Owen Schrum: Managing Inflation and Risk in Volatile Markets

About Fun With Annuities Episode #123

One of the best personal money managers in the country is anonymously based in Raleigh, North Carolina, in a nondescript office with long-term loyal staff. His name is Owen Schrum, and he has a degree in chemical engineering and an almost 4-decade career in the financial services business. That unique combination kind of explains his one-of-a-kind approach to portfolio risk management.

In full disclaimer mode, Owen is a personal friend and used to be my working partner at Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley. Here’s the way I look at Owen’s undeniable talent. It’s like being a good friend of Michael Jordan and commenting on his basketball skills. Owen is a super-star. I’m just fortunate to be his friend.

I pushed Owen to explain his strategies during this current volatile market environment. His crazy skill, in my opinion, is managing risk, with the focus still being on growth. It’s worth listening to Owen’s take on this sought-after talent.

I also asked him about crypto and if he thought people would get hurt in the long run with this new “tulip bulb” craze. Google “tulip bulb crash” if you don’t know what I’m talking about. You may want to go back and listen to the first podcast I did with Owen when Bitcoin was over $50,000. Let’s just say that’s the most hate mail either of us has received in a long time, and I get a ton of hate mail. By the way, Owen’s prediction was 100% right on the money then…so you might want to see what he has to say now.

I was totally surprised by what Owen had to say about the current recession argument and if he thinks we are actually in one. He also had some unique insight on inflation, factually hammered the current bond environment, and discussed the Fed and if capitalism will once again save the day. He also weighed in on the growing consumer debt problem, and I asked him what he’s currently worrying about and, more importantly, what makes him optimistic. Let’s just say Owen kind of a glass-half-full guy. I like that because you know that there are no U-Hauls behind hearses! But if you see one, take a picture and send it to me.

I know a ton about the markets, and Owen Schrum is the one who taught me. That said, Owen’s probably forgotten more than most people ever know. How’s that for a good “southern-ism.” For all of your non-annuity assets, you should at least interview Owen to see if your personality fits with his. He is a true pro that might be a great addition to your financial team. Enjoy the podcast.

Brief Bio on Co-host: Owen Schrum

Owen Schrum, President of Schrum Private Wealth Management has been around for a while almost as long as me so he's seen many market cycles and helped his clients succeed through all of them. He's one of the select few financial advisors to successfully earn the prestigious Certified Investment Management AnalystSM, CIMA® designation. He's someone who's deeply passionate about helping people achieve a level of predictability and financial security that helps them live life well. I have come across many financial advisors over the years, and Owen is among the smartest. You might have seen some of his columns in US News and World Report, but he also has an interesting blog I suggest you check out. You can also get more information on Owen and Schrum Private Wealth Management on their website or YouTube channel.

In this episode, The Annuity Man® and Owen Schrum discuss:

• How cryptocurrency flopped with the market crash
• Risk is personal, so is inflation
• Are we going through a recession right now?
• Avoiding the emotional aspect of investing

Key Takeaways:

• Cryptocurrency is supposed to be the new currency but when the market collapsed, Crypto collapsed along with it. This just proves that crypto is really a risk asset with no implied value.
• Risk is personal, it means something different to different people. In the same way, the way in which you experience inflation is personal too. Invest in real assets, that’s the way you could beat inflation.
• There are many factors that define if the economy is going through a recession. We are not going through a recession right now. Not yet, but maybe in a few years time.
• Don’t get distracted by emotions when it comes to investing and financial management. Don’t join the herd that’s panicking from all the news. Instead, evaluate and rebalance your portfolio as you need.

Fun With Annuities® Podcast is hosted by America’s Annuity Agent®, Stan The Annuity Man®, and a Celebrity Co-Host. Hear facts with no sales pitches from the top independent agent in the country, licensed in all 50 states. Stan and his guests dive deep into topics such as annuities, finance, retirement, and so much more. It’s fun learning the facts and seeing if they’ll fit your personal retirement lifestyle. Thanks for being here!

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