Everyday, an estimated 14,000 people start their own home-based business. Why? While each person has his or her own reason for taking advantage of a home-based opportunity, there are a number of factors that come into play. First, with the rise in outsourcing, many people have been laid off and are now either unemployed or underemployed. A stay at home business puts them in the driver's seat, and allows them to feel as though they have control over their destiny.

Second, there are people who simply are not reaching their financial goals. They may work outside of the home full- or part-time, yet their vision of financial success remains elusive. Perhaps they want to buy a new home, go on their dream vacation, or start a nest egg for their children's education. A home-based business that takes only a few hours a week can quickly help them reach their financial goals.

Third, there are those who are looking for a second income in order to achieve their goal of retiring early. For them, a home-based business is like an automatic builder, giving them extra money to invest and save for retirement.

Fourth, there are people who, for religious reasons, are home schooling their children and who seek a Christian home business that aligns with their beliefs while producing the income they need.

Fifth, there are those who have a long history in multilevel marketing (MLM) and networking, and understand that a tremendous amount of money can be made with the right opportunity.

A quick Internet search will turn up thousands of home-based business opportunities. How, then, do you find one that is both legitimate and that will bring you the financial rewards you seek? Here are some tips:

* Find a company that has a proven track record. Ideally, the company has customers in dozens of countries and has been profitable for at least several years.

* Find a company that promotes a product that has a built-in customer base. Today, that means products that cater to the baby boomers. In fact, the wellness, preventative health, and anti-aging industries are uniquely positioned to serve that generation, thousands of whom turn 60 each day.

* The company should offer a free 30-day trial period, as well as provide support and training.

* Internet-based opportunities should offer free information on how to successfully market your business on the Internet.

* Home-based businesses that work primarily through the Internet should act like an automatic builder, doing 90 percent of the work for you, without you having to generate your own leads.