Stansberry’s Investment Advisory Review (By Real Member)

August 9, 2024

Stansberry Investment Advisory Review

Stansberry's Investment Advisory Review 2024: My Unfiltered Take

Hey there, fellow stock market investors! Jenna Lofton here, ready to dive deep into the world of Stansberry Research Investment Advisory. Grab your favorite beverage (I'm nursing my third espresso as I write this), and let's get real about whether this investment service is worth your hard-earned cash in 2024.

Why Listen To Me? (And Why I Decided to Write This Review)

Before we jump in, let me give you a bit of background on why I'm the one writing this Stansberry Research investment advisory review. I've got double MBAs in Finance and Business Administration, which basically means I spent way too much time in school and have an unhealthy obsession with spreadsheets. My investment journey has been a wild ride, with enough ups and downs to rival a rollercoaster at Six Flags.

Over the years, I've been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and even got a shoutout in The Huffington Post (my mom was thrilled). But here's the thing – I'm not here to brag. I'm here because, like you, I'm always on the hunt for that edge in the investment world. And when I kept hearing buzz about Stansberry Research's investment advisory service, I knew I had to check it out for myself.

So, I bit the bullet, signed up, and spent the last six months diving deep into everything Stansberry Research has to offer. This review is my no-holds-barred take on what I found. Buckle up, because we're about to get real.

What Is Stansberry Research Investment Advisory?

I got it, so I can join you!

Stansberry's Investment Advisory Welcome Email

Alright, let's start with the basics. Stansberry Research Investment Advisory is like that friend who's always got a hot stock tip – except this friend has a team of analysts and a track record dating back to 1999. Founded by Porter Stansberry (yes, that's a real person), the company has built a reputation for being unafraid to go against the grain.

But here's where it gets interesting – the current star of the show isn't Porter, it's a guy named Whitney Tilson. And let me tell you, Tilson's resume reads like a finance nerd's dream (and I say that as a proud finance nerd).

The Brains Behind the Operation: Whitney Tilson

Whitney Tilson

When I first read about Tilson, I'll admit I was a bit skeptical. Harvard grad, top of his class, founded a successful hedge fund – it all sounded a bit too good to be true. But as I dug deeper, I realized this guy's the real deal. Here's the lowdown:

  • Graduated magna cum laude from Harvard (yes, that Harvard)
  • Earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, graduating in the top 5%
  • Founded Kase Capital Management, growing it from $1 million to over $200 million
  • Published four books, including "The Art of Playing Defense: How to Get Ahead by Not Falling Behind" (which, honestly, sounds like my dating strategy in college)
  • Has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and Fox Business Network

Now, I've seen my fair share of "gurus" in the investment world, but Tilson's background is genuinely impressive. What really caught my attention, though, was his approach to investing. He's not afraid to go against the crowd, which has led to some pretty interesting (and profitable) recommendations.

The Stansberry Research Legacy

While Tilson's the current star, it's worth noting that Stansberry Research has been around since 1999. Founded by Porter Stansberry, the firm has built a reputation for contrarian thinking and in-depth research. They're like the rebels of the financial world – when everyone's zigging, they're often zagging.

This contrarian approach has led to some big wins over the years. They famously predicted the mortgage crisis in 2008 (I wish I'd known about them back then – might have saved my first attempt at real estate investing). They also recommended Bitcoin when it was still under $10 (excuse me while I kick myself for not listening to that one).

But here's the thing – they've had their fair share of misses too. No one's perfect in this game, and Stansberry Research is no exception. What I appreciate, though, is that they're usually upfront about both their hits and misses. It's refreshing in an industry that often only wants to talk about its successes.

What's in the Box? 🎁 A Deep Dive into Stansberry Research Investment Advisory Services

Monthly Newsletter

Alright, let's get into the meat of what you actually get when you subscribe to Stansberry Research Investment Advisory. Spoiler alert: it's a lot. Like, "I need a separate email folder to keep track of it all" a lot.

Monthly Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter

This is the main event. Every month, Tilson and his team serve up their top investment ideas. We're talking deep dives into companies you might never have heard of, but that have serious potential. I'll admit, some of their stock picks have made me raise an eyebrow (in a good way). Last month, they recommended a small-cap tech stock that I'd completely overlooked. After reading their analysis, I'm kicking myself for not seeing its potential sooner.

