Passive income in retirement is what most people would like in their retirement. Some do it because of the strong investment based, but many haven’t saved enough, for a variety of reasons, to make that happen. So while this blog isn’t about 100% passive income (not sure there is such a thing), it’s an idea that will not take a lot of time, and build on wisdom you probably already have because of your years on this earth. Whether you are looking for passive income in retirement or still planning and look for passive income for retirement, this could be a good side hustle for you.
Online Advice Columns
In the digital era, where information is at our fingertips and personal stories resonate more than ever, the age-old tradition of advice-giving has found a new, lucrative lease of life. Welcome to the world of advice columns, a realm where empathy meets entrepreneurship, and where your insights could potentially turn into income. But how does one transform a passion for helping others into a profitable venture? This is not just about the art of giving advice, it’s about weaving your understanding of human dilemmas into a sustainable business model.
There are a number of columnist that most people are familiar with. Some of these include:
Dear Abby (originally by Pauline Phillips, later by her daughter Jeanne Phillips): “Dear Abby” is one of the most famous advice columns in the world, originally started in 1956. It offers advice on a wide range of personal issues and is renowned for its compassionate and straightforward approach.
Ann Landers (originally by Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer): Ann Landers, whose column began in 1955, was the twin sister of Pauline Phillips (Dear Abby). Her column was famous for its sensible, often direct advice. The column continued under different writers after her death in 2002.
Carolyn Hax: Writing for The Washington Post, Carolyn Hax offers advice on relationships, marriage, and parenting. Known for her witty and empathetic responses, Hax has been writing since 1997 and has a loyal following.
Dan Savage (Savage Love): Dan Savage started his advice column, “Savage Love,” in 1991, focusing primarily on sex, relationships, and their complexities. He is known for his blunt, often humorous style.
These columnists have gained popularity through a combination of their distinctive writing styles, their ability to connect with readers, and their insightful approaches to a wide range of personal and relationship issues. Their columns are widely syndicated and have become a staple in many newspapers and online platforms.
Advice column writer
To have a successful advice column, a mix of diverse skills is essential, starting with strong writing skills to articulate thoughts clearly, concisely, and engagingly for a broad audience. Equally important are empathy and sensitivity, as dealing with personal issues requires an understanding and respectful approach. Research skills become crucial when you need to provide informed and accurate advice on topics outside your immediate knowledge. Having expertise in a specific area, whether it be relationships, career advice, health, or parenting, adds credibility and value to your counsel. Confidentiality is key; maintaining the privacy of your correspondents by anonymizing personal details is a must. Good interpersonal skills help in understanding and connecting with the audience, even in writing, allowing you to empathize deeply with their situations. Ethical judgment is necessary for navigating complex issues, ensuring the advice considers the well-being of all involved. Consistency in posting and reliability build a loyal readership, while engaging with your audience through comments, social media, or live sessions enhances the column’s appeal. Additionally, a basic understanding of legal considerations surrounding the advice given can prevent potential liability issues, making it a multifaceted role that requires a commitment to thoughtfully addressing the concerns of your audience.
Making Money With An Advice Column
Monetizing an advice column can vary, with income generation largely dependent on the column’s reach, popularity, and hosting platform. Depending on which avenue(s) you choose for making income through an advice column, some of them could be more passive income for retirement than others. Advertising revenue is a common source of income, especially for columns on websites or blogs that draw significant traffic, allowing for direct ads, sponsored content, or participation in programs like Google AdSense. Some columns may adopt a subscription or paywall model, charging readers for access to content. Syndication offers another revenue path, with columns being reprinted across various newspapers or online platforms for a fee. Sponsored content allows for partnerships with companies, provided there’s transparency about such content to readers. Affiliate marketing can prove lucrative, especially when product recommendations come with affiliate links that generate commission on sales. Established columnists may also find opportunities in public speaking, appearances at events, or writing books based on their columns. Offering personal consultations or advice, creating online courses or workshops, and selling branded merchandise are additional ways to monetize an advice column. Success in these ventures typically hinges on first building a loyal readership and establishing credibility within one’s niche, setting a foundation for financial success.
Advice Column Ideas
You may already have an idea on what you would like to give advice on, or perhaps you are looking for ideas. In today’s market place, identifying non-competitive niches for an advice column is a good idea. Some niches might be less saturated than popular areas like relationships, health, or finance. Here are a few potentially less competitive niches.
- Pet Care and Behavior: Advice specifically about pets, ranging from care tips to understanding pet behavior, can be a unique niche. This can include specific types of pets like exotic animals, which are less commonly covered.
- Hobby-Specific Advice: Focusing on a specific hobby or interest, such as gardening, crafting, or amateur astronomy, can attract a dedicated audience. These columns can offer tips, project ideas, and troubleshooting advice.
- Local Community Issues: Addressing local or regional issues, concerns, and events can fill a gap in community-focused advice. This can include navigating local government services, community engagement, or local environmental issues.
- Cultural Adaptation and Travel: Offering advice to people moving to new countries or cultures, including tips on adaptation, etiquette, and travel, can be a niche market.
- Career Specializations: While career advice is common, focusing on a specific industry or career stage (like early career professionals, retirees looking for post-retirement careers) can be less competitive.
- Educational Guidance: Advising on specific educational paths, such as homeschooling, special education, or adult education, can cater to specific audiences.
- Sustainable Living and Eco-Friendly Practices: As environmental concerns grow, advice on sustainable living, eco-friendly practices, and green technology can be both trendy and impactful.
- Art and Creativity Coaching: Offering advice on creative processes, art projects, or overcoming creative blocks can appeal to artists and creative individuals.
- Technology for Seniors: Providing tech advice for seniors, helping them navigate the digital world, from using smartphones to understanding social media and online safety.
- Parenting Specific Age Groups or Needs: Instead of general parenting advice, focusing on specific stages (like toddlers, teenagers) or specific needs (like parenting gifted children, children with disabilities) can be a niche.
Remember, the key to a successful advice column in a less competitive niche is not just the uniqueness of the topic, but also your expertise, the quality of your advice, and your ability to engage and grow your audience. It’s also important to conduct market research to ensure there is sufficient interest in your chosen niche. So while the upfront work it takes to create an advice column, over time it could be minimal time and provide you with passive income for retirement.
Starting an advice column is an especially fitting side hustle for individuals over 50, primarily due to their substantial life experience. This experience, accumulated over decades, is invaluable and can be applied in various areas. Your years have often equipped you with insights into human behavior, resilience in facing life’s challenges, and the ability to provide practical, tried-and-tested solutions, regardless of which niche you choose.
For more side hustle ideas for preretirement or already retired, visit sidehustleforretirees.com.