Austin Stagman, CIMA®

Portfolio Manager
As a Portfolio Manager, I work to construct and maintain each client’s investment portfolio to ensure it is aligned with their specific short- and long-term financial goals. As a member of the Investment Committee, I regularly monitor investment vehicles and explore new investment opportunities.
Professional Investment Experience
- About eight years of experience in the financial services industry
- Experience includes active trading for clients such as advanced options trading, high dollar trades, penny stocks, fixed income, etc.
- Servicing trade disputes and trade related issues.
- Having in depth conversations with clients to help them learn and understand the financial industry.
- Investment research and due diligence
- Portfolio construction and maintenance
Career History
- Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc., Portfolio Manager
- Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc., Investment Analyst
- Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Affluent Client Professional
- Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Investment Representative
- C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., Transportation Sales Representative
Education
- Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Economics, Hanover College
- Certified Investment Management Analyst®
BLOG POSTS
How Strong is the U.S. Consumer?
In an ideal world, the consumer steadily spends money with zero credit card debt and a healthy savings balance. However, we live in the real world. Given the circumstances, the U.S. consumer is still in relatively good shape.
Inflation Hedge in 2022: Bitcoin vs. Gold
Bitcoin is a very new investment, first introduced in 2009, so it may need more time to adapt. Gold has been around for thousands of years. Periods of high inflation will typically create volatility in markets.
Used Car Prices Finally Starting to Cool Off
If you are in the market for a used vehicle, you should feel relieved that prices are starting to cool. It's also good news that Hurricane Ian should only slightly impact the market and for a short period.
Point of Interest (Rates)
Interest rates are on the rise! What does this mean for your money? Well, it could be good or bad news depending upon where you keep your cash holdings. We’ve outlined how rising interest rates could affect your loan rates, credit card rates, investment returns, and more. Read on to ensure you’re getting the most yield from your cash holdings while those rates continue to rise.
Is There Relief in Sight for Housing Prices?
How things play out will depend on the future supply of existing and new homes for sale, the health of the mortgage market, and the consumer's financial well-being. If you are looking to sell your home, you might want to do so sooner rather than later.
Stablecoins Explained
If you are thinking of investing in one of these coins, it's probably safest to stay with one backed by a fiat currency or commodity. Unfortunately, the lack of regulation in this space means there is no way to know if a stablecoin is actually backed by anything.
Why is Gas so Expensive?!
The oil and gas market is a complex global market impacted by many factors. Unknown variables (both economic and political) are sure to play a role in pricing, and economists continuously debate their relative importance.
The Fed Tapering: What Does It Mean?
The rate at which the Federal Reserve has been purchasing assets is more than we have ever experienced. What signals does that send to investors, and how does the stock market react when the Fed buys or sells assets?
Tough Time to Find Used Cars: Indiana has Best Value
Used vehicle price increases are frustrating to consumers who need a vehicle now. However, remember the negotiating power you hold for those who already have a used vehicle to trade-in/sell.
Inflation’s Impact on Your Portfolio
Inflation is a complicated topic that economists have debated for centuries. While the Federal Reserve has indicated that it will begin to increase interest rates, if necessary, to combat high inflation, its ability to do so without negatively impacting the stock market is unclear.
Tales from the Crypt-o
The BItcoin hype is back, but it is important to keep in mind that most of the companies investing in Bitcoin are doing so in very small amounts.
Hedge Funds: Risky Investment or Portfolio Diversifier?
You must do your research before investing in a hedge fund. You will want to be familiar with the investment strategy and understand the fee structure as well as their liquidation rules.