About 12 to 13 years ago, (I started) by reading financial magazines and doing some research on my own because I wanted to start investing after starting my first real job.
Q. What is your best investment so far?
Probably - I do mostly mutual funds - the one I like the best is Fidelity Contrafund. It always seems to be pretty steady with its returns.
Q. What is your worst investment so far?
Probably Monetta Fund; I've been disappointed with its returns.
Q. What have you learned about investing that you think other investors should know?
That you really have to be patient with the market. I try to keep things for the long haul.
Q. How would you describe your approach to investing?
I tend to be a little more aggressive although I need to diversify as I get older. I'm somewhat aggressive as long as I feel comfortable with the fund and I've done my research.
Q. What do you find the most difficult about investing?
Keeping up with the changes in the market, with the ups and downs of the market. It's hard to keep track of what's going on.
Q. How are you invested now?
Probably 80 percent in mutual funds and 10 percent stock and 10 percent U.S. Savings Bonds.
Q. What changes, if any, have you made in your investments in the past year?
I'm trying to diversity more and get into bond funds.
Q. Do you think now is a good time to invest?
I think every time is a good time to invest. With the downturn of the market, you can get some good deals and hopefully they'll go up.
Q. Do you have any goals for your investing?
My goal is hopefully to retire early and be comfortable.
Q. Where do you get investment advice?
I like to read Kiplinger's Newsletter and Money. And word-of-mouth (from) someone who has invested in something they're happy with. Then I'd do research on the stock and check them out.
- The Times Money Panel is composed of more than 400 readers who have signed up to share their opinions on making, saving and spending money.
