Company Stocks

Our management is encouraging all employees to buy company stocks. We get a 10% discount off the published price at the exchange. Does it help my career to hold company stocks? More importantly, it this is a good move overall?

If you are aspiring for management or marketing positions, it probably will help to own a few stocks of your own company. Almost without exception, we humans tend to be optimistic and supportive of anything we own. Owning even just one share will influence your attitude. This is the reason that management encourage their employees to own stocks.

On your second question, overall I'd say it is not a good move to own many stocks of your employer company. Especially in today's volatile economy, you should make investments in a way that helps you in times of crisis. Unlike a year ago, it is now easily possible for anyone to be out of job for several months. Imagine a situation where you lose your job because of your company's difficulties and, at the same time, your stock investment is in the negative income also because of your company difficulties. Not only are you out of job, you are also down as far as financial emergency resource.

I am a career issue expert but not a certified financial adviser. I recommend you personally consult with one of the following regarding strategic investments:

Norlita Berdin- 817-467-1486
Jude Barcenas –214-265-8175; 972-497-9073
Choi Ytem –972-698-9700

Ray Colorado
Aug. 6,2001