109 Comments
User's avatar
Steve's avatar

Thank you for your honesty and clarity. Re Doug Casey. I’m glad you have had a great experience with him.

Personally I lost complete respect when I purchased a lifetime subscription from his prior newsletter collection, then he sold it, then it collapsed and closed, then he started a new one (with you evidently), and even had the contempt of his former subscribers to name it the exact same as the one I was left holding.

I have followed your writings and look forward to your journey.

As for Doug Casey, I will show restraint here.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate your support, and having you as a reader. As for the rest, I'll just say two things. First, Doug wasn't involved in the day-to-day running of that company… certainly not at the marketing level. I'm 99% sure he had no idea they were offering that kind of "deal." That said, I'm not a fan of lifetime subscriptions in businesses like this. Personally, I'd never do that… and run away from any company that does.

Baku's avatar

Ditto- Same experience for me too. Made up my mind since than to stay away from whatever Doug is selling, but I did continue reading your, (Lau), substack that was available free. Glad you have branched out and I have already subscribed to your substack. Good Luck to you.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thanks so much, Baku. I really appreciate your support.

Gordon's avatar

Lifetime, schmiftime eh? Sounds familiar. We are all at some point the sucker born every minute. What I could go back in time and tell my younger sucker self.

Greene Financial Advisory's avatar

Lau, I always appreciated the thoughtful work that came through Crisis Investing, even when it wasn’t always obvious from the outside how the research process was divided.

I also have a great deal of respect for Doug and Matt and the audience they’ve built. That said, as someone in the financial advisory world, I especially respect the importance of independent judgment — and the responsibility that comes with making recommendations to readers who rely on your work.

So I’m glad to see you stepping into your own venture, where you can follow your own convictions and put your research directly in service of the people reading it.

Wishing you great success in this next chapter.

SilverBearAuAg4779's avatar

Absolutely ditto!! I make a modest Income and bought Into the lifetime subscription model as well. It took me awhile to scrounge that up then it was gone. I will stop here for respect for Lau. I will be Intrigued as well as what’s next for Lau.

James Schmirler's avatar

I as well subscribed to Doug’s original newsletter and left high and dry. I still follow him but not with a subscription.

Gordon's avatar

Thanks. I’m one of those other ten to one that don’t ask but wonder. Was very curious. Sounds reasonable. I’m glad I discovered you with Doug’s work and have now latched on. Look forward to your posts daily. I happen to also be curious about your full back story. From USSR to “wealthy enough to move about the world as you please” and your trek through life to get there. Maybe you have it posted somewhere already?

Lau Vegys's avatar

Appreciate it, Gordon. I'm really glad you found me.

»Maybe you have it posted somewhere already?

Uff. It's been a long road. I haven't really written it all down anywhere… just bits and pieces here and there. Perhaps I should pull it all into one place one day. Food for thought, I guess. Thanks!

Gordon's avatar

Definitely do! I enjoy living somewhat vicariously through other's success. I find it very interesting. As I'm sure many here would. And besides, it may give some of us hope who are still somewhere along that "long road".

Fred Kurz's avatar

I've read your articles for a year. Am very interested in what's coming next

Lau Vegys's avatar

Fred, thanks for reading. More coming very soon.

Gilberte Houbart's avatar

Also your posts are a fun read! Your writing is very engaging.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Best thing I could hear. Thank you, Gilberte.

Jay Bremyer's avatar

I still respect Doug Casey, have for many years, but am alarmed, somewhat by reading a few of the comments and noting the dangers of any lifetime subscription because of what can happen. In any event, as with all the comments that I read here, Lau, you’re very much appreciated. I look forward to your further explanation of how best to position ourselves in this difficult, disfunctional time, keeping, I hope and expect, our sense of humor, community, hospitality. Yes.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thanks so much, Jay. Really appreciate that. I'll do my best.

John Pfannenstiel's avatar

I’ve always found your write ups and analysis to be in line with my investing philosophy and world view. I look forward to staying with you in your new venture. Best of luck!

dr. b's avatar

You will do great. Your posts are always instructive and engaging. All the content with none of the anti-semitism that spoils Doug’s work.

Devin's avatar

Lau, your articles are consistently some of the most interesting I read each week. Thank you! As a 37 year old with a one year old baby and a Colombian wife, I would love to know about about your personal story living and traveling abroad with your family. We have an apartment in Colombia, working towards dual citizenship for the whole family, but pulling the trigger to exit the USA permanently is a constant challenge. It sounds as if you’ve found a way to potentially not be a tax resident anywhere. Would love to know more about how you manage it all. Thanks again.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thanks for sharing that, Devin, and for the kind words.

What city in Colombia, if I may ask? My wife and I actually lived in Medellín for about six months years ago, so it has a special place in my heart.

Devin's avatar

Our place is in Bogota, which has had a total renaissance since everything opened up post-plandemic. And now with the metro finally getting built, we’re hopeful it continues to become more and more of a livable city.

Roger S M Latham's avatar

One door closes, another one opens.

Loic's avatar

sounds similar to a Tom Dyson trip. Good for the soul, and good for the family 🤗

Lau Vegys's avatar

100%. Thanks, Loic!

Josh's avatar

I have enormous respect and admiration for a decision like this. You’ve got a follower and if and when the time comes, a subscriber here. Best of luck, you’ll do just fine!

Lau Vegys's avatar

Josh, thank you. That means more than you know, especially at this stage.

Bill's avatar

Congratulations I respect integrity

Bill's avatar

We build trust with honesty and integrity that is what every one is looking for and it is so very rare.

Bill's avatar

You will do fine

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thank you, Bill

Tom's avatar

Lau, I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors. You have a fabulous style of writing that makes the reader compelled to read your pieces. I should know. I was a print journalist and business writer for over 60 years before retiring. I have seen a lot of bad writing and some very good writing as an editor. You are among the gifted ones.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thank you, Tom. Coming from someone with your background, that means a great deal to me. I truly appreciate the encouragement.

Jeannie Sorci's avatar

You will be missed Lau Vegas. All the best in all you do.

Jeannie Sorci's avatar

Sorry. I see I misspelled your name.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Jeannie, no need to apologize - Vegas sounds like an upgrade:). Thank you for the kind words!

kerri's avatar

I have much appreciated, valued and learned from your newsletters Lau.

It shows integrity and courage when we act upon these things that don't sit right with us.

Love the writing while getting a few minutes of quiet with the kids in the car 😂 been there done that!

I've told a couple of people I know about your new ventures 💪

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thank you so much, Kerri. And yes, sometimes the only quiet moment is when the kids are strapped into the car. 😂 Appreciate you spreading the word ;).

Scott Newell's avatar

You’re a brave man. That’s quite the family road trip

I do miss those days, enjoy

Great articles !

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thanks, Scott! We're definitely making memories.

And appreciate the kind words.

Scott Newell's avatar

Kids grow up way too fast. Enjoy every moment, our son went to University in Barcelona and it was an amazing experience for him and us !

Thomas St.Yeng's avatar

integrity is invaluable. Insight into how the world really works is the next most valuable thing. A family to share the adventure with is next. By all 3 measures, you are incalculably wealthy. I look forward to learning, sharing, and contributing to your adventures.

Lau Vegys's avatar

Thank you, Thomas. That's a wonderful comment. Looking forward to having you along for the adventure.