In this episode of The False Shortcut, host Yianna Pavlakos breaks down the perfectly legal , but highly misleading , car dealership tactics that can cost buyers thousands of dollars without them even realizing it.

This episode focuses on:
• “Market adjustment” dealer markups
• Add-ons presented as mandatory but are actually optional
• Wheel locks, window tint, nitrogen tires, paint protection, warranties, and GAP insurance
• How dealerships use monthly payment tricks to hide true costs
• Why these fees look official , but aren’t required
• Real strategies to negotiate, remove markups, or walk away

You’ll learn how a car listed at MSRP can quietly turn into a $10,000+ overpayment — and exactly what to say, ask, and do to protect yourself before signing anything.

If you’ve ever wondered:
“Do I really have to pay this?”
This episode is for you.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and share your experience in the comments.
🔗 Coaching, financial resets & resources: www.nostosjourney.com

Car dealerships have perfectly legal tricks that cost buyers thousands , and most people never notice. In Part 2 of our "Legal Scams" series, Yianna Pavlakos breaks down interest rate markups, monthly payment traps, hidden fees, and how dealerships profit more from financing than the car itself. Learn how to protect yourself, ask for the lender approval sheet, negotiate APR, and walk away with confidence. This episode could save you money.

This episode kicks off a 3-part series on “totally legal scams”, the financial traps hiding in everyday life. From HOA foreclosures to high-interest credit cards, late fees, retail approvals, and credit score penalties, we break down how legal practices can still be deeply unethical.

If you’ve ever wondered why using more than 30–35% of your credit limit hurts your score, why closing a card lowers it, or why “interest-free” offers aren’t really free, this episode is for you.

Learn how to protect your credit, avoid unnecessary debt, and make smarter financial decisions , starting today.
More tools, resources, and coaching support at nostosjourney.com.

They called it an opportunity. I called it a lesson.
In this episode, I share how I got pulled into a “too good to be true” pyramid scheme, the manipulation, the false promises, and the relentless upsells disguised as empowerment.
The worst part? They’re back under a new name, selling the same illusion.

What happens when spiritual growth becomes a sales pitch? This episode exposes the truth behind so-called “manifestation experts” who profit off vulnerability and disguise greed as enlightenment. We’ll talk about where true manifestation begins, within, and why focusing on self-development, not material gain, is the real path to transformation.

A single misstep doesn’t just cost money; it can shape your mindset. In this episode, I open up about a real estate decision that led me down a cycle of chasing quick wins. We’ll dive into why these patterns form, the addictive pull of “next time will be better,” and how to finally rewrite the script.

When “get certified fast” meets “get rich quick,” the results can be dangerous. This episode exposes the hidden risks behind cheap life coaching certifications and why true coaching demands more than a piece of paper. Lives are impacted; this work deserves more than shortcuts.

Financial traps aren’t random; they’re built on psychological triggers that influence your choices before you even realize it. In this episode, we uncover how emotions, clever marketing, and deeply rooted beliefs work together to lead people into financial pitfalls; and, more importantly, how to recognize and outsmart them. This is your first step toward taking back control.