My Portfolio

Jeff Jabon, Insurance Practice Leader, Paragon Bermuda Limited.

How do you invest and Do you do your own investing?

I have used both full service and discount brokers. As a former Series 7 and 63 broker I enjoy doing some things on my own yet recognise the importance of full service advice and information. I have invested in stocks, mutual funds, indices, and real estate. In the future I will be considering options, liens, and bonds.

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

In terms of percentage increase, it was in a penny stock. In terms of absolute dollar value it was in real estate in New York. On a personal level, my best investment has been and continues to be my investment in myself and in my continuing education. Many people fail to consider their education as an investment because it is an intangible and the risk of losing money by pursuing the wrong "investment strategy" is not something they analyse in a formal way. Lastly, adequate life insurance is necessary to counterbalance an investment in self and many people also do not keep that requirement in mind either.

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

Internet sector fund.

What was the longest investment you ever made?

Longest held continues to be real estate. Real Estate is good to hold, assuming the right location, because it generates cash flow as well as inherent appreciation.

What was the shortest investment you ever made?

Day trading penny stocks.

Most memorable investing moment?

Sweating out the emotion of sitting on the sidelines. Staying disciplined to my sell strategy and not going back in the market when it appeared there was a bottom.

Biggest missed opportunity?

Firstly, not shorting SUNW last September when many people I knew were buying in because it looked attractive at $8.00 and secondly, not buying some land some time ago in Muskoka, Ontario (Lake & Cottage Country) when I had the chance of 15 acres of prime land for $35,000 Canadian! Just wasn't in a liquid position at the time. If I had to do it again, I would have partnered with someone or derived another source of immediate funding.

What would you never invest in?

There may not be anything that I would "never" invest in. It all depends on how comfortable I am with the risk and my ability to appropriately evaluate the appreciation potential of that investment. Art for example is something I do not have any strong comfort in valuing. Commodities are another example. So, that is not to say that I would never invest in them, as I become a more sophisticated investor and perhaps have a greater need to diversify my holdings then I may approach those investments by first seeking the advice of competent experts and professionals.

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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.