Is Modern Wealthy a Scam? Read This Before Paying $37

If you’re thinking about handing over $37 to Modern Wealthy, hit pause for five minutes.

You’ve probably seen the ads or Stuart Ross’s slick videos and thought:

“Is this legit… or is it just another $37 intro that leads to thousands in upsells?”

You’re not crazy for wondering that. You’re smart.

Modern Wealthy has blown up across social media. Perfectly edited lifestyle clips, big promises about “authority marketing,” and people claiming they’ve finally found the blueprint to financial freedom. On the surface, it looks polished and professional.

But here’s the problem most beginners run into:

It’s almost impossible to tell the difference between a real opportunity and a cleverly designed funnel.

And trust me—I get it.

Before I learned how to build a real affiliate business, I joined programs that looked completely legitimate… until I got inside and discovered:

  • Hidden upsells

  • High-pressure “advisor” calls

  • Vague promises

  • Very little real, actionable training

That’s actually why I started Scam Busters USA—to help normal people avoid the kind of expensive mistakes I made when I was desperate to make something work online.

And that’s exactly why I wrote this Modern Wealthy review.

I’m not here to bash Stuart Ross.
I’m not here to hype Modern Wealthy, either.

My goal is simple:
Give you the truth before you type in your credit card number.

I’ve been reviewing online business programs, affiliate marketing courses, and “systems” since 2014. Over the years I’ve seen:

  • the rare programs that actually teach real skills

  • the funnels built mostly to sell high-ticket coaching

  • and a whole lot of confusing noise in between

For this review, I went far deeper than the sales page:

  • I examined what you really get for the $37

  • I mapped out the full upsell ladder (up to nearly $20,000)

  • I read user feedback—both glowing and frustrated

  • I looked at how often beginners actually succeed

  • And I compared everything against programs that hold up long-term

Quick note before we get too far:
Affiliate marketing is still one of the most legitimate ways to build real online income—but the scams and “shortcuts” have gotten louder than ever. So in this review, you can expect something very different:

👉 Clear. Balanced. Honest.
No hype. No pressure. No guru tactics.

Just the kind of beginner-friendly breakdown I wish someone handed me when I first got started.

Transparency:
This post contains affiliate links. If you join any platform I recommend, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
It helps keep Scam Busters USA running and allows me to keep producing real, helpful content (instead of hype-driven nonsense).

If you already know Modern Wealthy isn’t for you and want to skip ahead, you can see my #1 recommendation—the same platform I’ve used since 2014—right here:

👉 My #1 Recommendation (Free Starter Account Available)

But whether you stay or skip ahead, you deserve a clear, honest answer to the main question:

Is Modern Wealthy a scam—or just an expensive way to learn what you could’ve learned elsewhere for far less?

Let’s start with a quick snapshot… then we’ll dig into the full breakdown.


Quick Summary

  • ✅ The $37 Modern Wealthy course is real, but the training is basic and introductory.

  • 💸 The real cost can climb from $997 to $17,990+ if you follow the upsell path.

  • 📞 The program leans heavily on upsells and advisor calls, which is why they require your phone number at checkout.

  • 📉 Success rates appear low and unverified—there’s no transparent income data.

  • ⚠️ The mandatory phone number and high-ticket backend offers are major red flags for beginners.

  • ❌ It’s not technically a scam, but it’s very far from a simple, beginner-friendly “$37 system.”

  • ✅ For realistic, step-by-step affiliate marketing training, better, more transparent options exist (including my #1 recommendation, which I’ll link to later in this review).

Now let’s break down exactly what Modern Wealthy is, how the funnel works, and what you’re really getting into before you pay that $37.

Modern Wealthy starter package – 7-Day Fast Start series, Authority Marketing ebook, Affiliate 101, and Ecom 101 training modules

What Is Modern Wealthy? (Simple, Honest Breakdown)

Modern Wealthy is an online business and “authority marketing” program created by Stuart Ross, a long-time marketer who previously founded Six Figure Mentors and Launch You—two programs built around the same low-cost entry → high-ticket upsell structure.
This setup is almost identical to the funnel I exposed in my Freedom Affiliate Formula Review – Scam Or Legit?, where the cheap starter offer is really just the doorway into a much more expensive ecosystem.

At its core, Modern Wealthy is positioned as a beginner-friendly introduction to online business through:

  • Authority marketing (building a personal brand)

  • Affiliate marketing

  • Ecommerce basics

  • Mindset + goal-setting

  • Lifestyle-focused motivation

If you’ve watched any of the ads, you’ve seen the message loud and clear:

“Build a high-impact online business that gives you freedom and flexibility.”

And to be fair, this type of emotional, high-energy messaging is extremely common in the online marketing world. We saw the same style in my Super Affiliate AI Review, where lifestyle marketing plays a bigger role than actual training.

For the initial $37, you get access to:

  • The 7-Day Fast Start video series

  • A 2-hour authority marketing masterclass

  • A 160-page ebook

  • Affiliate Marketing 101 mini-course

  • Ecommerce 101 mini-course

  • A private community

  • And a 1-on-1 “vision call” with an advisor

On the surface, nothing about this looks harmful.
You’re getting real content at a low price, similar to the entry-level materials I covered in my Leadpages Affiliate Program Review, where the starter training is useful but only scratches the surface.

And that’s exactly the key point here:

Modern Wealthy is not the full system—it’s the introduction to the system.

If you’re brand new to online business, this can feel exciting. But if you’re not clear on what skills you truly need to succeed online, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.
Before you invest in any course (including this one), I highly recommend reading my guide on the Essential Skills For Online Entrepreneurs, so you know exactly what to look for in a training platform.

This is also where Modern Wealthy starts to divide opinions.

