How I Build My Newsletter Business in Half the Time Using 3 AI Tools

Have you ever heard the saying:

"You can make more money, but you can’t make more time"?

It’s 100% true.

Time is our most valuable asset — and we’ve got to protect it.

Because if you're anything like me — 50-plus, building your own thing, juggling family, work, and a to-do list longer than the guitar solo in Hear ’n Aid’s "Stars" — you don’t have hours to waste.

Thankfully, AI tools have stepped in to help. They’re like personal assistants who never sleep, never complain, and never charge overtime.

Here’s a quick peek over my shoulder at the exact AI tools helping me keep my sanity (and save way more than half my time) while building my newsletter business.

1. ChatGPT Projects & Custom GPTs

ChatGPT isn’t just helpful—it’s basically my business partner who never needs a lunch break and doesn’t talk smack.

I use it almost daily to outline ideas, draft articles, clean up rough drafts, and even help me think through some tough decisions when I'm stuck.

To save even more time, I use their Projects feature. It lets me save my style, tone, and everything about my business so I’m not starting from scratch every time. The AI stays fine-tuned to how I actually work.

I’ve even created a few custom GPTs tailored specifically for my audience of Gen X creators — helping me brainstorm faster, stay consistent, and cut down on the usual mental heavy lifting.

(By the way, if you're curious how Gen X creators are uniquely positioned to thrive with AI, check out my post Gen X: The Unexpected Winners of the AI Revolution.)

2. NotebookLM

NotebookLM is a game-changer when I’m trying to wrap my head around a new topic.

Remember having to pause and rewind a podcast or YouTube video a dozen times just to jot down decent notes? Yeah, I used to live that life.

Now I just drop the link into NotebookLM and get a clean outline and key points in minutes.

I also use it to mash up a bunch of articles or studies when I'm researching something new.

Super fast way to learn and come up with new creative angles for my content.

3. Wispr Flow

Wispr Flow is the newest tool in my kit—and honestly, its taking some getting used to. Talking out loud to my computer felt a little weird at first, like I was just rambling to myself (which, honestly, isn’t that unusual for me).

But I’m starting to get over the awkwardness and its starting to save me a crap ton of time. I use Wispr Flow mostly for replying to emails and commenting on LinkedIn without getting stuck overthinking every word.

Its also great for brain dumping blog and social posts. A stream of conscience way to create content faster while maintaining my tone and voice.

My spoken responses run a little longer than typed ones (because I’m chatter box by nature), but its easy to clean up and still cuts my time in half.

If you want to try it, here’s my refer a friend link to use so we can both get some free credits: Try Wispr Flow

Honorable Mention: Perplexity

I gotta give a quick shoutout to Perplexity. It's become my smarter, faster version of Google. I use it all the time for research when I don't want to wade through a bunch of garbage search results. Its also great for troubleshooting problems and whipping up some instructions.

How Beehiiv Saves My Sanity

Now, let's talk about the real MVP—Beehiiv.

Beehiiv is the "publish once, everywhere" tool I run my newsletter business on. Instead of posting blogs here, emails there, and praying everything lines up, Beehiiv lets me do it all at once. It’s simple, powerful, and just flat-out saves me hours every month.

Check out my Beehiiv review if you want to know more.

(If you want to see how I started down this whole blog and newsletter path, check out How I Built a One-Person Business at 50 with Blogs and Newsletters.)

Why Should Gen X Creators Even Care?

If you're in your 50s too, you know what I’m talking about. Energy isn’t infinite anymore. Attention spans are shorter. Tools like these aren’t "nice to have"—they’re survival gear.

Automation and AI aren’t about cutting corners. They’re about staying sharp, staying competitive, and making space for the stuff that actually matters.

These tools (plus Beehiiv) have helped me show up consistently, stay relevant, and build real income streams without losing my weekends or my sanity.

So let do a little recap…

FAQ: Quick Tips for Gen X Newsletter Creators

• How can AI help with content creation? Tools like ChatGPT and Wispr Flow slash brainstorming and writing time without sacrificing your voice.

• What's the easiest way to grow my email list? Deliver consistent value through your newsletter using an all-in-one platform like Beehiiv.

• Why is Beehiiv ideal for newsletter creators? It simplifies your entire workflow—publish once, send everywhere, grow smarter, and monetize your newsletter.

Want To Build Smarter And Get Some Time Back?

If you want more of the systems, templates, and shortcuts I use to save time and grow faster, you should check out RR Pro.

It’s built specifically for Gen X creators and solopreneurs who want job-free income without burnout.

[See what’s inside RR Pro and start building your smarter business today.]