Probably in the early 1990s. I had to invest an inheritance I received. My first investment was in mutual funds.
Q. What is your best investment so far?
I bought the preferred stock Glendale Federal Savings back in 1993. It has almost quadrupled and (has) paid a good dividend.
Q. What is your worst investment so far?
Another bank. I used to work in banking. I bought what I know. Wilshire Federal in California.
Q. Do you think this is a good time to invest?
We're looking at a good 2004. We're in the early stages of an economic recovery. I don't think the external influences will overpower the impetus the U.S. economy will show.
Q. How would you describe your approach to investing?
Conservative, because I'm looking for a money stream from a portfolio.
Q. How are you invested now?
Sixty percent in equity mutual funds and 40 percent in either fixed-rate instruments or income-producing stocks.
Q. Do you have a goal for your investments?
To provide adequate income to support me in the style to which I've become accustomed.
Q. Have you made any changes in your investments in the past year?
I'm more sector-oriented. The two latest mutual funds were Matthews Asian Growth and Income, and the other one, USAA Precious Metals.
Q. Where do you get your investment advice?
From the media, publications like Kiplinger's Personal Finance and Smart Money. I don't go to the Internet to find investments but to research them - Yahoo, Morningstar, SmartMoney.
- The Times Money Panel is composed of more than 500 readers who have signed up to share their opinions on making, saving and spending money.
