And i also bet you had a voice in your head with FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt)
..but you didn't listen to it.
Exactly, I just ignored it. I should allow myself to listen to that in such cases.
THAT is why i think i am smart.
THAT has saved my life more than once.
YOU are the smart one everyone else is an idiot.
Everyone is trying to convince you of shit for THEIR agenda's.
Even your family and friends..
Your own voice should be the deciding factor.
With age you get better at listening to that voice you have that warns you.
The worst thing that can happen is dick heads can strip the confidence away you have in yourself.
And they try..
They all want to plant seeds of doubt then whisper in your ear to manipulate you.
Be strong.
Don't willingly give away your power.
It's yours.. use it !
Bottom Line:
I *AM* sorry to hear about your loss.. 8 grand is a painful lesson.
Hopefully you REALLY did learn a lesson here and your topic here can prevent others from learning the hard way.
If it sounds to good to be true.. it is probably a bad risk to take.
Which is what this stuff is about.. risk assessment.. and making reasonable & sane decisions.