Some people love the inspiration.
Some love the community.
But many others feel pressured, overwhelmed, or confused by the emotional push toward more expensive tiers—something we also saw in my Adam’s Method Review, where beginners quickly hit a wall when the real training was hidden behind higher-ticket packages.

The truth is simple:

The $37 Modern Wealthy program is just the entry point—not the business model.

It’s designed to introduce big-picture concepts, warm you up to the community, and get you comfortable with the brand… but it doesn’t give you everything you need to build an online business.

And to really understand how Modern Wealthy works, you need to see the full funnel behind it.
It’s very similar to what I uncovered in The Invisible Affiliate System Review, where the surface-level offer was clean—but the real cost came afterward.

Let’s break down exactly what comes next inside the Modern Wealthy ecosystem.

What You Get for $37 (And What You Don’t Get)

When you first land on the Modern Wealthy sales page, the $37 offer looks like a complete beginner’s roadmap. And to be fair, you do get a good amount of surface-level material for the price.

Here’s what’s included inside the entry-level package:

✅ 1. The 7-Day Fast Start Video Series

This is a series of short videos introducing you to concepts like:

  • Personal branding

  • Basic online business structures

  • The “authority marketing” approach

  • Mindset and goal-setting

  • What Stuart Ross calls the “digital shift”

If this is your very first look into online business, it’ll feel inspiring and motivational.
But if you’ve watched even a handful of YouTube tutorials before, you’ll quickly notice it’s more of a big-picture introduction than actionable training.

It reminds me a lot of the surface-level marketing material I saw while reviewing the Freedom Affiliate Formula, where the front-end content is meant to warm you up — not teach you the full strategy.


✅ 2. The 2-Hour Authority Marketing Masterclass

This is positioned as the “heart” of the starter program. It dives deeper into:

  • Why brand identity matters

  • How to position yourself as a “trusted authority”

  • Stuart’s philosophy of replacing traditional work with online leverage

There’s value here if you need motivation, clarity, or direction — but it’s still introductory.
You won’t walk away knowing how to build a website, create traffic, or convert sales.

Those skills require more than a pep talk.
(To understand what real beginners actually need, see my guide on Essential Skills For Online Entrepreneurs — it helps put this into perspective.)


✅ 3. The 160-Page Authority Marketing eBook

This is essentially a written version of the video concepts. It breaks down:

  • Audience psychology

  • Personal branding

  • Positioning

  • The basics of online influence

Again, it’s not wrong — it’s just not technical.
Think of it as a mindset book, not a how-to manual.

This kind of approach also popped up in programs like Super Affiliate AI — broad concepts first, details later.


✅ 4. Affiliate Marketing 101 Mini-Course

This is a very high-level introduction to:

  • What affiliate marketing is

  • How commissions work

  • Why digital products pay more

  • Examples of affiliate networks

The content is accurate, but extremely basic.
If you’ve read my Leadpages Affiliate Program Review, you’ll notice that real affiliate programs require more than these basics — things like traffic generation, content strategy, and audience targeting.

These pieces are missing here.

Modern Wealthy Affiliate Marketing 101 bonus training overview on laptop screen.


✅ 5. E-Commerce 101 Mini-Course

This walks through:

  • What physical-product businesses look like

  • What Amazon FBA is

  • High-level ecommerce strategies

Useful? Sure.
Enough to launch a store? Not even close.

These topics take dozens of hours of training to master. This mini-course is more of a teaser.

Modern Wealthy Ecom 101 introductory ecommerce training module screenshot.


✅ 6. Private Community Group

This is one of the better parts of the starter program — active community, encouraging culture, and lots of inspiration.

Communities can be powerful… but also strategic.
They create emotional buy-in, which makes it easier to introduce higher-ticket upgrades later.
I’ve seen this exact dynamic inside other funnel-based programs like The Invisible Affiliate System — supportive communities positioned right before expensive upsells.


✅ 7. The One-on-One “Vision Call” With an Advisor

This is the section that surprises most beginners.

It’s presented as a clarity call…
…but in practice, it’s the bridge to the next tier of the funnel.

The advisor will:

  • Ask about your goals

  • Ask how much time you have

  • Ask about your financial situation

  • Recommend the “best program” for your success

And almost always, that “best program” is a higher-ticket offer.

It’s not technically misleading — many coaching programs work this way — but it is something beginners should know upfront.


The Bottom Line on the $37 Package

The $37 Modern Wealthy starter program gives you:

  • Motivation

  • High-level concepts

  • Basic introductions

  • A positive community

  • A call with an advisor

But it does not teach you how to actually build an online business.

You won’t learn:

  • SEO

  • Website creation

  • Traffic generation

  • Copywriting

  • Email marketing

  • Content strategy

  • How to get leads

  • How to convert sales

  • What tools to use

  • How to scale anything

That’s why the next section — the real cost — shocks most people.

Modern Wealthy’s $37 starter is just the first step in a much larger (and much more expensive) ecosystem.

How the Modern Wealthy Funnel Actually Works (The Part They Don’t Tell You Upfront)

One thing that’s not immediately obvious on the Modern Wealthy sales page is this:

The $37 course isn’t the program — it’s the beginning of the program.

The moment you enter the members’ area, you’ll start seeing the pieces of a larger ecosystem that are designed to guide you toward higher-priced packages. This doesn’t automatically mean it’s bad; it just means you should understand the structure before you pay anything.

Here’s what the funnel typically looks like from the inside:


1. Step One: The $37 Entry Program

This part you already know — motivational intro, authority marketing ideas, basics of affiliate or ecommerce models, and a warm welcome from the community.

It makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, and that’s intentional.
Community and inspiration are powerful emotional drivers.


2. Step Two: The “Vision Call” With an Advisor

This is framed as a friendly coaching call, but it’s actually one of the most crucial steps in the funnel.

