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ESTHER HOLLEY: Retired teacher and counselor, 88, Sun City Center
By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 26, 2003
Q. How did you get started investing?
I always put away as much money as I could. I put it in fixed investments. I should have put it in variables. I was in mutual funds to start with. Then when I came to Sun City Center, they have two investment clubs here. I decided I would like to be in an investment club. I had (studied) accounting up to CPA level. I have a business mind, I would say.
Q. What is your best investment so far?
I have a mutual fund from Minnesota. I didn't lose my shirt in it, and it's been very good. I have a couple of tax shelter annuities.
Q. What is your worst investment so far?
Enron. WorldCom. I wrote off Enron for my income tax purposes. I still have WorldCom.
Q. What have you learned about investing that you think all investors should know?
They have to get educated in the field. You really have to contribute. People need to learn. They need to be involved. I joined the investment clubs at Sun City Center, and I subscribe to Investor's Business Daily. I spent a lot of time on the computer, too.
Q. How would you describe your approach to investing?
I am doing a lot of research. I'm trying to learn as much about charting as I can. I've invested in two stocks after the drop. Had two others that went 8 percent below what I paid so I dropped them. I invest only online.
Q. What do you find most difficult about investing?
Everything I read says you have to know when to sell something. That's much harder than deciding when to buy.
Q. What is your goal for your investing?
To get the capital to grow. I have three children. They can take over when I leave. . . . My motto: You can learn until the day you die.