In partnership with
Welcome to another issue of Retire & RISE.
Where we build tech confidence slowly and safely, share simple how-tos and real stories, and celebrate late-blooming learners like royalty who refuse to be left behind. 🎄✨
Know someone who’s “AI-curious” but still says things like “I’m too old for this stuff”? Forward this email to them!
In today’s issue:
The quiet tech wins you’ve collected this year (yes, you).
Why those “small steps” count more than you think.
How your story could help someone who’s just beginning.
🎁 You’re Further Along Than You Think
A gentle December reminder you deserve more credit than you give yourself.
💡 Thought-Shifting Opener
Most people underestimate their progress but retirees learning tech?
You are Olympic-level underestimators.
You think you’re “behind,” but you’ve actually built skill, courage, and discernment all year long… quietly, steadily, without fanfare.
And Frank, I know this because I’ve watched it.
📖 A Short Story From This Week
A member of our group, let’s call her Susan, emailed me two days ago.
She said, “Bob, I finally asked a question in the Facebook group. I typed it… deleted it… typed it again… and hit POST before I chickened out.”
A year ago, she told me she was terrified to even open Facebook because she was “sure a hacker was waiting behind every button.”
This week, she posted a smart, clear question about how to tweak a ChatGPT prompt.
That is not small.
That is courage.
That is growth.
That is a woman who is no longer afraid of her own curiosity.
It reminded me how many of you have done similar things. Things you shrug off as “no big deal” because they did not involve building a website or making $1,000 yet.
But those small steps are actually the foundation for everything you want to build next year.
.
🌟 Tech Wins You Probably Forgot to Celebrate
If any of these sound like you, congratulations, you are not a beginner anymore.
You are quietly capable.
You opened a new AI tool and didn’t slam the laptop shut this time.
You copied a prompt into ChatGPT and used the response for something real.
You followed a step-by-step tutorial instead of whispering “I’m too old for this.”
You found the Settings button (yes, that counts).
You created a password that wasn’t written on an envelope from 1998.
These are not small.
These are signs of someone who is building digital muscles - one rep at a time.
🌱 Mindset Wins (These Matter Even More)
Tech is actually the easy part.
Mindset? That’s where the magic happens.
This year, you…
Paused before clicking “Buy Now” and did real research.
Walked away from hype that didn’t feel right.
Asked better questions, the kind that keep you from getting scammed.
Admitted, “I do not get this yet,” instead of quietly staying stuck.
Decided it is okay to be a learner again at 60, 70, or beyond.
Refused to quit even when a dashboard made you want to throw your tablet into the yard.
These are the wins that show me you are serious and that you are stronger than you realize.
⚙️ Tactical Reflection Exercise
Before Christmas, try this simple 3-minute check-in.
Step 1 - Write down 3 tech things you can do now that you couldn’t last December.
(Examples: “I can use ChatGPT,” “I can upload a file,” “I can spot a scam from a mile away.”)
Step 2 - Name 1 tool you’re less afraid of now.
(Email builder? Facebook? ChatGPT? Zoom?)
Step 3 - Finish one of these sentences:
“This year, I learned I can…”
“A moment I felt brave with tech was when…”
“One small win I’m proud of is…”
This exercise isn’t busywork.
It trains your brain to recognize progress — because what you notice, you reinforce.
This newsletter you couldn’t wait to open? It runs on beehiiv — the absolute best platform for email newsletters.
Our editor makes your content look like Picasso in the inbox. Your website? Beautiful and ready to capture subscribers on day one.
And when it’s time to monetize, you don’t need to duct-tape a dozen tools together. Paid subscriptions, referrals, and a (super easy-to-use) global ad network — it’s all built in.
beehiiv isn’t just the best choice. It’s the only choice that makes sense.
🧭 Intelligent Elevation
Why does any of this matter?
Because tech confidence is the real engine of online income.
At 50+, you already bring something younger people don’t:
Better instincts
Healthy skepticism
Patience
The ability to ask, “Does this actually make sense?”
That combination means you don’t fall for hype. You build real skills, slowly and sustainably.
Your quiet progress this year is what makes earning online possible next year.
💌 A Note of Gratitude From Me
I want to say this plainly:
Thank you.
Thank you for showing up even when the tech felt confusing.
Thank you for reading, replying, asking questions, and trying new things.
Thank you for trusting me in a world that can feel overwhelming, noisy, and full of nonsense.
You are the reason Retire & RISE exists.
Your courage is the heartbeat of this whole community.
I would love for you to hit reply and share one moment from this year when you surprised yourself.
Choose one:
“This year, I learned I can…”
“A moment I felt brave with tech was when…”
“One small win I’m proud of is…”
Your note doesn’t have to be long.
But your story might be exactly what another retiree needs to hear to believe in themselves again.
🎁 A Low-Risk Next Step (OLSP)
If you’re looking for a simple starting point with real earning potential without hype, OLSP is where I send beginners.
And to remove the fear of wasting money:
👉 If you join OLSP for $7, I will personally reimburse your $7.
Just reply “OLSP” and I’ll send you the details.
This is for smart starters, not impulse shoppers.
If you’ve been waiting for a low-stress way to dip your toe in, this is it.
💬 Closing Insight
You are not behind.
You are just in chapter two and you have already written more pages than you think.
See you at the bank. 💰
Bob
Missed a previous issue? You can catch up any time at https://retireandrise.beehiiv.com.
Each newsletter is archived there for easy reading and sharing.
I also have reviews to profitable products there as well.
Check it out.
🏦 See You at the Bank Picks
💬 Real tools. Real results. No hype.
These are the exact programs and tools I personally use that keep producing real commissions - month after month.
I’m not chasing the latest “shiny object” anymore, just sticking with what works for everyday people who want honest online income.
💵 My Go-To Income Builders
1️⃣ OLSP System - My $7 starter turned into over $3,500 (and counting).
2️⃣ AI Cash Machines - A simple AI setup for daily commissions.
3️⃣ GotBackup - A legit data-protection service that pays monthly.
4️⃣ LeadsLeap - A must have for every internet marketer.
If you decide to try one of these, let me know if I can help and how it goes.
Your story might become the next See You at the Bank success I share here.
🔁 Hashtags
#RetireAndRise #TechConfidence #AIPoweredIncome #LateBloomers #SeniorsOnline #ChatGPTForRetirees #SideIncomeAfter50 #LearnNewSkills #NoTechStress #DigitalCourage #SeeYouAtTheBank
