For most of us, the idea of retiring simply on our pension is not a happy prospect.

While we may have always had dreams of a retirement that is worry-free and with a few luxuries thrown in, the stark reality is that our pensions will likely give us only the most basic living conditions, with none of the luxuries we had hoped for.

Whether your retirement is thirty years away, ten years away or is already upon you, the best guarantee of a happy future is to start building a second stream of income now.

For some this will mean creating their own business and marketing some product or service in the hope of making some big profits.

However, many of us don't have the skills or the time to manage such an ambitious undertaking.

But we do have time to write.

If you have the skills to write a letter or a simple company memo, then you have the skills to make some money by writing.

There are many ways you can turn your words into cash. But the one I am most familiar with is the craft of copywriting.

For over twenty years I have worked as a freelance copywriter, raised a family and continued to make good money, year after year.

Why copywriting? What makes this such an excellent source of a good second income?

A few reasons:

* No special qualifications are needed. A university degree? Not necessary at all.

* It doesn't matter where you live.

* It doesn't matter how old or young you are.

* It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get started. Just take a really good copywriting course and you're ready to go. (See link below.)

In other words, freelance copywriting is the ultimate second stream of income, giving you the potential for some good money, but leaving you with the flexibility you need to fit it around your existing obligations.

Start today and you'll soon be earning that extra income you need to ensure a happy and enjoyable retirement.

To find out more about getting started or developing your skills as a freelance copywriter, read my review of this copywriting course by Michael Masterson.

Nick Usborne is a freelance copywriter, author and speaker. For more articles and resources on making money as a freelance writer, visit his site, http://www.FreelanceWritingSuccess.com.