Your advisor will:

  • Ask you where you see yourself in 1–5 years

  • Ask about your income goals

  • Ask how much time you can commit

  • Ask about your budget

  • Recommend the “perfect path” for you

And of course, that “perfect path” usually involves upgrading. $$$

This model is used heavily in other funnel-based programs I’ve reviewed, like the Invisible Affiliate System Review, where the advisor’s role is to move you into the next tier.

Modern Wealthy checkout form requiring mandatory phone number during signup.
The Real Reason Your Phone Number Is Required at Checkout

3. Step Three: The LaunchPad Program ($997–$1,300)

This is the first major upsell and is positioned as:

“The full beginner blueprint you need to launch your online business.”

It includes:

  • Step-by-step modules

  • Assignments

  • Website basics

  • Niche selection

  • Email marketing setup

  • Simple tech walkthroughs

This is the part where many people realize:

“The $37 course wasn’t meant to teach me everything… this is where the real training starts.”

LaunchPad is the first real fork in the road.
Beginners who cannot afford it often feel stuck or discouraged.


4. Step Four: The Accelerators ($3,995–$9,995+)

These are framed as:

  • Personalized coaching

  • Accountability

  • Mentorship

  • Done-with-you services

  • Or even “done-for-you” setups

This type of upsell ladder is extremely common in high-ticket funnels.
We saw similar pricing in the high-ticket progression inside my Adam’s Method Review, where programs started low but escalated quickly.

Here is where the cost becomes a serious barrier for most people.


5. Step Five: The Branding & Launch Packages ($7,995–$17,990)

These are positioned as premium solutions for people who:

  • Don’t want to build everything themselves

  • Want rapid implementation

  • Want professional branding

  • Want website+funnels done for them

These packages often include:

  • Photography

  • Funnel design

  • Branding

  • Social media templates

  • Coaching

  • Launch support

This is where the true cost of the Modern Wealthy ecosystem becomes clear.


Why This Funnel Exists (Important to Understand)

There’s nothing illegal about this funnel structure.
It’s simply a high-ticket coaching ecosystem with a low-cost front door.

The $37 course is the “yes,”
the advisor call is the “path,”
the upsells are the “solution.”

But for beginners who expected a complete program for $37, the pricing jump is shocking.

This is why Modern Wealthy gets mixed reviews online:

Some people believe the higher-ticket packages are worth it…
…but many feel blindsided by costs they didn’t expect.

It’s similar to what happened inside the Freedom Affiliate Formula Review, where the tiny entry price opened the door to a much more expensive backend.


Before We Talk Red Flags…

This funnel structure doesn’t automatically make Modern Wealthy bad.

But it does make it very important to:

  • Know the true cost

  • Understand what’s included at each level

  • Know whether the value matches the price

  • Compare alternatives that don’t rely on upsell ladders

Now that you understand the funnel,
we can move into the real concerns beginners should be aware of.


Red Flags Most Beginners Miss (This Is Where Things Get Real)

Now that you understand what the $37 starter program includes and how the funnel works behind the scenes, it’s time to talk about the parts Modern Wealthy doesn’t highlight upfront — the things most beginners only discover after they’ve already paid.

These red flags don’t make Modern Wealthy a scam…
…but they do make it a risky choice for people who expect a simple, low-cost, beginner-friendly system.

Let’s break each one down clearly and honestly.


Red Flag #1 — Mandatory Phone Number at Checkout

This is a major warning sign most beginners overlook.

When a $37 online course requires your phone number before you can even complete your purchase, it means one thing:

👉 You’re going to get a sales call.

And not just a casual welcome call — a structured advisor call designed to:

  • qualify your income

  • determine your credit card limits

  • assess whether you’re a good candidate for high-ticket coaching

  • move you into the next tier of the funnel

This is not normal for low-cost training programs.
Legitimate platforms like Wealthy Affiliate, Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, Leadpages, Builderall, and even most coaching systems do not require your phone number just to buy an entry-level product.

This phone-number tactic is identical to what we uncovered in the Freedom Affiliate Formula Review, where the $9 front-end product led directly to advisor calls pitching $1,000–$5,000 packages.

Modern Wealthy uses the same mechanism.
And it’s not disclosed upfront.

For beginners, this is often the first point where things feel “off.”

Stuart Ross speaking in Modern Wealthy video with persuasive high-pressure messaging
The Old “Limited Time Page” Urgency Tactic

Red Flag #2 — The Real Cost ($37 → $997 → $3,995 → $17,990)

The biggest issue with Modern Wealthy isn’t the $37 starter — it’s the true cost of the system, which most buyers don’t learn about until they’re already inside.

Here’s the actual pricing ladder Modern Wealthy uses:

  • Modern Wealthy Starter: $37

  • LaunchPad Annual: $997

  • LaunchPad Split: $197 + 11×$99

  • Liftoff: $497

  • Elite Ambassador: $1,997

  • Accelerate: $3,995

  • Accelerate With You: $9,995

  • Brand Launch: $7,995

  • LaunchPack Silver: $3,995

  • LaunchPack Gold: $9,995

  • LaunchPack Platinum: $17,990

This is nearly identical to the high-ticket system we broke down in the Adam’s Method Review, where a “small” entry product quietly funneled students into thousands in backend purchases.

For beginners who believed they were buying a simple $37 course, this level of upselling can feel misleading.


Red Flag #3 — The Advisor Calls Are Actually Sales Calls

Modern Wealthy presents the “vision call” as a supportive clarity call, but based on hundreds of user experiences, this call is primarily designed to:

  • emotionally connect with you

  • uncover your financial situation

  • amplify your desire for change

  • create urgency

  • recommend the next paid program

  • close you on a higher-ticket upgrade

This exact approach is used in nearly every high-ticket sales ecosystem — funnels, coaching, mentorship, DFY agencies, and “business transformation” systems.

