The Savvy System Review: Scam or Legit?

When I first started exploring ways to make money online, I was no stranger to side hustles. From selling products on eBay to dabbling in freelance writing, I tried nearly every hustle imaginable. While some ventures brought in a little extra cash, none of them felt sustainable enough to transition into a full-time business. Fast forward to today, I’ve built a six-figure online income and learned the hard truths about what it takes to succeed in the digital world.

That’s why I was intrigued when I came across The Savvy System by Abbey Ashley—a course designed to help aspiring virtual assistants launch and grow their own businesses. As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, I know how overwhelming it can be to start a business without clear guidance. This course claims to provide a step-by-step blueprint for building a profitable VA business from scratch, and I wanted to see if it truly delivers on its promises.

In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts about The Savvy System. Whether you’re just getting started with side hustles or looking for a way to scale your income online, this might be the program you’ve been searching for. Let’s dive in!

What is The Savvy System?

The Savvy System is an in-depth online course designed to help anyone start and grow a successful virtual assistant (VA) business. At its core, it’s a step-by-step guide that takes you from knowing nothing about virtual assistance to running a profitable business offering services to clients worldwide. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income on the side or build a full-time career, this program lays out everything you need to get started.

The course covers a wide range of topics, including identifying your skills, setting up your business legally, creating service packages, pricing your work, finding clients, and even scaling your business into an agency if that’s your goal. What I love about The Savvy System is how practical it is—it doesn’t just tell you what to do; it gives you templates, tools, and actionable steps to make money as a VA. For example, it teaches you how to offer services like social media management, email management, graphic design, customer support, and more. These are skills businesses are willing to pay for, and the course shows you how to position yourself as the solution they need.

For anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of starting an online business—or didn’t know where to begin—this course breaks it all down into manageable steps. It’s not just about making money; it’s about building a sustainable business that fits your lifestyle.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created The Savvy System?

The Savvy System was created by Abbey Ashley, a name that’s become synonymous with virtual assistant success. Abbey started her own VA business from scratch while she was pregnant and looking for a flexible way to contribute financially. She eventually scaled her business into a six-figure income and decided to share her knowledge with others through her company, The Virtual Savvy.

Abbey has built a solid reputation in the online entrepreneurship space for her approachable teaching style and proven strategies. She’s been featured in major publications like Forbes and has helped thousands of students launch their own VA businesses through her training programs. What sets Abbey apart is her genuine passion for helping others succeed—she’s not just selling a course; she’s sharing a system that worked for her and countless others.

As someone who has seen my fair share of online “gurus,” I can confidently say Abbey stands out because she walks the talk. Her success story is relatable, and her methods are practical and actionable—not just fluff or theory.

Who is The Savvy System For?

The Savvy System is perfect for anyone who wants to start earning money online but doesn’t know where to begin. It’s especially ideal for:

• Stay-at-home parents: If you’re looking for a flexible way to work from home while managing family responsibilities, this course provides the tools you need to succeed.
• Side hustlers: If you’re juggling a 9-to-5 job but want to build an additional income stream on the side, becoming a VA can be a great option.
• Aspiring entrepreneurs: If you’ve always dreamed of running your own business but feel overwhelmed by the process, this program simplifies everything.
• Freelancers looking to pivot: If you already have skills like writing, graphic design, or social media management but struggle with finding clients or scaling your services, this course can help you refine your approach.

In short, if you’re willing to put in the work and follow the steps outlined in The Savvy System, this program can help you build a profitable VA business regardless of your background or experience level. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s a real opportunity for those ready to invest time and effort into creating their own success.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is The Savvy System Structured?