The Stansberry Digest

This is your daily dose of market insights. It's like having a financial insider on speed dial. Some days it's a quick market overview, other days it's a deep dive into a specific sector. I've found myself looking forward to these emails – they've become part of my morning routine, right after my first (okay, second) cup of coffee.

Special Reports

Special Reports

These are like the bonus features on a DVD (do people still buy DVDs?). You get access to in-depth reports on specific investment themes. Recent ones I've enjoyed include:

  • "The Blueprint for Market Success": A step-by-step guide on how to potentially profit from what they see as coming market trends.
  • "Navigating Market Downturns": Because what goes up must come down, right?
  • "High-Potential Investments for Market Upswings": For when you're feeling a bit adventurous with your portfolio.

Model Portfolio

Model Portfolio

This is where the rubber meets the road. You get to see exactly what stocks they're recommending and how those recommendations are performing. It's like peeking into Tilson's personal portfolio.

They claim this portfolio could have turned $100,000 into $3.4 million since 1999. Now, past performance doesn't guarantee future results (my lawyer made me say that), but it's still pretty impressive.

Member-Exclusive Updates & Alerts

These are like the bat signal for your investments. When it's time to buy, sell, or hold onto a stock for dear life, you'll know about it. I've found these particularly useful for managing my positions.

Full Archive Access

stansberry archives

This is a goldmine for research junkies like me. You can dive into years of past issues and special reports. It's fascinating to look back and see how their predictions played out.

Daily Investing News

Straight from Tilson's brain to your inbox. He shares his thoughts on market moves, potential opportunities, and stocks he's keeping an eye on. It's like having a seasoned investor as your personal mentor.

True Wealth Newsletter

As a bonus, you get a free year of Brett Eversole's True Wealth newsletter. It's a nice complement to the main advisory, focusing more on alternative investments and global opportunities.

The Best Part...😱

Now, here's the kicker – all of this comes at a discount off the regular price, plus a 30-day, 100% money-back guarantee. It's like test-driving a Ferrari with the option to return it if it doesn't match your shoes (not that I've ever test-driven a Ferrari, but an investor can dream, right?).

The Good, the Bad, and the "Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This Before?" 💰

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Is Stansberry Research Investment Advisory worth your hard-earned cash in 2024?

I've spent the last six months diving deep into this service, and let me tell you, it's been a rollercoaster.

Here's my unfiltered take on the pros and cons:

The Good Stuff 👍

  1. Impressive Track Record: Look, past performance doesn't guarantee future results (there's that lawyer voice again), but Stansberry Research's track record is nothing to sneeze at. They've made some calls that had me kicking myself for not listening sooner. Remember when everyone thought Amazon was just an online bookstore? Stansberry Research saw its potential way before most.
  2. Diverse Recommendations: One thing I really appreciate is that they don't just stick to one sector. I've seen recommendations ranging from blue-chip tech giants to under-the-radar healthcare innovators. It's like a buffet for your investment portfolio – a little bit of everything.
  3. Educational Content: This is where Stansberry Research really shines, in my opinion. The newsletters and reports don't just tell you what to buy – they teach you why. I've learned more about reading financial statements in the past six months than I did in my MBA program (don't tell my professors).
  4. User-Friendly Approach: Even when they're diving into complex topics, they manage to keep things digestible. It's like they've found the sweet spot between "dumbing it down" and "drowning you in jargon."
  5. Contrarian Perspective: I love that they're not afraid to go against the crowd. It's refreshing to see analysis that doesn't just parrot what everyone else is saying. Their contrarian takes have led to some of my most profitable investments.
  6. Comprehensive Research: Each stock recommendation comes with thorough research. We're talking company financials, industry trends, potential risks – the works. It's clear they do their homework.
  7. Regular Updates: You're not left hanging after a recommendation. They provide regular updates on previous picks, including when to sell or hold. It's like having a co-pilot for your investment journey.
  8. Risk Management: They often include stop-loss recommendations to help limit potential losses. As someone who's been burned by holding onto losers too long, I really appreciate this.
  9. Transparency: Stansberry Research is pretty upfront about their performance, including both wins and losses. It's refreshing to see a service that doesn't try to sweep its misses under the rug.
  10. Additional Resources: Beyond the newsletter, subscribers get access to webinars, special reports, and sometimes even conferences. It's like the investment world's version of bonus content.

