Game console image source: By Evan-Amos - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
As far as I can understand, Steemit is the best on-ramp into the world of cryptocurrencies, especially for beginners. Earning money involves very minimal risk. Indeed, one can start earning without having invested as much as a penny. The main thing is that money is earned by providing value to the community. More specifically, it means finding an audience and consistently providing it with information and resources if deems of considerable worth. Be it timely and accurate market analysis, providing unique insights into pressing issues, or just being able to brighten someone's day, satisfying the needs of others can lead to financial rewards.
The value proposition that Steemit has to offer is that it has the potential to allow individuals to build a considerable amount of wealth over time. But like all things in life, excluding death and taxes, the is no 100% guarantee that this will happen. Nevertheless, consistent effort and prudent management of resources should lead to desirable results.
Bottom line, personally, Steemit seems a much better bet than riding the Bitcoin roller coaster or wasting money on lottery tickets.
I too am no financial expert and each person should perform his/her own due diligence and seek out professional guidance where necessary.