One of the standout features of The Savvy System is its well-organized structure, which makes it easy to follow and implement. The course is divided into 14 modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of starting and growing a virtual assistant business. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s included:

• Module 1: Welcome to The Savvy System – Introduces the “Launch From Scratch Blueprint” and sets the foundation for building your VA business.
• Module 2: Discover Your Skillset – Helps you identify your unique skills and develop marketable services.
• Module 3: Pricing and Packages – Guides you in creating service packages and setting competitive rates.
• Module 4: Branding Academy – Covers branding essentials like logos, business identity, and positioning.
• Module 5: Processes and Assets – Teaches how to systemize your business with portfolios, onboarding systems, and workflows.
• Module 6: Payments and Taxes – Provides tools for invoicing, managing finances, and understanding tax obligations.
• Module 7: Legalities – Includes contracts and legal templates to protect your business.
• Modules 8 & 9: Marketing Basics & Ultimate Marketing Plan – Focuses on finding clients through social media, freelancing platforms, networking, and more advanced strategies.
• Module 10: Web Development – Walks you through building a professional website without hiring a designer.
• Module 11: VA Lifestyle – Offers insights into managing work-life balance as a VA.
• Module 12: Raising Your Prices – Teaches how to transition to high-end services and increase rates confidently.
• Module 13: Building a Team – Explains how to scale your business by hiring subcontractors or creating an agency model.
• Module 14: Future Growth – Explores advanced scaling options like online business management or list building.

Beyond the modules, the course includes additional resources like templates, contracts, customizable portfolio designs, a workbook for tracking progress, and even gamified milestones to keep you motivated. Students also get lifetime access, allowing them to revisit the content anytime.

Are The Savvy System Students Getting Results?

When I was researching The Savvy System, one thing that stood out was the success stories from past students. It’s inspiring to see how this program has transformed lives. For instance:

• Sadie’s Story: She quit her full-time job just months after completing the course. Today, she runs a VA agency with five team members, took a three-month paid maternity leave, and continues to earn a large salary while enjoying time with her family.
• Kayleigh’s Journey: Within one year of starting the program, she grew her VA business into an agency offering Online Business Management (OBM) services—a dream she never imagined possible.
• Lynette’s Transformation: After leaving a 15-year career, Lynette became fully booked within her first year as a VA. She expanded her services and is now pursuing advanced entrepreneurial opportunities.

Other testimonials highlight students earning $1K-$5K per month consistently, with some scaling their businesses to six figures annually. The recurring theme across these stories is that The Savvy System provides not just the tools but also the confidence needed to succeed.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does The Savvy System Cost?

The pricing for The Savvy System depends on the package you choose:

1. Lite ($997 or $97/month for 12 months): Includes the core course materials but lacks additional coaching or community support.
2. Pro ($1,497 or $147/month for 12 months): Adds lifetime access to support resources like group coaching sessions, proposal reviews, and job opportunities.
3. Ultimate ($2,997 or $297/month for 12 months): Includes everything in Pro plus lifetime access to SavvyVault, which features over 80 tech skill training courses.

While the upfront cost might seem high, many students recoup their investment quickly by landing clients within weeks or months of completing the course. Some even double their previous income within their first year.

Refund Policy

The program offers a refund policy:

• Lite purchasers can request refunds within seven days.
• Pro purchasers have up to thirty days to request refunds.

However, refunds are subject to specific conditions—for example, they won’t be granted if you’ve already upgraded from another product like the VA Toolbox. This policy ensures that students commit fully while still providing an option for those who feel it isn’t the right fit.

In my opinion, if you’re serious about launching a VA business and willing to put in the work, The Savvy System is worth considering as an investment in your future.

Praises for The Savvy System

After diving deep into The Savvy System, I found several aspects that truly stand out and make this program worth considering. Here are the key praises:

• Comprehensive Content
  The course covers everything from business setup to scaling strategies, ensuring you have all the tools you need to succeed as a virtual assistant. It doesn’t just teach you how to start—it also provides guidance on raising your rates, building a team, and even transitioning into advanced roles like Online Business Management (OBM). This level of detail is rare in similar programs.

• Step-by-Step Structure
  The modules are laid out in a logical, easy-to-follow manner, making it accessible for beginners and experienced VAs alike. Each module builds on the previous one, creating a seamless learning experience. For someone like me who appreciates structure, this was a huge plus.

• Supportive Community
  The private Facebook group and exclusive job opportunities are game-changers. Students rave about the encouragement, networking, and direct feedback they receive from Abbey’s team and other members. This sense of community makes the journey less isolating and more collaborative.

• Practical Resources
  From customizable templates to Trello boards and calculators, the course equips you with tools that save time and streamline your processes. These resources help you feel like a professional right from the start, which boosts confidence when pitching to clients.

