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JEAN LANIER: 62, retired, Seminole
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 29, 2005
How did you get started in investing?
I worked for 40 years in education as a guidance counselor and in criminology, so I always set aside a portion of my income. I set aside money for a 401(k) and I also had a certain amount that went into savings bonds every paycheck and into a money market.
What is your best investment so far?
I've done very well with McDonald's and Coca-Cola. I also have Disney.
What is your worst investment so far?
I took a dive on Cisco.
What have you learned about investing that you think all investors should know?
Diversification is very smart. I also started a Roth IRA about five years ago. It's very important as you're approaching your retirement years.
How would you describe your approach to investing?
Don't be afraid to take a risk now and then if you have some extra money. Life is full of risks. Sometimes you go with your gut feeling. Do some research.
What do you find the most difficult about investing?
I pretty much stay with stuff I've had for 15 to 20 years. Maybe the foreign markets - I'm a little dubious of that.
How are you invested now?
I have like 40 percent in growth funds, stocks, bonds, mutual funds. I follow the diversification pie (chart) that they recommend. The other 60 percent is in annuities and in money market. What changes, if any, have you made in your investments in the past year?
None. I continue to try to put money into my money market account. I've lightened up just a little bit with my Roth IRA. I had some hurricane damage on my home so had to tap into that.
Do you think now is a good time to invest?
Oh, sure. I think it's always a good time. What goes around comes around.
What is your goal for investing?
When I decided to retire last year, I had a check list. I wanted to make sure I was able to continue with the lifestyle I had. I felt financially secure.
What is your biggest money concern right now?
I'm following Social Security. I have a great concern about where that's headed for my two grown children.
Where do you get your investment tips?
I keep up with the Internet. I have two advisers, and I kind of rely on (them) to keep me abreast and to make sure I'm continuing on the right path.
[Last modified May 27, 2005, 19:01:02]
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