Los Angeles Aftermath & You

The Los Angeles wildfires continue to rage, causing deaths and untold destruction.

But the only thing politicians and the media care about is finding someone to blame.

Few people are thinking about what will happen after the fires are extinguished — and how it will affect California… the U.S. economy… and your wallet.

LA’s recovery will have ripple effects that span coast to coast. So our team is developing strategies to help you absorb the added costs.

I’ll tell you more after our Top Stories and the Reader Forum.

Your Top Stories & Analysis of the Week:

• D.O.G.E: End The Global Engagement Center! (Daily Reckoning, Ron Paul): I hope you didn’t miss this essay from guest editor Ron Paul! The legendary statesman and libertarian looks at how the U.S. government uses crises to limit freedom and gain more power. But he believes Elon Musk could finally end the most recent addition to federal overreach. Learn how your tax dollars have been used to censor Americans… and why that could change once Donald Trump is sworn in.

• “California’s Blue House Is on Fire” (Rude Awakening, Sean Ring): While Sean sympathizes with the victims of the LA wildfires, he also believes the local government set the stage for disaster. He walks you through the many missteps, from diverting funds away from firefighters to failing to enforce anti-fire regulations. Our team couldn’t stop talking about Sean’s take… and it was our most-liked e-letter last week. So be sure to check it out!

• “The Hidden Genius of the ‘AiPhone’” (Paradigm Mastermind Group, Chris Campbell): You’ve probably heard that the future of artificial intelligence relies on power-hungry datacenters around the world. But as Chris recently told Paradigm Mastermind Group members, those facilities are merely stepping stones. And he shares the name of the well-known tech giant that already has a head start on the next step. It’s a story you might not hear anywhere else, which is why I’ve unlocked it for you.

Remember, we publish tens to HUNDREDS of stories. The write-ups above are our TOP ones for the week — including one that had been roped off from the public. If you want to stay ahead of the pack, make sure you’re caught up now.

And if you’d like to nominate any of our stories for next week’s “Top 3,” just let me know at concierge@paradigmpressgroup.com.

The Reader Forum:

First in the Reader Forum today, Bryant H. left us a five-star Google review, saying:

The Maverick is the "real deal." He supports his recommendations with data and his rigorous process of scrutinizing stocks that meet his requirements. [He] gives me a ton of confidence as an investor. He is the best thing that has happened to Paradigm Press.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Bryant — not to mention your kind words for our resident “maverick,” Enrique Abeyta.

We’re certainly lucky to have Enrique on our team. He’s literally managed billion-dollar hedge funds… helping them make money even during some of the worst bear markets in recent history.

Now he’s offering his experience and knowledge to everyday investors like you. So you should continue to have confidence in Enrique’s research — no matter what Wall Street throws your way!

Next, Rich A. wants James Altucher and his team to know:

I took a flyer and joined the Microcap Millionaire team back in July…. At this point, my initial investment of $12,000 is now $23,803. Nothing even comes close to this kind of a return in 6 months. Plus, the information you share during your Zoom calls is educational and helps my confidence…. Most of all, I am having FUN.

Wow, Rich — congratulations on racking up those big gains so quickly.

Of course, it’s not a surprise. Microcap stocks are rapidly becoming some of Wall Street’s hottest investments… just like the team knew they would.

So I expect your portfolio’s value to keep increasing — while you learn more tips, tricks and strategies from the Microcap Millionaire team!

Finally from the mailbag today, Jacquie C. asks:

What's the difference between James Altuchers’ subscriptions and Jim Rickards’ subscriptions?

Great question, Jacquie.

As you probably know, Paradigm Press publishes a wide range of financial research, covering a full spectrum of investment ideas and strategies.

And while both James and Jim offer ways to protect and grow your wealth, they have different worldviews that guide their analysis.

James has built an entire career around helping people make money — whether by starting your own business or investing your way to a fortune.

His Paradigm Press services focus on Wall Street’s hottest opportunities… stock and strategies that can deliver huge results in little time. Things like artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, quantum computers and more.

Jim, on the other hand, takes a more old-school approach to building wealth. He focuses on the big picture — following global money flows and figuring out where that cash will go next.

While he believes high-tech investments can have a place in your portfolio, he prefers tangible assets that have a definitive value. So precious metals, mining stocks, energy companies and similar plays.

He also targets companies that are overvalued or undervalued — offering you chances to nab big, fast profits when the rest of Wall Street figures out what Jim and his team already know.

But you really can’t go wrong with either James or Jim. It all depends on your personal outlook and goals.

You could also follow both of them to build a diversified portfolio!

That wraps up this week’s Reader Forum.

Remember, your feedback is vital to our success… so please email me at concierge@paradigmpressgroup.com.

Questions? I’ll get answers! Comments? Let me hear them! Problems? I’ll try to solve them!

This is YOUR forum!

(And don’t forget, we also have a FREE library of introductory investment guides — covering everything from finding a broker to how to trade stock options — on our Wealth Desk. For customer service issues, please use our contact page.)

Now, here’s what’s happening around the water cooler this week…

The Water Cooler — Upcoming Events and More

The Los Angeles wildfires have killed at least 25 people…

And early estimates say they’ve caused as much $150 billion in damages.

So far, the media has focused on the rich celebrities who’ve lost multimillion-dollar homes and politicians pointing fingers at one another.

But there’s been little talk about the everyday people who have lost everything… or what it will cost to get them back on their feet.

We have quite a few members who live in the LA area. So I hope you and your loved ones are safe.

Even if you’re nowhere near the destruction, though, you should be aware that the fires will end up costing you, too.

Our team expects the recovery efforts to increase taxes… government debt… and insurance premiums.

You’ll also pay more for houses and home improvement as building materials and labor shift to the West coast.

The fires could also completely upend politics in the state, which will have national consequences.

As Enrique puts it, “Everyone is for liberalism until their house burns down.”

And look for a nationwide conversation about disaster preparation and mitigation… which will lead to even more funds moving around.

Our team is tracking all of it… so stay tuned to their latest thoughts!

Also, next Monday, the markets and our offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

So expect your next Paradigm Concierge Letter on Tuesday, Jan. 21.