• Proven Results
  The testimonials speak volumes—students have quit their full-time jobs, doubled their incomes, and even scaled their businesses into agencies. Stories like Sadie’s and Kayleigh’s show that the program delivers tangible results for those who put in the effort.

Criticisms for The Savvy System

While The Savvy System has many strengths, it’s not without its flaws. Here are some criticisms I noticed:

• High Price Point
  The course is expensive compared to other VA training programs, with packages ranging from $997 to $2,997. While many students recoup their investment quickly, the upfront cost can be a barrier for those just starting out or on a tight budget.

• Limited Tech Skills Training
  The main course focuses on using existing skills rather than teaching new ones. For advanced tech training, students must purchase access to SavvyVault, which adds an extra cost. This might disappoint those looking for more comprehensive skill-building within the primary program.

• Demanding Clients and Unpredictable Income
  Running a VA business isn’t always smooth sailing. Some students have reported challenges with demanding clients, fluctuating workloads, and inconsistent income—issues inherent to freelancing but worth considering before diving in.

• Bonus Organization Could Be Improved
  While the main course is well-structured, the bonus materials can feel overwhelming or disorganized. Integrating these into relevant modules would make them easier to navigate.

• Not Ideal for Passive Income Seekers
  Unlike other online business models, virtual assistance requires active involvement—working directly with clients rather than generating passive income streams. If you’re looking for hands-off opportunities, this might not be the best fit.

Despite these drawbacks, I believe The Savvy System is still a strong option for those serious about building a VA business. It’s not perfect, but its strengths outweigh its weaknesses for most aspiring entrepreneurs.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Should You Join The Savvy System?

So, should you join The Savvy System? Honestly, it depends on your goals and where you are in your journey. If you’re looking for a clear, actionable roadmap to start a virtual assistant business, this course is one of the best options out there. It’s packed with resources, templates, and step-by-step instructions that make launching your VA business feel achievable—even if you’re starting from scratch.

I’d recommend The Savvy System if:

• You want to work from home and build a flexible business that fits your lifestyle.
• You’re ready to invest time and effort into learning the skills needed to succeed as a VA.
• You prefer structured guidance and access to a supportive community to help you along the way.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this program isn’t for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget or unsure whether virtual assistance is the right path for you, the upfront cost might feel like too much of a stretch. Additionally, if you’re looking for passive income opportunities or prefer not to work directly with clients, this course may not align with your goals.

Ultimately, The Savvy System is ideal for those who are serious about building a VA business and want proven strategies to get there. If that sounds like you, it’s worth considering as an investment in your future.

The Savvy System Alternative

While The Savvy System is an excellent option for aspiring virtual assistants, I understand that it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re looking for a broader approach to making money online—one that doesn’t limit you to client-based services—then I’d recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate as an alternative.

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform designed to teach people how to build profitable online businesses through affiliate marketing. Unlike virtual assistance, affiliate marketing focuses on earning passive income by promoting products or services online and earning commissions on sales. It’s perfect for those who want to create scalable income streams without having to work directly with clients.

Here’s why I think Wealthy Affiliate is a fantastic alternative:

• Comprehensive Training: Wealthy Affiliate offers step-by-step courses on everything from niche selection and website creation to SEO and content marketing. It’s ideal for beginners who want to learn how to build an online business from scratch.
• Passive Income Potential: Unlike virtual assistance, affiliate marketing allows you to earn money while you sleep—once your website is set up and generating traffic, commissions can roll in without constant hands-on work.
• Affordable Pricing: Wealthy Affiliate has a more accessible price point compared to The Savvy System. Their premium membership starts at $49/month (or $497/year), which includes all training, tools, and community access.
• Built-In Tools: The platform includes hosting, keyword research tools, and website builders—all in one place—saving you money on additional services.
• Supportive Community: Like The Savvy System, Wealthy Affiliate has a thriving community of entrepreneurs who share tips, advice, and encouragement.

If you’re someone who wants to explore multiple ways of making money online or prefers building passive income streams over client-based work, Wealthy Affiliate might be the better choice for you. It’s especially great for those interested in blogging, content creation, or digital marketing.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.