post-bamboozlement

what i've learned:

• don't trust internet pop-ups.
• even if you're curious, don't give real information.
• nothing is ever free.
  
• never give your credit card information to someone you don't know.
• trust your instincts more than strangers.
• when in doubt, just say "no".
• "450" will rarely mean "$4.50" in the business world.
• reality is you can't trust everyone.
• there are people who will take advantage of your naivete.
• if something's too good to be true, it probably is.
  
• always read the fine print. there's ALWAYS fine print.
• never agree to something when you're confused.
• you are always entitled to time to think.
• even "goodie-goodies" make mistakes.
• you are responsible for your own choices.
• never be afriad to ask questions.
  
• resolve issues directly, not over email.
  
• do not be intimidated by sales tactics or legal lingo. in the end, it's just a person on the other end of the phone.
• sometimes, you have to fight for yourself.
• don't be afriad to admit to mistakes, but don't let people walk all over you.
• some lessons are really costly. but all are valuable.
• know how to protect yourself.
• always deal with problems as soon as you can.
• some mistakes aren't reversible.
  
• sometimes, good intentions just aren't good enough.
• when you have nothing to lose, don't give up.
• always learn from past mistakes. and never do it again.
  
• sometimes you can't make it on your own.
• don't be afraid to ask for help.
• parents will get mad at you. but they'll always fight for you.
  
• "talk to your parents as soon as possible if there's something you know you can't solve yourself."
• "we love you and always support you" -dad.