I started in about 1980 as a hobby. At that time you could get in and out of the market; there was no disgrace. Then I got out for quite a while. I got back in this year. I thought, I'm going to beat this system if I can.
Q. What is your worst investment so far?
I bought some foreign (mutual) funds that weren't so wise. You have to be careful about those. They may have done well in the past but may not do well in the future. They're a bit more complicated to follow well.
Q. What you have you learned about investing that you think all investors should know?
The first and most important thing is, learn as much about it as you can so you can use better judgment. Many people don't realize what they're getting into.
Q. How would you describe your approach to investing?
My investing isn't retirement investing. It's so I can leave a little bit more to my grandchildren. That's my purpose. It's a good hobby. I feel like you can beat a bad market if you're a very careful selector. Bonar Funds and Royce Funds are performing well.
Q. What do you find the most difficult about investing?
Making the right decisions. Timing it right.
Q. How are you invested now?
All in mutual funds.
Q. Do you think now is a good time to invest?
Carefully. If you look at the market as a whole, it's lost 1 to 2 percent this year. It's not been the healthiest place to be. With the war and the election coming, I don't know whether it's going to be better or worse. There are indications of both.
Q. What is your biggest money concern right now?
Personally, none. I am concerned about things like the price of gasoline and how it may affect our country and I'm very worried about the administration. I hope we have a change.
Q. Where do you get investment tips?
Mostly from the Internet - MorningStar. My portfolio is evaluated every day on MorningStar. It's extremely helpful determining where you have a weakness in a stock or where you have a strength. You can focus in on the ones doing well. It makes it so easy for you. It comes up clearly every day.
