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StitcherIn your 20s or 30s, you will encounter MLMs that promise communities, easy cash, and empowerment. It is important that you DO NOT fall for it so easily. Today we’re pulling back the curtain on what you need to know about the worst MLMs of 2025, some of which you may not have known were multi-level marketing.
It’s not that you are not getting the real products but with this structure, you might not get the right thing for you.
The Truth About MLM Investing Courses
Jen explains that she doesn’t mind multi-level marketing (MLM) as a concept because it’s essentially networking, and there can be a real sense of community. The problem arises when everything depends on commissions. Jill points out that the bigger issue is the misleading promise coming from the top: money can only be made if you keep recruiting, and many of these teams use manipulative, almost cult-like tactics to attract new distributors.
They featured an example on a financial service that sells online investment courses covering crypto, forex, calls, and auctions to young audiences that recently turned out to be accused of using unqualified instructors and scamming people. So instead, they suggest using free resources, talking to a CFP if needed, getting guidance from trusted people, and keep investing simple.
What You Need to Know Before Buying Life Insurance
Besides investment courses, another common MLM category is life insurance. Jen explains that some people push insurance primarily to earn commissions, taking advantage of those who don’t know much about it. While it’s fine to not be an expert, there are key things you need to know to avoid overpaying, and Jen shares everything she learned in her insurance class.
They suggest working with an insurance broker who has access to at least 20 companies, buying insurance on your own through companies like Ladder, Ethos, or Fabric. Lastly, if you need guidance, talk to a CFP, or a friend that may be knowledgeable.
What’s one red flag you’d look for before joining any business opportunity?
For Jen, one red flag she’ll watch out for is the cult-y behaviors of the people around you. While for Jill, it’s when there is a mystery about something, vague, and too good to be true.
Bill of The Week
Thanks Alejandra for your bill about selling stuff on FB marketplace for about $400 during your move!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews and we especially loved this one from:
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A New View on Finances
This book ties a beautiful bow around the concept of only spending money on things that you value. It helps to define your “why” and ultimately what makes you happy. I’ve read countless finance books but have never really changed my attitude and mindset about money. However, after reading this book and listening to the podcast, I understand that I’ve been spending on things that will mean nothing to me by the time they arrive at my doorstep. This book has helped me understand myself and the psychology aspect of money while giving useful money tips. Reading this book is like reading a letter from a long lost friend. My millennial heart has been filled with reminiscent moments from the past as they’ve been sprinkled in this book with care. This book and this podcast has changed my view on life and money for the better. I’ve always considered myself cheap, constantly searching for the next good deal or spending as little as possible while still trying to buy good quality. However, I now know that some of this behavior is really frugality and I was able to stop the spending on silly things that don’t really add value to my life and define the things that do. Thank you, frugal friends. You are the friends I’ve never had and I have finally found a community of people who understand me.
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