I was just organizing a table of yield aggregators and noticed a few pools with ridiculously high APYs. Honestly, my first reaction was tempted, but after cooling down I still need to review the contract code and the counterparty’s background.

In the past, I might have chased high yields—thinking gas fees would be covered anyway. But after getting hit a few times, I’ve started focusing more on whether the underlying protocol has been audited, whether the TVL is concentrated in the hands of big holders, and whether the exit mechanism is smooth. To put it plainly: even if the APY looks gorgeous, if the contract locks you in or the counterparty runs off, all that return is just money you’ve staked.

Recent rate-cut expectations have been swinging back and forth, and when the US Dollar Index moves, risk assets swing wildly too. In this kind of environment, those so-called “guaranteed profit” strategies inside aggregators are really just betting on direction. These days, my habit is: I’d rather earn less than treat my principal like a wager.

For now, that’s it—I’m going back to keep adding items to my anti-scam checklist.