It’s also the same pattern we saw in the Invisible Affiliate System Review, where advisor calls served as the gateway to multiple expensive tiers.

Again: not illegal, but not transparent.


Red Flag #4 — No Transparent Success Data (Very Concerning)

Modern Wealthy does not provide any of the following:

  • real success rate

  • income disclosure

  • average earnings

  • completion rates

  • verified student testimonials

  • FTC-compliant earnings documentation

This lack of transparency is a serious concern in any online business opportunity — especially when high-ticket products are involved.

Based on multiple reviews and user-submitted experiences, the realistic success rate appears to be around 5–7% (with several reviewers suggesting it might actually be lower).

When a program doesn’t publicly provide data, it usually means the numbers aren’t impressive.


Red Flag #5 — No Real Technical Training in the $37 Program

You do not learn the real skills needed to build an online business in the Modern Wealthy starter course.

You will NOT learn:

  • SEO

  • Keyword research

  • Website building

  • Content creation

  • Blog traffic strategies

  • Email marketing

  • Copywriting

  • Paid advertising

  • Conversion strategy

  • Analytics

  • Funnels

  • Lead generation

  • Scaling systems

These are the exact skills real online entrepreneurs rely on.

Modern Wealthy introduces concepts…
…but the actual training is only offered behind higher-priced upgrades.

This is why my guide on Essential Skills For Online Entrepreneurs is so important for readers — it gives them a reality check about what’s missing here.


Red Flag #6 — Heavy Focus on Branding, Light Focus on Real Traffic Skills

Authority marketing is valuable, but Modern Wealthy leans heavily into:

  • Lifestyle messaging

  • Vision-building

  • Personal brand identity

  • Motivation

  • Inspiration

  • “Belief” marketing

Without teaching the foundational traffic strategies that actually generate income.

This imbalance creates a dangerous situation where:

You feel inspired…
but you don’t know how to execute.


Red Flag #7 — Many Students End Up Promoting Modern Wealthy Itself

This is subtle, but extremely important.

A large number of students end up promoting Modern Wealthy as their main business model — not because they planned to, but because:

  • it’s the easiest way to start

  • the system teaches it as the preferred path

  • the community is centered around the brand

  • the commission plan incentivizes promoting the program itself

This creates a circular ecosystem where:

Modern Wealthy trains you →
to promote Modern Wealthy →
to more new people →
who join Modern Wealthy.

This is not technically a pyramid scheme…
…but it does raise ethical questions, and it mirrors what you exposed in the Adam’s Method Review and Invisible Affiliate System Review.

Modern Wealthy video screenshot using FOMO messaging: ‘When this page is gone, it’s gone for good.
The Fear-of-Missing-Out (FOMO) Angle

Red Flags Summary

Modern Wealthy is:

  • Motivational

  • Well-produced

  • Community-driven

…but it’s also:

  • Not transparent

  • Extremely expensive on the backend

  • Built around advisor sales calls

  • Light on technical skills

  • Heavy on branding and emotion

  • Missing core beginner-friendly training

  • Focused on upsells more than teaching

These are major concerns for beginners.


What You Do Learn Inside Modern Wealthy

1. How to Identify a Target Audience

Modern Wealthy introduces the basics of understanding:

  • who you want to help

  • who your ideal customer might be

  • what problems they’re facing

  • how your message could connect with them

This is a solid foundation. Every business needs clarity on its audience.


2. How to Build a Basic Personal Brand

Modern Wealthy is big on “authority marketing.”
You’ll learn:

  • how to shape your message

  • how to present yourself online

  • how to position yourself as someone worth listening to

It’s motivational, and it can be useful — especially if you’ve never thought about branding before.

But remember: awareness of branding ≠ building an income-generating brand.


3. Basic Affiliate Marketing Concepts

This includes:

  • what affiliate marketing is

  • how commissions work

  • why digital courses pay more

  • a general explanation of promoting products

It’s accurate, but extremely high-level.
This feels similar to the introductory material I covered in the Leadpages Affiliate Program Review, where you learn the “what” but not the “how.”

If you want to run a real affiliate business that earns consistent income, you’ll need much more than what’s provided here.


4. Basic E-Commerce Concepts

Modern Wealthy explains:

  • what ecommerce is

  • what dropshipping looks like

  • what Amazon FBA is

  • basic physical product considerations

It’s helpful for orientation but not actionable.

Think of this as “ecommerce sightseeing.”


5. Mindset, Motivation & Vision Planning

This is actually where Modern Wealthy shines the most.

You’ll find:

  • goal-setting exercises

  • mindset shifts

  • encouragement

  • inspiration

  • community support

  • “raise your standards” teaching

This is great for people who need encouragement or new energy…
…but motivation doesn’t build an online business on its own.


6. The Power of Storytelling & Identity

This shows you how personal narratives shape trust and influence.

It’s useful — but again, conceptual.

You learn why it matters, not how to apply it to actual content, funnels, or email sequences.


In Summary: What You Actually Learn

Modern Wealthy teaches:

  • personal branding concepts

  • business mindset

  • niche thinking

  • inspirational frameworks

  • introductory affiliate marketing

  • introductory ecommerce

  • the psychology of authority

  • emotional storytelling

  • confidence and clarity

This is valuable if you’ve never studied online business before.

But beginners don’t struggle with ideas.
They struggle with execution.

And that brings us to the far more important part…


What You Don’t Learn Inside Modern Wealthy

This is where most beginners hit the wall.

Despite the emotional buildup and surface-level training, Modern Wealthy does not teach the real, practical skills you need to build an online business.

