Trading Course ROI Analysis: Reddit Experiences vs Market Growth

Reddit users consistently advise against expensive trading courses, with many characterizing them as scams or poor value. The consensus is that these courses are “designed to rip you off” and “never worth it” [citation:1][citation:2].

Users report that only 10-20% of paid course content is actually useful, with most information available for free on YouTube or other platforms [citation:3]. One user paid $2k for multiple courses and stated they “weren’t even worth half their price” [citation:4].

• Warrior Pro ($2.5k):
  Only worth it for traders specifically following Ross Cameron’s style due to live archives and mentor sessions [citation:4]
• Ricky Gutierrez Course ($400):
  Valued at only ~$200, suitable only for absolute beginners [citation:4]
• Al Brooks Course ($400):
  Mentioned by one user but detailed value assessment unclear [citation:4]

A few users found value in specific contexts:

• One user pays $120/month for mentorship with real-time feedback and reflection [citation:4]
• Another found an options course “worth it at the time” but notes YouTube and AI now make paid courses unnecessary [citation:4]

The trading education market has grown to $1.68 billion in 2024, expanding 11% annually toward $3.92-5.8 billion by early 2030s [citation:6]. This growth occurs despite overwhelmingly negative user sentiment on Reddit.

Google search interest for ‘day trading courses’ increased 10% over the past year, with ‘trading coach’ searches up 69%. Coursera enrollment in online trading courses surged 213% over five years leading to 2024 [citation:6].

Some platforms show positive customer reviews:

• Trader Dale:
  Consistent 5-star reviews in 2025 [citation:8]
• Bear Bull Traders:
  Identified by Investopedia as best overall course [citation:7]
• Bullish Bears:
  Recognized as best value at $47 monthly or $697 lifetime [citation:7]

Limited academic research exists on actual trading success rates and ROI measurements from educational programs [citation:6]. This creates an environment where effectiveness claims go unverified.

There’s a significant disconnect between Reddit user experiences (overwhelmingly negative) and market growth (expanding rapidly). This suggests either:

1. New traders are not accessing Reddit warnings before purchasing
2. Marketing effectiveness outweighs negative word-of-mouth
3. Different user segments have vastly different experiences

Course worthiness appears highly dependent on:

• Trading Style Alignment:
  Warrior Pro only valuable for specific trading approaches [citation:4]
• Experience Level:
  Some courses only suitable for absolute beginners [citation:4]
• Learning Format:
  Live mentorship shows better results than pre-recorded content [citation:4]

The rise of free YouTube content and AI tools is rapidly devaluing paid courses, as noted by users who found courses worth it “at the time” but unnecessary now [citation:4].

• Financial Loss:
  High probability of paying for content with minimal actual value (10-20% useful content)
• Scam Proliferation:
  Market saturation with scammers teaching others how to start their own scams [citation:3]
• False Expectations:
  Many course creators don’t trade successfully themselves, relying on index funds [citation:2]

• Niche Specialization:
  Courses serving specific trading styles or advanced concepts may maintain value
• Mentorship Models:
  Real-time feedback and personalized guidance show better ROI than pre-recorded content
• Value Pricing:
  Low-cost options ($47-697) appear more sustainable than premium pricing ($1k-2.5k)

The trading education market presents a classic case of market inefficiency where demand growth outpaces quality assessment mechanisms. Investors should approach expensive trading courses with extreme skepticism, prioritizing free resources first and considering paid options only after establishing basic trading competency and specific learning needs.

The most sustainable path appears to be starting with free content, then potentially investing in low-cost, highly-rated platforms or personalized mentorship rather than expensive seminar-style courses.