Investing 102

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Rybar

Interesting, what was your initial windfall story Greg?

Which one? We've had several!


I was a millionaire at 26 years old. I was the VP and partner in a multimillion dollar wholesale importing business in NYC... sold that business in 1983...

Gwen went to work at Microsoft in 1984... and was the Director of HR Worldwide and spent 19 years there...

The latest is a pre IPO investment we made in Isilon Systems which was sold to EMC for 2.25 Billion in 2010 (we owned 1% of all the outstanding shares which I'll save you the Googling and figuring was 660,000 shares sold for all cash @ $33.85)....

Gwen is also the main character in this horrible book....

http://www.amazon.com/Force-12-James...ords=Gwen+Weld

[Rybar]

Good for you guys, I'm hoping to be hit in the head with an opportunity like that some day

[glassman]

And yes, I haven't been "here" for a week. I have been in "alohaville" spending time with family (emphasis on spending lol). No cell phone, no computer, no workie. Took our oldest and his fiance for there college graduation, and my youngest for her high school graduation. And met my sister and brother and their families there for our birthday's (Aug 2, Aug 5, Aug 2). Seventeen of us. Great time.

Kinda off subject, but not really...any of you read the E-Myth? A business book. I have owned my company now for 15 years and probably have another 15 in me( i am 45 and like what i do, just the dealing with the "slow payers" and cry babys i dont like, but isnt that just life?) so i'm begining to draw my "exit strategy". The business may be a source of income or sold and considered "found monies" in my overall financial plan. Any thoughts from any of you that have sold companies and reinvested?

[Bucketlist2012]

Not everyone will become an Investor, but if just a few get the bug and start to take control of their future, then this thread is a success..

I have helped maybe three people, and to me, that is a good feeling...

Keep it up Mr.Weld.. We are still here..And with 100 people looking , and only a few posts, we have people reading, and maybe they will Invest wisely too.

I wasted years, but i caught up quickly with much study and a few great moves..Also i was on the right side of 2008...Better to be lucky, and a little smart..Than really smart and unlucky..

[XLexusTech]

Read daily and holding on to my hat... if I had one question it would be... will FB ever get near 40 again? I have a good chunk and it drags down my portfolio.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by XLexusTech

Read daily and holding on to my hat... if I had one question it would be... will FB ever get near 40 again? I have a good chunk and it drags down my portfolio.

Well --- so far you're only down about 50%.... my guess is that you could go lower.


This kind of stock is pure speculation - it's not really "investing".... it's just a pure gamble on an unknown. I sold the shares I had the minute it didn't do what I expected it to. Cut and run on that kind of stuff 'cause bad can easily go to worse.

Having said that -- it's a good lesson that people have to learn for themselves. You set a price - you set your expectations - and if that goes against you - then you MUST be prepared to take the loss and move on.

People have been waiting for 12 years for Microsoft to rebound.... think about that -- a DECADE of dead money.

[XLexusTech]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Well --- so far you're only down about 50%.... my guess is that you could go lower.


This kind of stock is pure speculation - it's not really "investing".... it's just a pure gamble on an unknown. I sold the shares I had the minute it didn't do what I expected it to. Cut and run on that kind of stuff 'cause bad can easily go to worse.

Having said that -- it's a good lesson that people have to learn for themselves. You set a price - you set your expectations - and if that goes against you - then you MUST be prepared to take the loss and move on.

People have been waiting for 12 years for Microsoft to rebound.... think about that -- a DECADE of dead money.

Sound advice... i have a sell in @ about 25 ish.. hopefully i can level out..

[96z28ss]

I have learned a lot on this thread and hope it continues.
I'd like to share that since this thread started, I have seen my investment grow.

I took Greg's advice and took money out of a previous employer 401k and transfer it into an self directed IRA. It only allowed mutual funds and they were just underperforming.
Since April 17th till today, taking Gregs advice from this thread, Im in the GREEN 5.30%. This all in a stock market that is up and down constantly. Still I collect on dividends.

The sad part about this is I have virtually the same amount of money in my current employers 401k plan (again mutual funds). During the same time period with me contributing money every 2 weeks to it. It was down $800.
I may have to switch jobs so I can move the 401k money into my IRA.

[sik68]

I'm still reading , Greg + all....thank you for continuing to keep the wheels turning in my head!

Thanks to "the dividend method" I have grown my IRA by 2.0% in dividend earnings ALONE in 9 months! Awesome! You are supporting the next generation of investors here, Greg!

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Gwen is also the main character in this horrible book....

http://www.amazon.com/Force-12-James...ords=Gwen+Weld

from the amazon editorial review.... "WorldQuest VP Gwen Weld, the womanizing Rex's current sex kitten"