
- Much of the deeper material is behind upgrades
- Doesn’t include hosting
Legendary Marketer
What it is: Online business education focused on marketing systems and sales funnels.
Why people like it:
- Strong business mindset and broader marketing principles
Trade-offs:
- Often more focused on high-ticket sales and marketing tactics
- Can be pricier with upsells
Other Paths (Free or DIY)
There are also completely free ways to learn:
- YouTube tutorials on affiliate marketing and content
- Free beginner courses from sites like Ahrefs, Great Learning, or Miles Beckler videos
- Reddit and niche blogs for practical advice and ideas
These are great for learning basics, but they don’t come with structured checklists, hosted websites, or dedicated support—so they often require more self-direction.
Remember This
No platform is universally the best for everyone. What matters is:
Your learning style — Do you want structure or freedom?
Your comfort with tech — Do you want tools bundled together or separate?
Your pace and goals — Are you building slowly for retirement income or scaling fast?
For many boomers beginning with no tech background, the calmest approach is something that:
- teaches you step by step
- gives you support and community
- lets you experiment without upfront cost
That’s exactly why some people choose Wealthy Affiliate, why others combine courses from Udemy with free tools, and why a few prefer deeper programs like Authority Hacker when they’re ready to level up.
Thank you for reading ” How to Start An Online Business As A Boomer”,
Jeff/ Boomer Biz News
Affiliate Disclosure
Amazon + Wealthy Affiliate + Friends
Jeffs Promise To You
You will never find any affiliate links in any of my step-by-step guides on any of my websites, I feel that my guides are to educate you, not push products & services at you.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this website may be affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support 65 Plus Life, Boomer Biz HQ, and Dawg Solutions. so I can continue creating free resources for older adults.
Amazon Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any Amazon links used throughout this website may earn a commission when you purchase through them.
Wealthy Affiliate Disclosure: I am also a proud affiliate of Wealthy Affiliate. If you choose to join their platform through my referral link, I may earn a commission. I only recommend Wealthy Affiliate because it has personally helped me build websites and create income online, and I believe it can help other older adults learn these skills too.
Thank you for supporting my work — it truly means a lot.
Jeff
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As a Gen Z granddaughter who basically grew up with an iPad in my hand, I’ve spent the last few years helping my grandparents realize that “retirement” doesn’t have to mean just gardening and golf. Seeing them take their decades of experience and turn it into a digital side hustle has been a total “proud granddaughter” moment.
My Grandpa was a master carpenter for 40 years. He thought nobody cared about “old techniques,” but once we set up his basic site, he realized there’s a massive audience of DIY-ers hungry for his wisdom. Boomers have the authority that my generation is still trying to build!
Thank you very much for sharing Leah
Its awesome that your grandfather took your advice and built that blog to share his woodworking techniques. Being a woodworker lover myself, I would cherish the information your grandfataher has to share.
Jeff