Money panel

Jeff Diercks, 43, investment adviser, Tampa

By FRED W. WRIGHT JR.
Published January 28, 2007

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How did you get started in investing?

I started in high school. My father set me up with a money market fund at 13.

What has been your best investment?

Hedge funds.

What is your worst investment?

From time to time, I've played with gold as an investment. It usually gets the better of me on trading.

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

You should focus on the areas you know and get help on the areas you don't know.

How would you describe your approach to investing?

I'm moderate. My portfolio tends to be somewhat eclectic.

What did you find the most difficult about investing?

(With) the sheer volume of information that's available, it's easy to get overloaded and get "investor paralysis."

How you are invested?

About 50 percent equities, about 30 percent in hedge funds, about 10 percent bonds, 5 percent in commodities and the rest in cash.

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

I'm much more trading-oriented at the moment. I've got my finger on the sell button.

Do you think now is a good time to invest?

If your horizon is long enough, it's a good time. If you need a 20 percent return, now is a dangerous time. If you have 10 or 20 years until you need the money, now is a very good time to get in.

What is your goal for your investing?

Earn 10 to 12 percent per annum on my money after fees.

What is your biggest concern?

My biggest concern is we've got so much global liquidity sloshing around out there. We're due for a significant correction (in the stock market).

Where do you get investment tips?

I get Barron's. I get some ideas from that. I look at Yahoo Finance and CBS Market Watch on the Internet. I also read Worth magazine.