How did you get started investing?
Soon after I started working for Mercantile Bank in Baltimore 44 years ago, one of the bankers took me aside and told me I didn't have enough education to go very far at the bank. He suggested I invest in stocks.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | More Real-Life Financial Stories |
| Row 1 - Cell 0 | 30-Minute Investing Start-Up Kit |
| Row 2 - Cell 0 | Build Your Budget |
Where did you get the money?
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
I did it with good old-fashioned nickels and dimes. My mother taught me how to budget, which made me appreciate how a little money can grow. I saved what I could from odd jobs, such as lawn-cutting and window-washing, that I did in addition to my day job. I used that money to buy one share of IBM stock back in 1981.
How did you learn how to invest?
I really didn't know enough to be scared. In school I was considered a slow learner -- dyslexic, it's called now. My true gift from God is my ability to listen, and that's how I'm able to ask questions and use tips from the brokers, financial planners and bank customers I see every day.
Do you have a formula for picking stocks?
When I first started out, I had to be conservative and take my time because I couldn't afford to lose money. Now I look for companies with stability that pay dividends. I read the stock pages but don't claim to know everything about them. I have a broker, but many times I'll go where my spirit leads me.
Any stocks you're excited about now?
I've been buying shares of ExxonMobil.
We've heard that you're helping others invest.
I started an investment club at my church. And I've been coaching a couple of young men, such as bar-and-grill cook Antawn Davenport and Dana Mouse Smith, who toured with the late rapper Tupac Shakur. They can help spread the message that people can do whatever they set their minds to do.
Crawley is featured in the current season of the PBS TV show "MoneyTrack." Watch the video.
-- Interview by David Benjamin
-
Six Steps to Take if You've Recently Inherited Money From a Loved OneIt’s important to deal with the emotional aspect first before tackling the financial one.
-
Alaska Airlines to Buy Hawaiian: Get Bonus Miles Now
How to use the Alaska Airlines credit card and frequent flyer program to save on trips to Hawaii, Alaska and beyond.
-
Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional benefits beneficiaries can't get through original Medicare for no or a low monthly premium. But there are downsides to this insurance too.
-
What You Must Know About the Different Parts of Medicare
Medicare Medicare can be complicated but we've got you covered. Here is a quick guide to the different benefits provided through each part.
-
Retirees, It's Not Too Late to Buy Life Insurance
life insurance Improvements in underwriting have made it easier to qualify for life insurance, which can be a useful estate-planning tool.
-
Best Banks for Retirees
banking Kiplinger's 2023 list of the best banks for retirees.
-
Best Banks for High-Net-Worth Clients
wealth management Kiplinger's 2023 list of the best banks for higher-net-worth clients.
-
Stock Market Holidays in 2023: NYSE, NASDAQ and Wall Street Holidays
Markets When are the stock market holidays? Take a look at which days the NYSE, Nasdaq and bond markets are off in 2023.
-
Stock Market Trading Hours: What Time Is the Stock Market Open Today?
Markets When does the market open? It's true the stock market does have regular hours, but trading doesn't necessarily stop when the major exchanges close.
-
Bogleheads Stay the Course
Bears and market volatility don’t scare these die-hard Vanguard investors.