You do NOT learn:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

No keyword research.
No ranking strategy.
No content plan.

This alone is a huge omission.
SEO is one of the most reliable traffic sources for beginners.

(It’s also why I recommend reading my guide on the Essential Skills For Online Entrepreneurs, which explains the traffic skills MW leaves out.)


Website Building or Blogging

You don’t get:

  • step-by-step site setup

  • WordPress guidance

  • hosting guidance

  • page structure

  • content strategy

  • blog optimization

This is essential knowledge for affiliate marketing, and it’s simply not covered in the starter program.


Email Marketing Beyond Conceptual Basics

You don’t get:

  • how to build an email list

  • how to write emails that convert

  • automation sequences

  • lead magnets

  • campaign strategy

Email marketing is one of the highest-ROI skills in online business — but it’s behind the paywall here.


Paid Ads Training

You don’t learn:

  • how to run ads

  • how to test them

  • how to scale them

  • how to budget

  • how to read analytics

And in fairness…
You shouldn’t run ads until you know what you’re doing anyway.


YouTube or Social Media Strategy

No deep guidance on:

  • how to grow an audience

  • how to create content people want

  • how to generate leads

  • how to edit efficiently

  • how to build trust

  • how to stay consistent

Again — these are foundational skills.


Real Conversion Skills

You don’t learn:

  • how to write landing pages

  • how to create hooks

  • how to structure offers

  • how to analyze conversions

  • how to improve sales performance

This is crucial in ANY online business.


Analytics, Tracking, or Data Interpretation

You don’t learn how to:

  • track traffic

  • measure conversion rates

  • analyze user behavior

  • improve campaigns

This is one of the biggest skill gaps.


Why This Matters

Modern Wealthy gives you the ideas behind online business —
but not the skills to actually build one.

And that’s why so many beginners end up feeling confused or pressured when they realize the real training only exists behind the $997+ tiers.

If you’re not ready for that investment, you’re stuck with:

  • inspiration

  • philosophy

  • motivation

  • branding ideas

  • surface-level concepts

…but no real roadmap.

This training is similar to what I highlighted in the Invisible Affiliate System Review, where the “starter program” only warms you up for higher-ticket offers — not actual execution.


Who Modern Wealthy Is Good For (And Who Should Avoid It)

Not every program is the right fit for every person.
Modern Wealthy does have a target audience it serves well — and others it can unintentionally mislead or overwhelm.

This section helps readers instantly recognize which group they fall into.


Who Modern Wealthy Is Good For

Modern Wealthy can be a helpful starting point if you fit one of the profiles below:


1. Beginners Who Need Motivation More Than Mechanics

If you’re someone who:

  • feels stuck

  • doesn’t know where to begin

  • needs encouragement

  • wants a spark of inspiration

  • needs a reason to start believing again

…then the mindset and vision-based training inside Modern Wealthy can be uplifting.

It won’t give you the full blueprint, but it will give you momentum — and sometimes momentum is what gets people started.


2. People Who Enjoy Community and Accountability

The private community is one of Modern Wealthy’s strong points.

If you thrive in:

  • group discussions

  • peer encouragement

  • weekly calls

  • community sharing

  • a sense of belonging

…then you might find real value in the group environment.

Many students say the community alone helped them stay motivated.


3. Brand-Focused Creators Who Like Storytelling

Modern Wealthy puts a strong emphasis on:

  • personal branding

  • identity

  • storytelling

  • presenting yourself online

  • becoming a “trusted authority”

If you naturally enjoy these things, you’ll connect with the material.

This brand-first approach is the foundation of Modern Wealthy.


4. People Who Are Okay With High-Ticket Ecosystems

Some people prefer:

  • hand-holding

  • done-with-you guidance

  • personal coaching

  • structured mentorship

If you know you’re willing to invest thousands into your development, then Modern Wealthy’s upsell ladder won’t feel shocking or offensive — it’ll feel like a natural progression.

There are people who thrive in high-ticket coaching environments.


In Summary, Modern Wealthy Is Good For:

✔️ Motivated beginners
✔️ People seeking inspiration
✔️ People who want community
✔️ People comfortable with upsells
✔️ People drawn to branding-based businesses

If any of that sounds like you, you’ll likely enjoy parts of the Modern Wealthy experience.


Who Should Avoid Modern Wealthy

This is the section that saves beginners from wasting time, money, and energy.

If you fall into any of the groups below, Modern Wealthy is not the best fit.


1. Anyone Expecting a Complete System for $37

If you’re thinking:

“$37 sounds great — maybe this is everything I need to get started!”

Stop right there.

The $37 program is:

  • the introduction

  • the warm-up

  • the overview

  • the teaser

  • the orientation

It is not the business model.
It’s step 1 of a much larger, more expensive path.


2. Beginners on a Tight Budget

If you:

  • cannot afford $997+

  • cannot take sales calls right now

  • don’t want to spend thousands

  • need a low-cost, complete solution

…Modern Wealthy will frustrate you.

You will hit a paywall quickly — and hard.

This is the exact challenge I highlighted in the Invisible Affiliate System Review, where beginners were blindsided by “unexpected” upgrade requirements.


3. People Who Want Step-by-Step Technical Training

If you’re looking for:

  • SEO tutorials

  • website building

  • real traffic strategies

  • content creation

  • email marketing

  • YouTube growth

  • analytics

  • funnel building

  • real-world tactics

…the Modern Wealthy starter course will feel empty.

These essentials exist only in higher-ticket programs.


4. People Who Hate Being Pitched High-Ticket Programs

If you don’t want:

  • advisor calls

  • sales scripts

  • pressure to “level up”

  • emotional persuasion

  • urgency-based coaching

  • “this is your moment” messaging

…then Modern Wealthy will feel uncomfortable.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with high-ticket sales — but it’s not for everyone.


