Why After 60 Youâll Want One and Not the Other
If youâve been curious about making money online, youâve probably run into two main âopportunitiesâ: Wealthy Affiliate and multilevel marketing (MLM). Both make big promises about financial freedom, but letâs just say the how and who actually benefits are very, very different.
Iâve dipped my toes into both, and today Iâm breaking it down so you donât waste time (or money) chasing something that leaves you with a garage full of products no one wants. Spoiler: if youâre over 60, Wealthy Affiliate is the clear winner.
What Are These Things Anyway?
Wealthy Affiliate (the good one)
Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one training platform that teaches you how to build a real online business using affiliate marketing. Translation: you learn how to create a website, attract visitors, and earn commissions by recommending products or services.
What I like?
- Training modules that start at âwhatâs a website?â and grow with you.
- Built-in tools like hosting and keyword research (no duct-taping five services together).
- A friendly community that answers newbie questions without making you feel like you asked how to turn on your computer.
- No sneaky upsells. What you see is what you get.
Itâs clear, itâs doable, and dare I say⊠itâs even fun.
đ©MLM (the one with the red flags)
MLM stands for multilevel marketing. You might know it by its other names: ânetwork marketingâ or âhey girl, Iâve got an amazing opportunity for you.â
Hereâs how it works:
- You buy into a company selling products (supplements, skincare, leggings â you name it).
- You earn commissions on sales.
- The real money comes from recruiting people under you (âyour downlineâ) who then recruit others.
The catch? According to the FTC, only a teeny-tiny percentage of people actually profit. Most spend more on products, starter kits, and âmandatoryâ events than they ever earn back. The business model rewards the recruiters at the top, not the newcomers at the bottom. (Guess where most people start?)
The Core Difference
- Affiliate Marketing (via Wealthy Affiliate): You attract an online audience, solve problems with useful content, recommend products people already want, and get commissions. No recruiting required.
- MLM: You push products on friends and family, recruit like crazy, and pray your downline keeps selling. The stress is real, and the success rates are⊠well, not great.
Reality Check: Making Money
Affiliate marketing is slower at first â you wonât get rich overnight. But the content you create becomes an asset. Blog posts and videos can earn you commissions for months (even years) after you make them.
MLM, on the other hand? Most people Iâve met end up with a closet of âinventoryâ they couldnât sell, strained friendships, and the vague feeling they just paid to work for free. Unless youâre a recruiting machine with a massive network, long-term income is rare.
đ„Why I Recommend Wealthy Affiliate (Especially After 60)
- Training That Works: Step-by-step for beginners, deeper dives as you grow. No pressure, no nonsense.
- Skills That Transfer: Website building, SEO, and content creation arenât just for affiliate marketing. You can use them in tons of other online projects.
- Community Without the Hype: A genuine group of people cheering you on, not pressuring you into buying more products.
- Always Updated: Live classes, webinars, and current training keep you learning what actually works now.
And the best part? You can try it free. That means you can test-drive the platform without emptying your wallet or filling your garage.
What to Expect Inside Wealthy Affiliate
- â Free Starter Membership: Includes beginner training, a website, and community support.
- Premium Option: Unlocks advanced training, extra hosting, private coaching, and more.
- Regular Live Training: Learn current strategies, SEO updates, and case studies directly from experts.
Itâs beginner-friendly, affordable, and thereâs no pressure to âsell, sell, sell.â You go at your own pace.
đRed Flags With MLM
Hereâs what stood out for me (and not in a good way):
- Costly Products: Starter kits and monthly âautoshipsâ eat into profits.
- Recruitment Pressure: Meetings are basically about finding fresh recruits.
- Terrible Odds: MLMsâ own income statements show that most people make little to nothing.
- Skills That Donât Transfer: Learning how to âpitchâ your aunt on overpriced protein shakes wonât help you in other careers.
And letâs not forget the dreaded garage of shame â stacked high with inventory you had to buy just to qualify for bonuses. Add event tickets, retreats, and branded merch⊠and itâs easy to spend more than you make.
Questions I Hear All the Time
Can I start without spending much?
Yes, with Wealthy Affiliate. Free starter tier, website included. Most MLMs? Nope. Youâll pay upfront just to join.
What if Iâm not a salesperson?
Perfect! Affiliate marketing doesnât require sales calls or awkward pitches. You create helpful content, people come to you.
How fast will I see results?
Affiliate marketing takes time â think months, not weeks. But your content works for you long-term. MLMs push the idea of âquick money,â but itâs usually quick losses.
Is there community support?
Absolutely. WA has a huge, active community ready to answer your questions. MLM âsupportâ often boils down to your upline telling you to recruit harder.
Am I expected to recruit?
With WA, zero recruiting. With MLMs? Recruiting is basically the business model.
The Bottom Line
If youâre over 60 and looking to build something online that wonât wreck your friendships or your bank account, Wealthy Affiliate is the way to go.
Itâs transparent, ethical, and teaches you skills that actually last. You get training, support, and the freedom to grow at your own pace. No awkward pitches, no monthly quotas, no garage full of products youâll never use.
For women (and men) stepping into retirement or their second act, Wealthy Affiliate offers the stability, flexibility, and community you need to succeed online. If youâve been burned by MLMs before, consider this your permission slip to say never again and choose a path that actually makes sense.
đ Try Wealthy Affiliate Free đ
Cheers!
~Lisa Renee
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