By Alan Suderman
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Every day, billions of dollars trade hands in stock markets around the world. Fortunes can be made or lost in the blink of an eye. In today’s world of investing, one thing is certain: there are no certainties. So figuring out where to invest is a lot of pressure.
But for Jack Blankenship, the pressures of investing in a volatile stock market are no big deal. The former air force officer is familiar with pressure, having spent more than 10,000 hours flying multi-million-dollar jets for Uncle Sam.
The Highland Springs resident has also been investing his savings for 20 years and learned how to weather the ups and downs of the market by being disciplined in his investing.
Investing in knowledge
Blankenship shares his knowledge of investing with other residents at the monthly Investment Club meeting. Members don’t invest real money, but instead learn from Blankenship the skills needed to be good stewards of their own savings.
“I’m interested in helping people with their investing, in teaching them the basics,” he says. Though the club has only been active for a few months, Blankenship says there has been an enthusiastic response from his fellow residents eager to learn how money makes the world go ‘round.
“They are getting excited about it,” he adds.
Accruing interest
Lynn Couch says she’s happy to be learning more about investing from Blankenship.
“He’s very knowledgeable and has been an excellent teacher,” Couch says. “I’m beginning to learn the language.”
Highland Springs Director of Resident Life Monica Lewis-McCommas says resident-led activities like the Investment Club are common. “People who live here are highly motivated to continue their interests and share their knowledge with others,” Lewis-McCommas says. “What is knowledge for one resident may develop a new interest for another one. It’s exciting to see.”