Daniel Matthews, Assistant Vice President, Butterfield Asset Management Ltd.

When and what was your first-ever investment?

At age ten: post office savings stamp books.

"I'd buy a 10 pence stamp whenever I'd collected enough money from collecting 'pop bottle' deposits. They could be encashed in multiples of one pound and my unrealised goal was to save five pounds to help buy a bicycle.

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

A bit of both. As an avid fan of the Mutual Fund, I select my funds carefully, but allow the fund managers to make all the hard choices.

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

Persuading my then girl-friend, Lynne, to become my wife. Everything since then has been driven by our mutual goals.

Monetarily, it was taking out a mortgage with an institution which later demutualised giving me a bunch of free shares that have done incredibly well for a 'zero' outlay.

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

For returns, the Post Office savings stamp book. It paid no interest.

Biggest missed opportunity?

None. I have always acted upon my investment decisions/goals as well as my circumstances at the time would permit.

What is your investment goal?

To have amassed sufficient assets to be able to choose whether or not I wish to retire before age 60.

Advice for first-time investors?

If I had to pick one thing, it would be to "Forget the hype". Take a step back away from the sales pitch, carefully consider the information supplied, and then act on what you believe is in your best interests.

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