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Letter to the editor

Money Panel

Arlene Hansen, 48,  accountant,  Palmetto

By Fred W. Wright Jr., Times Correspondent
Published June 17, 2007

How did you start investing?

Probably when I joined Ford Motor Co. in 1978 - company stock.

What is your best investment?

One of my three 401(k)s has done better than the others.

What is your worst investment?

Probably my Ford stock.

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

Start as young as possible. I know so many people who don't join the 401(k) and give up that free money

How would you describe your approach to investing?

Pretty moderate. I'll do a couple of aggressive (stocks) but mostly some safe. I'm middle of the road.

What do you find the most difficult about investing?

Lack of information. I just don't always feel like I'm making the best choices because there aren't that many places to go to ask questions.

How are you invested?

Mixed - some international, some U.S. stocks, a little bit of everything.

Do you think it's a good to invest?

It's always a good time to invest.

What is your investment goal?

I'd like to have a little nest egg when I finally do retire.

Your biggest money concern?

My biggest fear right now is for the U.S. auto industry. I still have a Ford pension plan.

Where do you get your investment tips?

I go online to the New York Stock Exchange every morning. And I read the different portfolios sent to me through my 401(k)s.

[Last modified June 15, 2007, 20:35:10]