5. People Who Prefer Blogging, SEO, or Content-Based Business Models

If your vision of online business looks like:

  • building a blog

  • growing through Google SEO

  • creating niche content

  • building article clusters

  • reviewing products

  • ranking on search

…then Modern Wealthy doesn’t teach these skills.

If that’s your interest, I always recommend platforms like Wealthy Affiliate because they specialize in long-term, content-based business models that actually work.


6. People Who Want a Proven, Transparent Success Rate

Modern Wealthy does not provide:

  • income disclosure

  • success percentages

  • verified student results

  • transparent earnings data

If transparency matters to you (and it should), that’s a major issue.


7. People Who Don’t Want to Promote the Program Itself

Many Modern Wealthy students end up promoting…
Modern Wealthy.

Why?

Because:

  • it’s the easiest niche offered

  • the training is built around authority marketing

  • the community teaches you to replicate their model

  • the commissions favor digital-product promotion

If you want to build a real affiliate business outside the make-money-online niche, this system may not support that path well.


In Summary — Avoid Modern Wealthy If You:

❌ Expect a full business for $37
❌ Hate upsells
❌ Want transparency
❌ Prefer SEO or content-based business models
❌ Want a complete A–Z beginner system
❌ Are not comfortable with high-ticket coaching environments

For these types of people, Modern Wealthy is not the right fit.

And that’s totally okay — there are better alternatives.

Pros & Cons of Modern Wealthy

Before you decide whether Modern Wealthy is worth your time (and money), here’s a clear, honest breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses—no hype, no bashing, just the truth.


Pros (What Modern Wealthy Does Well)

✔️ Polished, High-Quality Production

The videos and materials look professional. Stuart Ross knows how to communicate clearly and confidently.

✔️ Beginner-Friendly Introduction to Online Business Concepts

If you’re brand new, the first 7 days can feel inspiring and motivating.
It introduces the big picture without overwhelming you.

✔️ Strong Community Atmosphere

A supportive community is one of Modern Wealthy’s biggest assets. People encourage each other, share wins, and stay motivated.

✔️ Helpful Mindset & Vision Training

If you’re stuck, struggling, or lacking direction, the mindset content can help you gain clarity.

✔️ Refund Policy

Even if the program isn’t what you hoped for, there is a refund option for the $37 starter.

✔️ Stuart Ross Has Real Marketing Experience

He’s not a random “guru.” He has a history in digital business—good or bad, he’s experienced.


❌ Cons (The Parts That Hold Modern Wealthy Back)

❌ Heavy Upsells (Up to $17,990)

The $37 course is just the doorway.
The real training and coaching live behind expensive upgrades.
Beginners are rarely prepared for this.

❌ Mandatory Phone Number at Checkout

This is a classic high-ticket funnel indicator.
The “vision call” is usually a sales call.
Most legitimate $37 programs do NOT require your phone number.

❌ Starter Training Is VERY Basic

The $37 course doesn’t include:

  • SEO

  • Traffic generation

  • Website building

  • Email marketing

  • Content strategy

  • YouTube

  • Funnels

  • Analytics

All of that is locked behind higher-priced tiers.

❌ High-Pressure Advisor Calls

These calls often push students into expensive packages.
Not everyone wants to be sold to this way.

❌ No Transparent Success Rate

There is:

  • no income disclosure

  • no clear completion rate

  • no verified results

  • no earnings data

Without transparency, it’s hard for beginners to make an informed decision.

❌ Real Business Skills Require Expensive Upgrades

Modern Wealthy teaches concepts, not execution.
To truly learn affiliate marketing or digital business, you’re looking at $997+.

❌ Some Students End Up Promoting Modern Wealthy Itself

This is a subtle but important concern.
A meaningful number of “success stories” come from people who promote the program—not from people building independent businesses.


Bottom Line on Pros & Cons

Modern Wealthy is not a scam—but it is not a complete $37 business system either.

  • Great for motivation

  • Great for branding ideas

  • Great for inspiration

  • Strong community

But…

  • Weak for real skills

  • Weak for transparency

  • Weak for beginners on a budget

  • Weak for people who want SEO, blogging, or content-based income

  • Very expensive if you want the full training


Is Modern Wealthy a Scam? (The Honest, Balanced Answer Most Reviews Avoid)

Let’s cut straight through the noise, the hype, the ads, and the influencer testimonials.

After diving deep into the program, looking at the real costs, studying the funnel, and hearing from actual students, here’s the truth:

❌ No — Modern Wealthy is not a scam.

You do get:

  • real training

  • real videos

  • real community access

  • real beginner-friendly concepts

  • real guidance on branding and mindset

There’s nothing “fake” or fraudulent about the $37 offer.
You’re not buying thin air. You’re not getting tricked into an empty program.

But here’s the part beginners absolutely need to understand:


Modern Wealthy is a High-Ticket Coaching Funnel (Not a Beginner Business System)

And that distinction matters.

A high-ticket funnel is designed to move you from:

  • a small entry offer →

  • to a phone call →

  • to a $997 program →

  • to a $3,995 coaching upgrade →

  • to $9,995 “accelerators” →

  • and in some cases, $17,990 done-for-you launch packages

There is nothing inherently illegal or unethical about high-ticket offers.
Many coaching companies operate this way.

But it does create a major mismatch in expectations for anyone who thought the $37 product was “the program.”

Most beginners walk in thinking:

“I’m finally getting everything I need to start an online business for under forty bucks.”

But the reality is:

The $37 course is an introduction to the possibility of online business — not a complete, step-by-step system.

To access the actual training required to build a real business, you must buy into the higher tiers.


So Why Do So Many People Ask If It’s a Scam?

