Investing Truths: Milene Shares Her Investment Secret

Milene, a long-term investor and RBC employee, sat down with us recently to talk “investing truths." Here's some of what she had to say.

Q: Why did you decide to invest for yourself?

A: I wanted to be able to put my money into companies and investments I believe in while reaping the rewards of having my money work for me in the long run. Investing in companies that are socially responsible is important to me because I want to ensure that wherever I put my assets, they are making a difference for the next generation and specifically, of course, my children. I definitely look at the company's profile and any projects it's involved in. I also look at a company's environmental and/or social impact and check out any financial information available to the public.

Q: What is your investing approach, and how did you develop your confidence?

A: I'm a long-term investor. I once read a wonderful metaphor that was written by Paul Samuelson, a Nobel Prize–winning economist. And it said that investing should be like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take your eight hundred dollars and go to Vegas. It really resonated with me.

Q: Do you feel there are barriers in the investing space? Have you ever felt that it wasn't accessible to you?

A: I truly believe that if I can do it, anyone can. There's nothing extraordinary that I possess that no one else does. If anything, having little female representation in an industry motivates me to motivate others, to open the door on that experience and to continue learning. Twenty years ago, the industry was primarily male-dominated, but I feel I have been part of the process of opening those doors. I hope the actions I've taken will influence my daughter. I want her to have the strength and confidence to do the same.

Q: What was your experience when you first started out?

A: Well, I actually have an interesting story. I was 19 and very naïve, and I made a purchase of a penny stock I had absolutely no idea about. In less than a year, my $500 investment went straight down to $2. I got discouraged and I found it challenging. I look back now and realize I didn't have a plan and I didn't do any research. That $2 stock is still in my portfolio today because it reminds me, 21 years later, what not to do when I'm considering an investment.

Q: What would you tell someone to give them the confidence that they can manage their own investments?

A: I think anyone with the right tools has the opportunity to invest and, in turn, take advantage of growth in their portfolio. I found a lot of information within the direct investing site itself when I was getting started. I learned about different types of accounts, how to open an account, how to buy and sell securities. A lot of the tools were at my fingertips on the site.