The Not-So-Good Stuff 👎

  1. Price Tag: It's not the cheapest newsletter out there. I had to think twice before pulling the trigger. That said, if you make use of all the resources, it can be worth it. But if you're just dipping your toes into investing, the price might be a bit steep.
  2. No Guarantees: This isn't really a con specific to Stansberry Research, but it's worth repeating – there are no guarantees in investing. Some of their picks will be winners, others... well, let's just say I'm still waiting for that turnaround they predicted on a certain retail stock.
  3. Information Overload: Some days, I feel like I need a personal assistant just to keep up with all the updates and reports. It's great to be informed, but it can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to investing or don't have hours each day to devote to market research.
  4. Potential Conflicts of Interest: Like many financial publications, Stansberry Research is affiliated with a broker-dealer. They disclose this, which I appreciate, but it's something to be aware of when considering their recommendations.
  5. Focus on US Markets: While they do occasionally recommend international stocks, the primary focus is on US-based companies. As someone who likes to dabble in global markets, I sometimes wish they'd cast a wider net.
  6. Marketing Pressure: I'll be honest – the marketing can be a bit much sometimes. You'll get emails trying to upsell you to their premium services. I've learned to use my email filters liberally.
  7. Limited Short-Term Trades: If you're looking for day trading advice or quick swing trades, this isn't really the service for you. Stansberry Research focuses more on longer-term investments.
  8. No Personal Advice: This is a general newsletter, not personalized financial advice. It's up to you to decide if the recommendations fit your individual situation. As someone who sometimes wants a bit more hand-holding, I've had to remind myself of this.
  9. Performance Variability: Like any investment service, performance can vary. 2022 was a tough year for many of their picks (though to be fair, it was a tough year for the market in general).
  10. Upselling: While the basic subscription is reasonably priced, there's often pressure to upgrade to more expensive services. It can feel a bit like being at a timeshare presentation sometimes.

Is Stansberry Research Investment Advisory Right for You? 🤔

Is It Right for You?

Alright, let's get personal for a minute. After six months with this service, here's my take on who it's good for – and who might want to look elsewhere:

  • If you're a beginner investor who's serious about learning, this could be a great starting point. The educational content alone is worth the price of admission, in my opinion. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve as you get used to the lingo and concepts. I'd suggest starting with their introductory materials and working your way up.
  • For intermediate investors like myself, the in-depth analysis and diverse recommendations can help take your portfolio to the next level. I've found Tilson's insights particularly helpful in seeing opportunities I might have otherwise missed. Just last month, his analysis of a semiconductor company made me completely rethink my approach to tech investments.
  • Advanced investors might find some value in the contrarian viewpoints and special reports, but you might already have similar resources. That said, I know several experienced investors who swear by Stansberry Research's analysis. Sometimes a fresh perspective can be invaluable, even for seasoned pros.
  • If you're looking for short-term trading advice or day trading tips, this probably isn't the service for you. Stansberry Research focuses more on longer-term investments and big-picture trends.
  • International investors should note that while you can certainly use the service, the focus is primarily on US stocks. You'll need to be able to trade on US exchanges to make the most of the recommendations.

My Personal Experience (Aka my Oh $h*t Moment!)

Let me share a quick story that might help illustrate the value I've found in this service. A few months ago, Stansberry Research recommended a healthcare stock that, frankly, I'd never heard of. Their analysis was compelling, but I was skeptical. I decided to invest a small amount – less than 1% of my portfolio.

Fast forward three months, and that stock is up 40%. But here's the kicker – it's not just about the gains. The in-depth analysis they provided gave me a much better understanding of the healthcare sector as a whole. I've used that knowledge to make several other profitable investments.

On the flip side, I've had my share of disappointments too. A retail stock they recommended dropped 15% before they issued a sell recommendation. It was a good reminder that no one gets it right all the time, and the importance of not putting all your eggs in one basket.

