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Mark Skousen: Achieving True Freedom With Your Investments

Stan Haithcock
June 7, 2022
Mark Skousen: Achieving True Freedom With Your Investments

About Fun With Annuities Episode #112

Mark Skousen has pretty much done it all in the world of money and economics.  He is a former analyst for the CIA, author, columnist, professor, economist, entrepreneur, visionary, father, husband, and overall entertainer.  Mark’s incredible legacy is undeniable, so to have him on my Fun With Annuities podcast was a true honor.

I met Mark many years ago when we were key speakers and presenters at The Money Show®’s national events.  I liked Mark immediately because he is a free thinker and a trailblazer for monetary economics and has a unique ability to bring his high-IQ insights down to an easy-to-understand consumer level.

Mark’s website is a treasure trove of must-have information.  He has been the chief editor of his award-winning newsletter, Forecasts & Strategies, for over 40 years.  If you aren’t a subscriber, the question is, why not?  You should also check out the numerous books he has written and textbooks that are currently being used in universities across the globe.

This podcast was like throwing the keys to Richard Petty and telling him to drive.  Mark covered numerous topics ranging from inflation to how the Fed should be addressing things now.  His take on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology was surprising because it considers both technology investments, not currency plays.

If you are a subscriber to Mark’s newsletter, you would know that he called the bond collapse a while back.  It was fascinating to hear Mark say that he personally knows the last 5 Fed Leaders.  His specialty is monetary economics, which makes sense but is still impressive.  Just a reminder that Mark Skousen is recognized as one of the top 20 most influential living economists.  Not too shabby.  How’s that for podcast guest credentials!

We also discussed the incredibly popular annual event he hosts called Freedom Fest. Typically, 3,000 to 5,000 attendees congregate to hear the world-renown speakers and learn cutting-edge investment ideas. There is a film festival that runs in conjunction with the event. Mark mentioned that future events would be held in other U.S cities. So if you need a high-IQ vacation, consider attending a Freedom Fest event.

I always allow my celebrity guests to end the recording with a “mic drop moment.” Mark provided one of the best moments in Fun With Annuities history. It’s worth listening to. Enjoy!

"When was the last time we let people make their own decisions rather than the government telling us what to do? I think that’s a serious problem in today’s world." —  Mark Skousen.

Brief Bio on Co-host: Mark Skousen

Mark Skousen, Ph. D., editor of Forecasts & Strategies, is a nationally known investment expert, economist, university professor, and author of more than 25 books. In July 2018, Dr. Skousen was awarded the inaugural Triple Crown in Economics for his work in economic theory, history, and education. He was identified as one of the 20 most influential living economists.

He earned his Ph. D. in monetary economics at George Washington University in 1977. He has taught economics and finance at Columbia Business School, Columbia University, Barnard College, Mercy College, Rollins College, and Chapman University, where he is currently a Presidential Fellow. He also has been a consultant to IBM, Hutchinson Technology, and other Fortune 500 companies.

Since 1980, Skousen has been editor in chief of Forecasts & Strategies, a popular award-winning investment newsletter. He also is the editor of four trading services, Five Star Trader, Home Run Trader, Fast Money Alert, and TNT Trader. He is a former analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency, a columnist for Forbes magazine, and past president of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in New York. He has written articles for the Wall Street Journal, Reason, etc., and many amazing books about economics and finance. If you’re interested in reading his works, you can find them here.

In this episode, The Annuity Man and Mark Skousen discuss:

  • Current problems in the world and the government
  • Staying invested in the market despite the inflation
  • Cryptocurrency and blockchain

Key Takeaways:

  • Throwing money at problems isn’t the only way to solve them. In many cases, throwing money into problems could create more problems.
  • It’s been a difficult year, but you shouldn’t give in to pessimism. You must remain fully invested in the market. You need about 10% or 12% return on your assets just to stay even, and that can be done through investment in real estate.
  • Cryptocurrency and blockchain serve a valuable service, and we have to be updated and stay well-informed about them. Both success and horror stories are associated with it, but it definitely holds ground in the current market.

Fun With Annuities® Podcast is hosted by America’s Annuity Agent®, Stan Haithcock, The Annuity Man®. Hear brutal annuity facts with no sales pitches from the top independent agent in the country, licensed in all 50 states. Author of 7 books, Stan dives deep on all annuity types and strategies. It’s fun, learning the contractual truths on how annuities actually work and if they’ll fit your personal retirement lifestyle.

Listen in on how you can be livin’ the reality, not the dream®. Listen and subscribe on Libsyn, Stitcher,Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, and Spotify.

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