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Money panel

JO BETH GRIFFIN: 43, textbook sales, Tampa

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 19, 2006

How did you get started in investing?

Just on advice of friends, in 1989. A no-load mutual fund.

What is your best investment so far?

401(k) and my house.

What is your worst investment so far?

Some of the individual stocks I bought. Mattel was probably the worst.

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

I think they have to be patient and not try to time the market. I'm a pretty big fan of dollar-cost averaging, where you invest a steady amount each month.

How would you describe your approach to investing?

I pretty much pay myself first and invest a certain amount every month before anything else.It's in my budget. I don't spend money I'm supposed to be investing.

What do you find the most difficult about investing?

Trying to sift through all the information that's out there. It's almost information overload.

How are you invested now?

Probably 60 percent in stocks, 20 percent in bonds and the rest in cash and CDs.

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

I'm probably being a little more conservative. I'm a little concerned about debt and interest rates. I invested some in CDs and kept a little bit more in cash.

Do you think now is a good time to invest?

It's always a good time to invest in something.

What is your goal for your investing?

Early retirement.

What is your biggest money concern right now?

How to pay for health care in an early retirement situation.

Where do you get investment tips?

I read MorningStar online. I read Vanguard newsletters. I get some advice from a stock broker. I read Money magazine and Smart Money.

[Last modified February 17, 2006, 17:40:03]