DIY Investor Magazine
/
March 2016
49
5. WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BEST AND WORST
INVESTMENTS?
My best investment was not an investment as such
but moving companies to one with a final salary
pension scheme for a good few years! So as well
as my other investments I now have an index linked
pension waiting for me when I’m ready!
As to worst investment that’s a difficult one; there’s
been a few shares that have badly underperformed
against their peers and which I was convinced
would spring back so bought more thus increasing
my loss - I’ve tried to erase their names from my
memory but it has given me a good maxim - don’t
go chasing your losses!
6. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE
INTERESTED IN SELF-DIRECTED INVESTING
FOR THE FIRST TIME?
Firstly, make sure you can afford it. Squirrel away
some cash (check out current accounts for some
of the best savings rates, bizarrely) then do your
homework.
If you’re investing in funds, check the league
tables and the fee schedules, if you’re investing in
individual companies know what you’re looking for
and how to read a balance sheet!
MY INVESTMENTS ARE NOW SPREAD ACROSS
VARIOUS FUNDS, WITH A FAIRLY EVEN MIX VEERING
TO THE CONSERVATIVE END.
I’VE TRIED TO ERASE THEIR NAMES FROM MY MEMORY
BUT IT HAS GIVEN ME A GOOD MAXIM - DON’T GO
CHASING YOUR LOSSES!
