Probably in the mid 1980s, I decided I needed to do something about retirement. I started with mutual funds and looking at individual stocks.
Q. What is your best investment so far?
As of today, I supposed the best investment was stocks in the mid 1980s, mostly mutual funds. No particular stock stands out.
Q. How would you describe your approach to investing?
Conservative. I don't take big risks. To me, the stock market has always been like gambling. Don't invest more than you can afford to lose.
Q. What do you the find the most difficult about investing?
Finding the truth. You have to do your own research. Don't take somebody else's word for it because if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Q. How are you invested now?
In mutual funds only. No individual stocks at the present time. I'm in my seventh year of retirement, so mostly bond funds, to provide an income. I don't see myself going back into stocks any time soon until the hullabaloo over the large corporations starts to subside.
Q. Do you think now is a good time to invest?
Not yet. Probably next year, I would say, when more of the large corporations get their houses in order. Right now, I don't think we know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are, but we're getting there.
Q. Where do you get your investment advice?
Reading Kiplinger's and reading off the Internet - CBS Market Watch (as well as) other sites.
Q. Do you have a goal for your investments?
Not to lose any of the principal or capital and stay abreast of inflation. And to do that, you have to actively watch what you are invested in. If it shows signs of weaknesses, you move it.
