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Letter to the editor

Money Panel: Michael Krizmanich, 45, insurance executive, Largo

By Fred W. Wright Jr., Times Correspondent
Published July 15, 2007

How did you get started in investing?

When I opened up my business. I started a couple of pension plans for me and my wife and the company, around 1992 or 1993.

What is your best investment?

I would say generally mutual funds - overseas.

What is your worst investment?

I got talked into buying a stock from a family member and it basically nose-dived - General Magic, a tech stock.

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

Do it, don't talk about it. That's the first step. The key is generally dollar-cost averaging and diversify. No one really knows.

How would you describe your approach to investing?

I'm generally conservative, but I do take 10 percent of my portfolio and maybe I'll put it into a risky fund.

What do you find the most difficult about investing?

Too much information. No one really knows. Everybody's an expert. You really have to diversify.

How are you invested?

Twenty percent overseas, 25 percent in money market, the rest in mutual funds - consumer goods stocks.

What changes did you make in your investments in the past year?

I pulled out of China. The one fund I had - an international mutual fund - I figured it had ridden to the high end.

Do you think now is a good time to invest?

Yeah, I do. Generally, it depends on your age bracket as to how much money.

What is your goal for your investment?

I'm happy to have 8 percent. I hope to retire in 10 years.

What is your biggest money concern?

Health care.

Where do you get your investment tips?

I listen to the news. I go to Vanguard.com. I read Money magazine out of curiosity.

[Last modified July 13, 2007, 20:10:20]