Probably when I was 21 to 22 years old. Once I graduated from college, I started looking to start an investment program. I went to a brokerage house in Columbus, Ohio.
Q. What is your best investment so far?
Probably the best was in Mobile Oil stock, which is what I initially invested in. I just recently sold that stock after all these years and it went from my initial investment of about $900 for 40 shares back then to a value that ended up about $30,000 to $40,000.
Q. What is your worst investment so far?
I've had a lot of those. Probably the worst one was . . . when I bought Tampa Electric about three years ago . . . for the dividend. I bought it at the wrong time. I still have some of it.
Q. What have you learned about investing that you think all investors should know?
Stay primarily in blue-chip stocks. Stay away from those that fluctuate a lot, both positive and negative, and invest in something and hold it.
Q. How would you describe your approach to investing?
Consistent and conservative.
Q. How are you invested now?
Roughly 60 percent in bonds or the equivalent and 40 percent in various mutual funds and REITs.
Q. What changes, if any, have you made in your investments in the past year?
I'm cutting down on some of my long-term bond funds and converting into short-term funds in anticipation of rates going up.
Q. Do you think now is a good time to invest?
It's always a good time to invest. It depends on whether you're optimistic.
Q. What is your goal for investing?
My goal has been, and it has been reached, at 63, to have my investments utilized to maintain their value and increase in value, and use those investments to supplement my Social Security and pension plan for the rest of my life.
Q. Where do you get your investment tips?
I analyze primarily on the Internet, using the services of my major mutual fund and Yahoo or American Express Web sites. I check on the Morning Star ratings. I'm on the Internet two or three times a week.
