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Is this what this newsletter is now, nothing more than a marketing tool for Amazon? I've been receiving this newsletter for at least half a decade in anticipation of my retirement in less than five months, as well as learn how to successfully get to and steer through the retirement path. New and interesting stories seem few and far between this past year. Much of it seems to be regurgitated old stories. John Brady, what's going on here?

Thanks for your comment Brian. You bring up some interesting points we have been meaning to discuss. As we saw recently on another great free website lately, the Internet isn't as free as it used to be. Small independents like we are, sites that are trying to pay the bills that don't charge subscription fees, aren't having such an easy time as they might have had in the past. The search engines, which used to reward us for our original content, are more focused on advertising and rewarding the click bait sites who know how to game the system. AI scrapes us and steals the content we worked hard to create. Our revenues from Google have not only been decimated as a result of that, but also because we also chose to stop running their more intrusive ads, after many of our readers complained.
In the last month or so we have been experimenting with Amazon Associates, just like the NY Times and many others do with their Wirecutter series. This one article coincides with their big sale of the year. We figured, who would object to a bargain that might offer big savings on carefully vetted products. So far it looks like this is not going to be a great revenue source, although with rising expenses every penny counts. Certainly featured articles like this will be rare.

As to regurgitation, yes, sometimes we rerun our favorite articles from the past (we've been around for 16 years and it is a little hard to think of a topic we haven't covered!) We update them, and like to think long time subscribers might like a refresher, and newer ones don't want to miss out.
So, Brian, how can you support us so we can keep the doors open and the FREE content coming that you have enjoyed over the years (and thanks for sticking with us!). Well, tell your friends about us. Forward them your favorite articles. Offer suggestions on topics you would like to hear more about. Respond to our polls and surveys instead of relying on others to do it for you. If you see something from one of our Amazon links and like it - buy it from there. Like us and forward us on social media. If you see something that needs updating, let us know.
Maintaining a website with thousands of Blog articles and over 6,000 city and community reviews, while fighting off hackers, takes time, money, and effort. So please help us keep doing what we really enjoy so much! Thanks for being part of this community for 10 years - we'll do our best to keep it interesting.

Thanks, TopRetirements.com for everything you do! Your site has been and will continue to be a daily staple for me. It's really a shame that Clickbait sites and AI (I consider them equally destructive) are ruining things for the "little guy". It's the "little guys" who have our best interests at heart! I was already going to buy from Amazon today, so I'll do it thru your links. And maybe get a couple extra items, too! Please keep up the great work!

John, Regarding your October 11 comment about the increasing costs of running a website like this, I expect some readers would be glad to make a contribution toward the operating costs. Totally voluntary, and in any amount, but I expect many would be very willing to help.

Daryl also had a suggestion on this topic: "Let the viewers advertising their rentals on your site pay a small fee. Setup a snowbird ad board for each state."
Thank you Daryl, Brandy, Clyde, and others for your kind and helpful comments. We are considering your ideas like a Donate button, but haven't got there yet! I appreciate your support.

I think that a 'donate button' is a great idea!

Admin: Thank you for taking the time to explain the increasing challenges Top Retirements and similar websites face.

I won't find it offensive if TR runs an occasional blog describing good bargains that many might otherwise miss. Now in my early 70s (gah! How did THAT happen?!), I'm leaning toward little helpers around the house. For instance, I invested in a Roomba about a year ago. Although the dog and our toddler grandson are still wary, DH and I are happy to let "Jeeves" do the heavy work for us. It's a lot easier on our backs to push a few buttons than the vacuum cleaner, plus the house stays cleaner because we're less apt to put off the chore.

That said, what about a topic focusing on gadgets that can make life safer and easier on bodies that are a less robust than during earlier years? Between your research and this group's comments, many of us would undoubtedly be blessed by that topic. (And, just as is done by Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, etc., you could add links.)

Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback everyone. Your support feels good!