My Portfolio: Joel P. Schaefer, CFA

Joel Schaefer is president of Capital G Investments and a certified financial analyst.

? When and what was your first-ever investment?

My first-ever investment was when I was in high school. I had a little bit of cash that I had saved and with my father's advice; I invested $400 into 10 shares of a real-estate company. Unfortunately, it did not do very well, but I began to learn about the market.

?Do you do your own investing, or do you use a money manager?

As an investment manager for other people's assets, I am fortunate to have a solid understanding of the financial markets and therefore feel comfortable in making my own investment decisions.

?What was the best (most successful) investment you ever made?

The best investment I ever made was in education. This includes obtaining a University Degree, and then obtaining my Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Education is investing in yourself, and it has a long-term payback. Education also is an ongoing event, and it is important to challenge yourself and be current in a changing environment.

What was the worst (least successful) investment you ever made?

The list is a pretty long. Every time I "play an option" I seem to lose money. Also, I am the proud owner of some Global Crossing shares as well as a few other notable companies that have gone bankrupt.

Biggest missed opportunity?

Back in 1995 I invested $2,500 into a start-up company that was trading on the NASDAQ, under the symbol AMER.O. I doubled my money over a couple of months, and then sold it to "lock in my profit". Had I held onto it, it would be worth about $500,000 today, as that company was America Online.

What is your investment goal?

My investment goal is simple; I want my portfolio to grow in line with the overall market. My financial goals are different, and include short-term and long-term goals such as financing our next holiday to planning for retirement.

Advice for first-time investors?

Investing does not need to be complex. If you believe everything that you read in the press and hear on television, you would think that it has to be complex to be a good strategy. This is not the case. A good and perfectly acceptable investment strategy is to invest in an index fund. However, as an investor, no matter how complex or simple you choose to make your portfolio, you have an obligation to know what you are invested in any why. If you don't know the answer to these two questions, you might as well take a trip to Las Vegas. Also, seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor, because an advisor can help you determine you financial objectives as well as your overall risk tolerances.

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Those interested in being featured in the My Portfolio column, which is to run weekly in Saturday's Personal Finance section, should contact business reporters Magnus Henagulph (278 0148) or Lilla Zuill (278 0147) or by E-mail: businessgazette.newsmedia.bm.