Unless you're retirement cash flow hasn't lived up to your plans. Or you have some unanticipated extra expenses. Or you're not able to take that cruise or special vacation you had hoped for.

There are lot's of reasons why earning some extra retirement cash makes a lot of sense that go way beyond fattening your wallet. I was speaking to a retiree recently who told me that running an e-business for extra retirement cash was his way of keeping his mind alert.

The challenges, he told me, of learning and using new e-business technology was great for his mind as he grew older. And he wasn't opposed to making a little extra money on the side, as well. It helps pay the bills and let him set aside a little extra for a cruise he and his wife had wanted to take for years.

The good news for retirees (and wannabes) is the timing for getting into a lucrative e-business couldn't be better. Internet business opportunities have exploded in the past couple years fuelled by the amazing advances in internet technology.

These days you don't have to be a skilled programmer or even an astute business person to make a success of a home-based internet business. There are a wide variety of business plans that allow you opportunity to explore and find one that fits you needs and interests.

One of the big advantages of today's exciting e-business ventures is that so much is automated. That means for a very modest investment you can get up to speed in a matter of minutes without worrying about complicated programming or major time commitment just getting started.

But, to be fair, you must be prepared to follow through and follow up. Despite what the e-business start-up pitch may say about how easy it is to get started, you can't sit back and hope the money will start flowing all by itself. After all, we are talking about a business. That means your time and attention are required to make it go.

And one other caveat. There are scams out there. So please take your time and explore each offering carefully. Make sure it has a verifiable track of success with other customers. And it should offer a money back guarantee. After all, extra retirement cash may not be for everybody. Or the plan you've chosen may not work for you. But if it does . . . well, enjoy that extra money!