Think back to a moment you were caught off guard…
The scam you didn’t see coming, the manipulative words that twisted the truth, the threat that left you frozen.
An easy read and reference tool for a safer journey ahead.

The Complete Guide to Levelling Up

Spot manipulation tactics before they influence you
Identify investment scams and phishing attempts
Protect devices from hackers and identity theft
Escape dangerous situations with instinctive self-defence moves
Recognise the red flags of emotional and psychological manipulation
and much more……
3 Ways to Use this Book to Boost Your Savvy & Safety
Increase in phone robbery in your area? Flick to chapter 6 and learn how Jessica kept her data and identity safe. Check out the 50 most common scams compilation.
Each chapter presents a memorable story, so you’ll absorb key lessons, effortlessly. Reflect and level up with proven expert strategies.
This book includes lifetime access to online resources, so you can convert the Savvy Up experience into an immersive and transformational course…. at no extra cost!

A Note From the Author Stuart Kirby

Your level of savvy significantly impacts your physical safety, digital security, self-worth, and overall wellbeing. As a martial artist and self-defence professional with 40 years of experience, I feel confident in handling physical threats. But, five years ago, I was blindsided by a sophisticated crypto scam. I need to ‘savvy up’ in the cyber world!
This costly experience taught me firsthand how criminals are increasingly leveraging technology to exploit vulnerabilities—impacting millions of people each year. As economic pressures mount and profit margins thin, manipulation tactics designed to separate us from our hard-earned money are becoming even more subtle and powerful.
I wrote Savvy Up in response to these evolving dangers—the very threats we often dismiss, thinking, “It will never happen to me.” By reading this book and implementing the insights, you’ll boost your savvy in every critical area of life, empowering yourself and your loved ones to live safer, smarter, and more confidently.
We’ve received a few reviews so far (full disclosure: two are from friends who have read the book). Savvy Up is newly released in March 2025, so bear with us as we get more reviews.
Been dipping in and out of this book over the last couple of days, and it’s seriously clever. Every chapter starts with a story that pulls you in and it feels like I’ve lived some of these situations now, which hopefully means I won’t fall for them in real life. I really liked that it’s not just about online scams. It even covers things like dealing with parking fines (had 2 last year, 1 I would have challenged had I had this knowledge).
The self-defence section is brilliant, definitely getting my daughter to do the online course when she’s old enough.
(Amazon Customer March 25)
Didn’t think I needed this book, but I was wrong. I always thought I was pretty savvy, but this really made me see the gaps. The way it explains scams, manipulation & especially physical threats, just makes so much sense.
The free self-defence course was way better than I expected. I thought it’d be some overcomplicated stuff, but nope, it’s super simple moves that actually work. The author teaches it himself, and it’s really easy to follow.
It’s not just about scams either—this book makes you think smarter about everything. Honestly, some of the stories made me rethink how I deal with people in general.
100% recommend. Even if you think you know it all, you’ll still pick up stuff that’ll make you sharper.
(The J Dog March 25)
Really interesting, great tips for online security and for personal safety! Have given it to my parents as well. Excited to check out the bonus offers. Definitely worth it 🙂
(DNJ March 25)
My book arrived last week. I haven’t got through it yet, but have flicked through and read some chapters and I’m really enjoying how you can just dip in and out depending on what parts are most relevant to you like a guide. I’m also loving the practical and easy to digest tips and tricks in bullet form for handling various scenarios, which make it easy to note good takeaways. I think this is a well structured guide.
(Rebecca March 25)
Packed with value for all the family – Makes a great gift idea!

Science-backed online self-defence course
50 most common scam quick reference guide
Savvy scripts to shut down tricksters
Immersive course resources, including SWOT analysis and action tracker
Check out our 80 second video summary or listen to the opening story in Chapter 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am already savvy. Should I read it?
Of course you are—everyone has savvy! But is your savvy equally strong in all areas of life? The world has changed, and so have the risks we face. Technology, the internet, and artificial intelligence have expanded our exposure to scams, fraud, and manipulation on a global scale. Criminals are evolving, using AI and psychological tactics to outsmart even the most cautious individuals.
Another major shift is the rise of sales psychology. Once designed to help businesses better serve customers, these techniques have been adopted by manipulative individuals, making it easier than ever to influence, deceive, and exploit. Understanding these tactics isn’t just useful—it’s essential.
This book equips you with the knowledge to stay steps ahead, recognise hidden threats, and protect yourself in ways you may not have even considered. Even the most street-smart individuals will find new insights that sharpen their instincts and strengthen their defences. So yes, you should read it!
What age is Savvy Up appropriate for?
Savvy Up is designed for all ages, making it a valuable resource for the entire family. Later this year, we’ll be releasing Savvy Up for Teens, but in the meantime, this edition offers essential lessons that apply to everyone.
For example, online shopping is something we all do, and Chapter 5 provides crucial insights into protecting your data and money from cyber threats. Mobile phone and identity theft affect people of all ages, which is why Chapter 6 walks you through real-world strategies to safeguard yourself (listen to Jessica’s story above).
Home security is another universal concern, and Chapter 9 highlights ways to prevent home invasions. If you or a family member invests or has a pension, Chapters 11 and 12 will help you avoid financial scams. And for everyday financial protection, we cover topics like challenging unfair parking fines and handling mis-sold products.
For those interested in personal safety, Chapter 10 introduces a simple yet powerful approach to self-defence—helping you instinctively avoid getting hit. Plus, you’ll get free lifetime access to an online self-defence course designed to be effective for all skill levels.
Whatever your age or stage in life, Savvy Up equips you to face modern risks with confidence and clarity.
What's included in the bonus content?
At the end of the book, you’ll find an invaluable Bonus Content Section packed with essential tools to keep you protected. This includes:
- A Quick-Reference Guide to 50 Common Scams – Learn to spot red flags and avoid falling victim, with clear, actionable strategies.
- Real-Life Scam Dialogues – Understand the exact language scammers use and discover the best ways to respond or shut them down.
- Fraud Contact Directory – A compiled list of major fraud agencies across English-speaking countries (and some non-English-speaking ones) so you know exactly where to report scams or seek assistance.
Best of all, all this information is also available for free in our exclusive online portal, where you’ll gain access to:
- Our online self-defence course – Science-backed techniques to boost your personal safety.
- Interactive resources – Turn Savvy Up into a fully immersive learning experience with structured exercises and tools.
With these bonuses, Savvy Up is more than just a book—it’s an ongoing toolkit for real-world protection.
Why are there not many reviews?
Savvy Up was launched in March 2025, so naturally, it takes some time to build up reviews. However, Amazon provides a reassuring 30-day return policy, removing any risk if you feel the book isn’t beneficial.
We firmly believe that every reader will discover at least one chapter that significantly boosts their savvy, helping them proactively avoid negative or even life-changing situations. Combined with our free online self-defence course and valuable bonus materials, we’re confident Savvy Up will be an investment you won’t regret.