Page 842 - How to Make Money in Stocks Trilogy

110 HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN STOCKS SUCCESS STORIES

But the third time for F5 Networks was not the charm. Barbara broke
one of her rules and bought the stock right before earnings. F5’s earnings
disappointed expectations, and the stock dropped 26%. She said it was a
stinging reminder to never buy stocks right before earnings because any-
thing can happen. A stock can soar on good earnings or dive precipitously on
disappointments. Barbara had let a nice gain in F5 Networks evaporate. She
states that because she had done well with the stock previously, it caused her
to not be as diligent as she usually is in writing down earnings dates for
stocks that she owns.
One of Barbara’s greatest joys is in helping newer investors. She works
part time for IBD at the many Money Shows that are held throughout the
year. Barbara sits down one-on-one with attendees and goes over her rou-
tine to find winning stocks as well as showing people how to use the paper
more effectively. Barbara feels she is helping women and retired investors
who are worried about their financial situation as they grow older. Sadly, she
has heard many heartbreaking stories from people who did not have a sell
rule and suffered devastating losses of 40 to 50% in their retirement savings.
Barbara relates her own story and how she overcame financial challenges
and encourages them to learn the CAN SLIM strategy to help them change
their lives for the better.
Barbara says, “I manage my own stock portfolio accounts, both my main
trading and IRA accounts. There was a pretty big learning curve involved
that went beyond studying and learning to read charts. The biggest obstacle
I had to overcome was developing self-confidence in my abilities. My suc-
cess in these accounts has without question proven that I am capable of
managing my own money better than any stock broker or financial money
manager that I had tried. This was a major breakthrough in my thinking
process. Any time I handed my account over to a money manager, they did
not do nearly as well as I did. I can now say no one will manage my money
better than I will.”
Her stock market profits pay for annual month-long trips to exotic loca-
tions around the world. She has traveled to India, Asia, Costa Rica, Africa,
Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Europe, among other places.