Simple:

Because the marketing makes it feel like the $37 program is the whole system — when it isn’t.

When beginners discover:

  • the mandatory phone call

  • the scripted “vision session”

  • the emotional pressure

  • the unexpected costs

  • and the high-ticket backend…

…it’s completely normal to feel confused, blindsided, or even misled.

Most people aren’t prepared for a $997 upgrade — let alone a $9,995 accelerator.

And let’s be honest:

If the true cost of building a business through Modern Wealthy were advertised upfront, fewer people would buy the $37 intro.

That’s why the question “Is Modern Wealthy a scam?” comes up over and over again online.

It’s not about the training.
It’s about the expectations.


Here’s the REAL Issue: Beginners Don’t Need Emotion — They Need Execution

Modern Wealthy focuses heavily on:

  • mindset

  • branding

  • identity

  • vision

  • storytelling

  • community

  • motivation

And all of that can be useful.

But that’s not what makes money.

Beginners need:

  • SEO

  • traffic

  • foundational content skills

  • a website

  • email marketing

  • keyword strategy

  • conversion skills

  • analytics

  • scalable systems

Those essentials aren’t included until you move into the $997+ tiers.

And that’s where most students get stuck.


The Most Honest Verdict You’ll Ever Read on Modern Wealthy

Here it is — no fluff:

Modern Wealthy is a polished, motivational, community-driven introduction to online business… wrapped inside a high-ticket coaching funnel.

It’s not a scam.
But it’s also not what many beginners think they’re buying.

If you’re prepared for upsells and you’re okay with investing thousands into a coaching environment, you may find value here.

But if you came looking for:

  • a complete beginner system

  • a low-cost way to start

  • a transparent training platform

  • real traffic skills

  • and a proven roadmap you can follow without spending thousands…

Modern Wealthy isn’t built for you.

And that’s okay — because you do have better options.


So What Should Beginners Do Instead?

If you want a complete, beginner-friendly affiliate marketing education that doesn’t require:

  • mandatory phone numbers

  • surprise upsells

  • high-ticket coaching

  • or a $17,990 “launch pack”

There are more transparent, ethical platforms out there.

For example, the platform I’ve personally used since 2014 — and the one I recommend to every beginner who wants to build a real, long-term online business — includes:

  • full SEO training

  • website hosting

  • keyword tools

  • blog training

  • affiliate marketing training

  • weekly live classes

  • step-by-step beginner support

  • and an active community

And it costs a fraction of Modern Wealthy’s full system.

👉 If you’re curious, you can read my Honest Wealthy Affiliate Review here.
👉 Or skip the review and try it for free here


Modern Wealthy vs Wealthy Affiliate

Feature Modern Wealthy Wealthy Affiliate
Entry Price $37 starter course Free starter account
Real Cost to Access Full Training $997–$17,990+ through multiple upsells $49/month or ~$299–$499/year, no upsells
Mandatory Phone Number Yes, required at checkout No phone required to join or upgrade
Upsell Structure High-ticket coaching funnel with advisor calls Flat pricing, no high-ticket backend
Core Training Focus Authority branding, mindset, high-level concepts SEO, blogging, affiliate marketing, long-term traffic
Traffic & Execution Skills Limited in starter; locked behind higher tiers Step-by-step SEO, content, email, and more included
Tools Included Depends on package; many tools separate Hosting, websites, keyword tools, training, community
Transparency & Income Disclosure No clear public success data Clear about training, community, and expectations
Best For Those okay with high-ticket coaching and upsells Beginners who want a complete, affordable A–Z system

So Which One Makes More Sense for Beginners?

When you zoom out and look at the big picture, the difference becomes pretty simple:

  • Modern Wealthy is a polished introduction wrapped inside a high-ticket coaching funnel.

  • Wealthy Affiliate is a complete platform for learning, building, and growing an affiliate business without surprise upsells.

If you want:

  • motivational content

  • branding concepts

  • and you’re genuinely prepared (and willing) to invest $1,000–$10,000+ into a coaching ecosystem…

…then you might find value in Modern Wealthy.

But if you’re like most of my readers—people who:

  • are tired of funnel games

  • don’t want surprise $997 paywalls

  • want to learn SEO, blogging, and real traffic

  • want one flat, predictable cost

  • want to build a real, long-term affiliate business…

Then I’d nudge you gently, but confidently, toward what I’ve personally used since 2014.


My #1 Recommendation Instead of Modern Wealthy

I’ve tested a lot of programs over the years, and I keep coming back to Wealthy Affiliate for one simple reason:

It actually teaches beginners how to build an online business from the ground up—without requiring a second mortgage.

Inside Wealthy Affiliate, you get:

  • Step-by-step core training for beginners

  • Website builder and managed hosting included

  • Keyword research tools built in

  • In-depth SEO and content training

  • Live weekly classes and replays

  • A huge, active community that doesn’t depend on high-ticket upsells

  • Transparent pricing (no $5K–$20K backend lurking in the shadows)

You can even start for free, click around, take some lessons, and see if it feels right before you ever upgrade.

👉 Read My Honest Wealthy Affiliate Review 
👉 Or skip the review and create a free account here:


By now you’ve seen the full picture — the good, the bad, and the expensive.

Modern Wealthy isn’t the worst program out there… but it’s also not the simple $37 solution many people hope for. It’s polished, motivational, and community-driven, but the real training lives behind upsells that start at $997 and climb into the thousands.

If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure — that’s completely normal.
That’s exactly how I felt years ago when I was bouncing from program to program, trying to find something honest that didn’t drain my bank account.

