My Portfolio: Kevin DeSilva. Account Executive for Maximum Financial Ltd.

What was your first ever investment?

Starting Four Seasons Furniture in 1993. I was brought up thinking that any extra money was to be invested in a savings account at the bank. But I felt the best investment was in my own business where I had more control over the outcome. My experience investing in the stock market didn't start until I was 29.

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

When I first started investing in the markets, I used a financial advisor at a local firm. I wasn't too knowledgeable so I took his advice and figured that what he said would come to pass. Well I have since realised that it was more a sales pitch and I lost a small fortune. I now have total control of my own investments and know much better now how wealth is accumulated.

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

Other than starting my own business, I once bought a stock and it doubled overnight. I know many have this type of story, but I took all the money I had and bought as much as I could including some on margin. So the next day I was one happy man.

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

Riding the telecom stocks down to almost nothing on a couple of investments believing that they would come back. Not the right mindset to successful investing. Now I understand better how to take the emotions out of the process.

Biggest missed opportunity?

Shorting anything with a dot.com in its name in the summer of 2000. It was obvious things were ridiculously overpriced.

What is your investment goal?

To make consistent returns every year and stick with the philosophy that this is what creates wealth, not rolling the dice and hoping for a big payoff.

Advice for first time investors?

Call me at Maximum Financial First!

Actually, they should educate themselves as much as possible on investing and how wealth is really created. More often than not, advisors are only in it for their own benefit and will tell you anything to get your business. If your advisor doesn't make you comfortable or isn't willing to take time to educate you, then move on. There is no real secret to investing, but it does take work as in any area of your life and a good advisor will know how to take out the emotions that hurt in investing, greed and fear.

I couldn't count the number of times I've given free advice to people on investing. The only problem is that many here in Bermuda still look for that investment (or scam) that will bring them that big payoff in a short period of time. Bermudians don't like the boring way of investing, they want instant gratification. It doesn't work like that and it amazes me how many continue to be conned into false investments, such as pyramid schemes, only to lose a large part or all of their money. There are many good qualified investment firms on the Island that can help you understand how to attain financial goals. Do your homework.

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.