Boring & Devastating

Guide

Before You Pay

If the next step requires money, pause long enough to get the income disclosure, the expense list, and the exit rules in writing.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-14

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Short answer: Do not pay to join, qualify, train, travel, subscribe, buy inventory, or become licensed until you understand typical net income after expenses.

Net income means money left after expenses. Gross income means money received before expenses.

Start here:
  • You do not need to decide today.
  • You can ask what this payment is for.
  • You can ask if it is required or just expected.
  • You can ask how to cancel or get a refund.

1. Ask what the payment is for

Identify whether the payment is a joining fee, starter kit, product order, subscription, website, training, event, lead program, background check, exam, license, or renewal.

2. Ask whether it is required or expected

A cost can be described as optional and still be treated as normal for people pursuing the opportunity. Ask what comparable new participants usually buy or pay for in the first year.

3. Ask what typical participants keep

Compare the payment with written income disclosure. Gross income is not profit. A useful answer should help you understand what people kept after common costs, not only what some people received before costs.

4. Ask for the refund and cancellation rules

Get the rules in writing before you pay. Look for deadlines, restocking fees, shipping costs, condition requirements, subscriptions, autoship cancellation, chargeback limits, and inventory buyback terms.

Autoship means a recurring product order or subscription.

5. Take one quiet day

A legitimate decision can survive a pause. Use the time to read the documents, compare expenses, and ask someone outside the opportunity to look at the numbers with you.

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