Money panel

RON COHEN: 64, loan consultant, St. Petersburg

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 15, 2006

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How did you get started in investing?

Originally, I wanted to be a stock broker. I got started buying stocks when I was working in a bank. I started my own self-directed IRA account in the late '90s.

What is your best investment so far?

Qualcomm. I made a substantial amount of money on that one.

What is your worst investment so far?

I bought a few companies that went defunct.

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

Do your own homework.

How would you describe your approach to investing?

It's changed because I'm close to retiring now, about one year away. I've become more conservative.

What do you find the most difficult about investing?

Well, right now, the worry factor. Are you making good decisions? You want to have peace of mind. And there is more risk, obviously, when you put your money into investments that aren't secured by the government.

How are you invested now?

Most of it, 80 percent, is in an annuity, 10 percent in an IRA and the rest is liquid.

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

I went to a fixed annuity for the majority of my investment.

Do you think now is a good time to invest?

The market is good right now. Standard & Poor's has rebounded from years ago. People are optimistic . . . things are looking more positive.

What is your goal for your investing?

I really don't have one at this point other than I would like to retire in another year.

What is your biggest money concern right now?

Be able to pay the bills that come in next week.

Where do you go to get your investment tips?

I read a lot of things. I'm an AARP member. I have AOL, so I read investment articles there. I read Helen Huntley every week and the business section every day. On the Internet, I read Motley Fool sometimes.