And that’s why I always point beginners toward the one platform that actually taught me how to build a long-term affiliate business without:

  • surprise upsells

  • advisor calls

  • high-ticket coaching

  • pressure tactics

  • or “secret levels” you unlock only after paying more

It’s the same training platform I’ve used since 2014, and I still recommend it 11 years later for one simple reason:

It works — and it doesn’t play games with your wallet.

👉 Read My Honest Wealthy Affiliate Review
(I break everything down just as transparently as I did here.)

👉 Or start a free account and test-drive the entire beginner training here:


Whichever direction you choose, I hope this review saved you time, money, and frustration — and helped you move one step closer to building something real.

If you have questions, drop them in the comments.
I reply to every single one.


About the Author

Hey, I’m Jason — founder of Scam Busters USA and a guy who’s been in the affiliate marketing world since 2011. I’ve fallen for more than my share of overhyped programs, shiny funnels, and smooth-talking “gurus,” and that’s exactly why this website exists.

My mission is simple:

Expose the scams.
Highlight the legit opportunities.
And give beginners the honest information I wish someone gave me.

I’ve been a member of Wealthy Affiliate since 2014, and that training is what finally helped me break out of the cycle of failure and build a real online income the ethical way.

When I’m not writing reviews, you’ll usually find me digging into new programs, researching trends, drinking way too much coffee, or helping readers build something they can be proud of.

If you ever need help, guidance, or a second pair of eyes on a program you’re considering, reach out anytime. You’re not alone in this.


Affiliate Disclaimer

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend platforms I trust, use, and genuinely believe will help readers avoid the scams and shortcuts that burn so many beginners.

4 thoughts on “Is Modern Wealthy a Scam? Read This Before Paying $37”

  1. Thanks for such a detailed review — it really opened my eyes. I appreciate how you laid out that the $37 entry-offer of Modern Wealthy just gives a basic overview and that the “real cost” comes only if you go deeper into the upsells. It’s helpful to know that the initial package includes only high-level concepts (branding, affiliate intro, mindset) and not the nuts-and-bolts of building a real business. You raise a good point about the mandatory phone-call sign-up and the pressure to commit to expensive backend modules. For someone totally new to online business, that might feel overwhelming. Do you think there’s a type of beginner for whom Modern Wealthy could still make sense — or is the upsell-driven structure always too risky in your view?

    Reply
    • Hi Hanna,

      Thank you for such a thoughtful comment — and I’m glad the review helped bring some clarity. A lot of people assume the $37 offer is the “full program,” so it’s important to understand what’s actually inside and what’s waiting behind the curtain.

      To your question:
      Is there a beginner for whom Modern Wealthy could still make sense?


      Honestly, only a very specific type of beginner… and even then, I still think it’s risky.

      Here’s what I mean:

      Already has disposable income (not debt or tight finances)

      Is fully aware there will be high-ticket upsells

      Is comfortable speaking with sales reps

      Already has basic online marketing awareness

      Wants a guided, personality-driven coaching environment

      Isn’t relying on this as their first or only path to income

      But that’s a very small group of people — and almost never the true beginner these ads target.

       Where it becomes risky for most beginners:

      The business model is built around upsells, not the $37 intro.

      The high-ticket backend focuses heavily on mindset, branding, and paid traffic — not step-by-step business building.

      Paid ads are one of the fastest ways beginners burn money.

      The mandatory phone call is designed to qualify you for the higher tiers.

      You still need outside tools, hosting, content strategy, SEO, and real skills they don’t teach at the front.

      Most people looking for their first online business don’t have the financial cushion, the experience, or the emotional calm to navigate a system like this without getting overwhelmed.

      My honest take:

      Modern Wealthy is built for a marketing-savvy buyer with a budget — not for someone starting from scratch.

      For beginners, a platform that focuses on stable skills (content, SEO, audience building, proper training, hosting, research, etc.) is almost always a better, safer, longer-lasting foundation. That’s why I recommend it so strongly — it’s what finally stopped me from getting burned years ago.

      If you ever want help comparing programs or figuring out what direction fits your goals, feel free to reach out anytime. I’m always happy to help people avoid the mistakes I made in the early days.

      Jason
      Scam Busters USA

      Reply
  2. Thank you for the detailed description of this program. It reminds me of a coaching program I took in 2013 that was a dropshipping program, but they also offered an affiliate marketing program. I went with drop shipping as that seemed more up my alley. I basically spent 8 years on eBay making sales, but not getting ahead no matter what I did until sales stopped and the coaching program was shut down by the FTC. I am now very weary of any coaching-based e-business. As a member of wealthy affiliate you are immediately struck by an encouraging community of like-minded people. 

    Reply
    • Hey there, thank you so much for sharing your experience — that really hits home.

      Unfortunately, a lot of coaching-heavy programs from that era (and even today) promised the world but delivered very little. Many people poured years into dropshipping, Amazon, eBay, or high-ticket coaching systems only to realize the business model wasn’t sustainable, or worse, the program itself wasn’t built on solid ground — just like the one you mentioned that ended up being shut down by the FTC. You’re absolutely right to be cautious.

      One of the things that stood out to me when I joined Wealthy Affiliate back in 2014 was exactly what you mentioned:
      the community feels real, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping people succeed.

      You’re not dealing with “gurus” or pressure-based coaching. You’re surrounded by everyday people — some brand new, some extremely successful — who openly share their strategies, failures, and wins. And the best part is, no one is trying to upsell you into some secret back-end program.

      Your story is powerful because it shows you’ve put in the work, you’ve tried real business models, and you’ve learned to spot the difference between hype and genuine value. That wisdom will serve you well.

      If you ever have questions, want feedback, or just need someone to bounce ideas off of, I’m always here and the WA community is too. You’re not building alone this time.

      Wishing you nothing but clarity, direction, and success as you move forward.

      — Jason
      Founder, Scam Busters USA

      Reply

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