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Money panel

BARRY RUBIN: 38, technology director, St. Petersburg

By Times Staff Writer
Published July 24, 2005

How did you get started in investing?

My very first job out of college, they gave us an opportunity to get involved in a 401(k) plan. From tracking that, I got bitten by the bug.

What is your best investment so far?

Real estate. Three residential properties and one commercial property. All have done very, very well.

What is your worst investment so far?

I have played some stocks, by heart. Some small-cap funds haven't done very well.

What have you learned about investing that you think all investors should know?

Slow and steady wins the race. No doubt about that. You have to hedge all your bets. Investing is not unlike (Las) Vegas - a very simple process.

How would you describe your approach to investing?

Safe, steady and moderate. Risks are great (at) very, very limited levels.

What do you find the most difficult about investing?

Right now, I have trouble trusting some of our big corporations, so you need to look at more than just the perspective or business section of the newspaper. You need to trust your gut.

How are you invested now?

About 75 percent in real estate and the rest in mutual funds and individual stocks.

What changes, if any, have you made in your investments in the past year?

I've gotten a little more aggressive in the real estate market. I purchased an additional residential property.

Do you think now is a good time to invest?

Absolutely. Now is the best time to invest. If you don't do it today, tomorrow is going to be the same as today, only you're a day older. The best day to invest is yesterday.

What is your goal for investing?

My specific goal is to be able to provide security and comfort for my family (and) to be able to continue to give to charity.

What is your biggest money concern right now?

My biggest concern for the nation and myself is health care. We need to make sure everybody has good, solid health care. If we could improve that, we'll all have a lot less burden as we age.

Where do you get your investment tips?

We use the Internet - I subscribe to a few Internet services, as well. And I try to read the Wall Street Journal as often as possible. I read a lot of trade magazines.

[Last modified July 21, 2005, 19:06:02]