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What they're saying

By HELEN HUNTLEY
Published January 1, 2006

Looking for a place for your money? Some of the Tampa Bay area investors who participate in the Times Money Panel shared their investment plans for the new year:

Jo Beth Griffin, Tampa: "I think much higher returns on CDs are not far in the future due to the large federal deficit, and I would like to keep some cash available to capitalize on the higher rates."

Ernest Lifland, Seminole: "I am sticking with dividend plays, stocks paying 4 percent or better, and keeping some cash on hand for bad news plays."

Ron Piccini, Palm Harbor: "I have pulled back on my real estate investment. My portfolio will change more toward equity investments in blue-chip companies and mutual funds with growth expectations."

Robert Wells, Largo: I will keep my eye on interest rates and will move money into bonds or bond funds if I feel rates are nearing their highs."

Sam Lasley, Clearwater: "I am 26 percent in energy stocks, but will probably lower that position sometime before winter is over and Gulf production of natural gas returns to pre-Katrina levels. Other than that, I will stay with 38 to 40 active large-cap stock positions."

Eric Kissel, Tampa: "Even with a modest rise in interest rates expected for 2006, the real estate market in most areas of Florida should continue to outperform stocks, bonds and most other investment vehicles. I plan to purchase more properties than I plan to sell."

Rolf Sulzberger, Sun City Center: "My own investments will tend to be more conservative in the immediate future, with a larger proportion of funds in short-term CDs to give me flexibility, stocks that have a record of good earnings and dividend payments, and less in more speculative investments.

Peter Galietta, South Pasadena: "I will stay with short-term CDs, corporate notes and quality stocks with good yields, and will sell covered call options."

David Vaurio, New Port Richey: I am increasing my share of overseas stocks and retaining a good mix of equity-income U.S. mutual funds.

Kevin Horan, New Port Richey: "With China and India continuing to put pressure on commodity suppliers, I expect everything from building materials to gold and silver to go through the roof. I will start a monthly investment program in I-bonds."

Tom DeMars, Clearwater: "I am increasing allocations in large caps and Pacific Rim areas to include Russia and Eastern Europe, and virtually eliminating mid and small caps."

John McBaine, Indian Shores: "I continue to invest in General Motors and would urge investors to look past the negative media storm. If GM goes bankrupt, my financial security in retirement will be adversely impacted, but I'm willing to assume the risk as the stock trades at historic all-time low levels and the debt instruments now pay over 12 percent."

Gary Silvers, Largo: "I am gradually switching over to companies with good dividend growth. I am heavy in gas delivery companies, mortgage companies and banks."

Margit Crowell, Spring Hill: "I'm just rebalancing my portfolio about halfway through the year and trying to save more."

Timothy Johnson, Clearwater: "As a long-term investor, I don't try to time the market."

Bob Lartz, St. Petersburg: "All I am interested in at age 69 is maintaining my purchasing power at today's level. I am almost 100 percent in preferred stocks and making no changes."

[Last modified December 30, 2005, 17:39:02]