How to Make the Most of Your Stansberry Research Investment Advisory Subscription

If you do decide to take the plunge, here are some tips I've learned to get the most bang for your buck:

  1. Read Everything: Don't just skim the stock picks. The real value is in understanding the reasoning behind them. I've started blocking out an hour each week to really dive into their analysis.
  2. Use the Model Portfolio: This can help you decide how to allocate your investments across different sectors and risk levels. I use it as a starting point, then adjust based on my personal risk tolerance.
  3. Don't Blindly Follow: Use the recommendations as a starting point for your own research. Never invest in something you don't understand. I learned this the hard way with a biotech stock I didn't fully grasp – lesson learned!
  4. Set Alerts: Use your broker's alert system to notify you when stocks hit the recommended buy or sell prices. This has saved me from missing out on some good entry points.
  5. Engage with the Community: Stansberry Research has a subscriber forum where you can discuss ideas with other investors. It's a great way to get different perspectives. I've picked up some valuable insights from fellow subscribers.
  6. Start Small: If you're new to investing, start with small positions until you're comfortable with the service's approach. I started with just $500 per recommendation and scaled up as I got more confident.
  7. Keep a Journal: Track your investments and the reasons behind each decision. This has been incredibly helpful for me in learning from both my successes and my mistakes.
  8. Use the Educational Resources: Take advantage of all the learning materials provided to improve your overall investing knowledge. I've found their webinars particularly helpful.

Alternatives to Consider: Other Investment Newsletter Reviews

While I've found value in Stansberry Research Investment Advisory, it's always good to know what else is out there. Here's a quick rundown of some alternatives I've tried or researched:

Motley Fool Stock Advisor:

  • Pros: Strong focus on growth stocks, great for tech investors
  • Cons: Can be more aggressive in their picks, which might not suit conservative investors
  • Best for: Growth-oriented investors comfortable with some volatility

Seeking Alpha Premium:

  • Pros: Wide range of analyst opinions, strong community engagement, and good for idea generation
  • Cons: Can be overwhelming with the sheer amount of content, varying quality of contributor articles
  • Best for: Active investors who enjoy doing their own research and engaging with other investors

Morningstar Premium:

  • Pros: Excellent for fund research, in-depth stock analysis, and a focus on fundamental value
  • Cons: Can be more technical and less "exciting" than other services
  • Best for: Value investors and those interested in mutual funds and ETFs

Power Gauge Report:

  • Pros: Uses a unique quantitative system to rate stocks, focuses on both technical and fundamental factors
  • Cons: The quantitative approach might not appeal to all investors, less emphasis on individual stock stories
  • Best for: Investors who appreciate a data-driven approach and are comfortable with quantitative analysis

Zacks Premium:

  • Pros: Strong focus on earnings estimate revisions, good for shorter-term traders
  • Cons: Can be more complex for beginners, frequent trading might not suit all investors
  • Best for: More active traders who pay close attention to earnings reports

Remember, each of these services has its own strengths and weaknesses. It's worth doing your homework to see which one aligns best with your investing style, goals, and risk tolerance. You might even consider trying out a couple of different services to see which one resonates best with you.

I actually subscribed to Motley Fool Stock Advisor for a year before switching to Stansberry Research. While I appreciated their growth-focused approach, I found myself craving more in-depth analysis, which is what eventually led me to Stansberry Research. That said, I have a friend who swears by Motley Fool and has had great success with his picks. It really comes down to personal preference and investing style.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Stansberry Research Investment Advisory Answered 🔥

Over the past six months, I've gotten a lot of questions from friends and followers about my experience with Stansberry Research Investment Advisory. Here are some of the most common ones:

