I Lost $5,500 in a Get-Rich-Quick Scam—

Hey Simplifiers,

I’ve got some exciting news to share—The Simple Adult (yesssss, ussssss!) was recently featured in an article by GoBankingRates! 🎉 Amazing news, but the story I shared with them isn’t all sunshine and success. In fact, it’s about one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned before entering into my financial journey: falling for a get-rich-quick scheme that cost me $5,500.

I’m sharing this with you because it’s a crucial reminder that even those who work hard to educate themselves about money can still make costly mistakes—especially when we’re desperate for change.

Here’s what happened:

The Trap of Desperation

Earlier this year, I found myself in a tough spot—laid off and eager to create a new stream of income. That’s when I came across a flashy course that promised financial freedom through Airbnb arbitrage. The idea was to lease properties long-term and rent them out short-term for a profit. Sounds like an easy win, right?

Well, it wasn’t. 😣 Despite my better judgment and knowledge, the promise of quick financial success blinded me to the red flags. I invested $5,500 into the course, hoping it would be my ticket to a new lifestyle. But instead of financial freedom, I was met with unrealistic demands, high-pressure sales tactics, and zero practical support.

What I Learned

This experience was a painful wake-up call, and here’s the message I want to pass along to you:

1. Desperation clouds judgment.
   When we’re desperate for change, we’re more vulnerable to slick marketing and lofty promises. It’s easy to overlook the red flags when we’re focused on the what if.

2. There are no shortcuts to financial freedom.
   Real growth and stability take time, effort, and smart planning. There’s no magic course or quick hack that can replace consistent effort and sound decision-making.

3. Do your research—always.
   Before making any big financial decisions or investments, take the time to dig deeper. Ask hard questions, read reviews, and be skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true.

Our Commitment to You

My mission with The Simple Adult has always been to simplify adulthood, especially regarding finances. This experience only deepens my commitment to helping you navigate life without falling into the same traps I did. We’re here to provide real, actionable advice—not shortcuts or empty promises.

I’m rebuilding my financial foundation by focusing on authentic growth, and I want to help you do the same. Whether it’s budgeting, saving, or investing, we’re in this together—slowly but surely, we’ll get there.

If you want to read the full story about my experience and what I learned, you can check it out here.

Takeaway

Stay vigilant, stay patient, and most importantly—stay committed to building a life on your own terms, one solid step at a time.

Until next time, stay grounded and keep it simple. 🧡
C
Founder of The Simple Adult