Pursley is a retired college professor living in Seminole.
By Times Staff Writer
Published June 1, 2003
Q. How did you get started investing?
I didn't really wake up and begin proper stewardship of my finances until I was about 47. I began an all-out program. Just turned my entire life around and became a workaholic for the ensuing 18 to 20 years, living on less than half of my net income. I started with bank CDs and then got into annuities.
Q. What is your best investment so far?
Several rock-solid, Standard & Poors AAA-rated annuities I bought through Bank of America.
Q. What is your worst investment so far?
I dropped about five grand in stock market blue chips in 1989.
Q. What have you learned about investing that you think other investors should know?
Stick with what you know. My rule of thumb: If you know more about the market than your broker, you will do okay. If your broker knows more about the market than you do, look out.
Q. What do you find the most difficult about investing?
Getting started. If I had started in my 20s, I'd be (living) in the south of France instead of being out here in Seminole in an over-50 resort.
Q. How are you invested now?
One hundred percent in annuities.
Q. What is your biggest money concern right now?
Inflation is my biggest enemy right now. My step raises in my pension and my Social Security are not keeping up with inflation.
Q. Do you have any goals for your investments?
To not die broke. I like to travel. I go to Las Vegas on my own for my St. Pete High (School) reunion once a year - the Class of '51 plus all classes from that era. I try to take two to three trips a year.