  1. How often will I get new stock recommendations?You'll get at least one new stock recommendation each month in the main newsletter. But here's the thing – you'll also get daily updates in the Stansberry Digest, which often includes additional ideas. Some months, I've gotten up to 3-4 solid recommendations.
  2. Can I cancel my Stansberry Research Investment Advisory subscription?Yep! They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. I actually know someone who tried it out and decided it wasn't for them. They had no issues getting a refund. Just make sure you cancel within that 30-day window if you're not vibing with it.
  3. Is Stansberry Research Investment Advisory legit?In my experience, yes. The firm is legit and has been around for over two decades with a solid reputation in the industry. That said, always approach any financial advice with a healthy dose of skepticism. I always do my own research before acting on any of their recommendations.
  4. How much money do I need to start investing with Stansberry Research's recommendations?This is the beauty of it – you can start with as little or as much as you're comfortable with. Some of their stock picks are pricey (we're talking hundreds of dollars per share), but others are much more affordable. I started with about $500 per recommendation and worked my way up. They also sometimes recommend options strategies, which can be a way to get started with less capital, but be warned – these come with higher risks.
  5. Can I access old newsletters and reports from Stansberry Research?Absolutely! This is one of my favorite features. Once you're a subscriber, you get access to their archives. I've spent more than a few Saturday mornings diving into old reports with a cup of coffee. It's fascinating to see how their past predictions played out.
  6. Do they recommend options or just stocks in the Stansberry Research Investment Advisory?While the main focus is on stocks, they do occasionally recommend options strategies. These are typically more advanced and come with higher risk, so they're not suitable for everyone. I've dabbled in a few of their options plays, but I stick mostly to their stock picks.
  7. How does Stansberry Research Investment Advisory compare to robo-advisors?This is apples and oranges, really. Robo-advisors are great for hands-off, automated investing, typically using ETFs. Stansberry Research, on the other hand, is for more active investors who want to pick individual stocks and understand the 'why' behind each investment. It's more hands-on but potentially more rewarding. I actually use both – a robo-advisor for my "set it and forget it" money, and Stansberry Research for my more active investing.
  8. What if I'm not based in the US? Can I still use the Stansberry Research Investment Advisory service?You can, but there are some caveats. The service is primarily focused on US stocks, so you'll need to be able to trade on US exchanges. I have a friend in Canada who uses it, but she had to set up a brokerage account that allows for trading US stocks. Also, keep in mind that there might be tax implications depending on your country of residence.

Final Thoughts: To Subscribe or Not to Subscribe to Stansberry Research Investment Advisory? 🤷‍♂️

Alright, let's wrap this up. After six months with Stansberry Research Investment Advisory, would I recommend it? The answer is... it depends.

If you're serious about investing, want to learn more about the stock market, and are willing to put in the time to read and understand the analysis, then yes, I think it's worth considering. The depth of research and the educational value alone have been worth the subscription price for me.

But – and this is a big but – it's not a magic bullet. You won't get rich overnight, and not every pick will be a winner. I've had my share of both successes and disappointments with their recommendations.

Here's what I suggest: If you're on the fence, take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee. Sign up, dive into the content, and see if it resonates with you. If it doesn't, no harm, no foul.

For me, Stansberry Research Investment Advisory has earned a spot in my investing toolkit. It's not perfect, but it's been a valuable resource in my journey to build long-term wealth. Just remember, it should be one tool among many – not your sole source of financial wisdom.

At the end of the day, investing is personal. What works for me might not work for you. The key is to find an approach that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and investing style.

And hey, if you do decide to take the plunge, drop me a line and let me know how it goes. I'm always curious to hear about other investors' experiences. Who knows? Maybe we can compare notes and learn from each other.

Remember, the road to financial freedom is more of a marathon than a sprint. With the right tools, knowledge, and mindset, you're well on your way to achieving your financial goals. Here's to your investing success – may your profits be high and your losses be... educational!

Happy investing, folks. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a hot stock tip to research. (Just kidding... or am I?)

About the author 

Jenna Lofton, an expert in stock trading, investing, and financial planning, combines over a decade of experience with rigorous academic training. Holding dual MBAs in Finance and Business Administration from the University of Maryland, Jenna's expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the financial markets. Her career, which started on Wall Street, has evolved into empowering others through her insights and analyses in the dynamic world of finance.


Based in New York City, Jenna's approach is informed by her hands-on experience as a former financial advisor and her keen observation of market trends. She is known for translating complex financial concepts into actionable strategies, making her a valuable resource for both seasoned investors and newcomers to the stock market. Her commitment to financial literacy and her ability to demystify investment principles have made her a respected and authoritative voice in the investment community.

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