mercyn

Meryl Baer

Following (1) Followers (0)

General Information

Name:
Meryl Baer
Fool Since:
May 9 2011

Investing Basics

Investing Experience:
High
Risk Tolerance:
Medium
Investing Style:
Long-Term Buy to Hold
Portfolio Size:
Large (12 or more Stocks)
Types of Investments:
Individual stocks, individual bonds, some mutual funds.
Stocks I Own:
Some long-term holds include: TEVA, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Starbucks, Emerson and Hain Celestial.

Investing Favorites

Stocks:
Green Mountain, Starbucks, Annie's, Tootsie Roll, Chico's, Crocs
Industries:
Food related! Also green companies.
Magazines:
Bloomberg Business, The Economist
Blogs:
My financial blog: http://fromragstorichards.blogspot.com/
People:
Buffett, Peter Lynch

Investing Expertise

My Area of Expertise:
individual stocks and bonds
Greatest Investment:
Ben and Jerry's
Worst Investment:
Evergreen Solar

Education And Work Information

School(s) Attended
Russell Sage College Penn State U Robert Morris U
Job Title
freelance writer
Company / Organization
self-employed
Former Jobs
financial adviser. Business instructor.

Interests

Personal Quote:
Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim." - Nora Ephron
My Interests:
Writing, reading, dancing, kayaking, cooking, traveling - not necessarily in that order.
Person(s) I'd Like To Meet:
Hilary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Maya Angelou, Meryl Streep, Barack Obama
Favorite Restaurants or Foods:
Strong coffee, chocolate, rare hamburgers, wings
Favorite Vacation Spots:
Colorado mountains, Vermont

mercyn is following 1 Fool

BoiseKen

An Interview with mercyn

Last updated: 10/1/2012
The Fool:
What was the most significant discovery of the last century?
mercyn:
The discovery of penicillin is one of the most significant discoveries, leading to a revolution in medical advances and extending lives decades.
The Fool:
What lesson do you wish you’d learned ten years ago?
mercyn:
When it is time for a change in your life do not hesitate. Go for it.
The Fool:
What was your first educational exposure to investing?
mercyn:
Learning about my spouse's 401(k)when he began work after college, deciding how much to invest, learning about mutual funds and exactly what retirement accounts were all about.
[Read the full Interview]

My Story

I have fifteen years experience in the financial industry working for a regional broker/dealer. I researched individual stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs. Previously taught several courses at a business school and served as placement director. Two years ago started a new career as a freelance writer specializing in business and finance. I also write extensively about my travels; recent trips include Guatemala, Australia, San Francisco and the California coast.

How I Invest

I always liked Warren Buffett's admonishment to buy what you know. Therefore I am extremely careful about investing in industries and companies when I do not understand their business. I place emphasis on management efficiency, a financially sound track record, innovation and ability to change with the times. I look for small and/or young companies (hopefully) poised to expand profitably, although do not limit buys to only small and mid caps.