Johanna Klausen is a retired/self-employed investor with a background in stocks, bonds, and real estate. Presently, Johanna Klausen is active in maintaining and managing her investments and engages in charity work on a voluntary basis.
Johanna recalls that during the 1990s, there was a surge in electronics and technology that was unprecedented in the history of America and the world. Cellphones and computers were invented and sold to the public and it changed our lives forever, she said. The “Dot Com” days were the most satisfying and profitable times that she can remember. Klausen said that the key back then, was knowing when to get out of a stock because what drives the market is fear and greed and one can get caught up in that thought and possibly lose money. Johanna shared her insight and advice for investors saying, “know the news on the stocks, the fundamentals, the fifty-two-week highs and lows, and whether or not the stock is making its quarterly earnings”.
Johanna devotes much of her time volunteering for charity. Her favorite charities are Achilles International, Melanoma, Lung Associations and lots of Christmas Drives for children from lower-income homes.
Johanna’s brilliant understanding of the market and life as a philanthropist implores her to maintain a very energetic lifestyle. Her daily examination of stocks allows her to continue investing. Her philanthropic endeavors will continue to impact the lives of many for years to come.
How long did it take for you to become profitable in Business?
It took a very short time to become profitable during the dot com days. The stocks went up wildly. With the emergence of the digital age with cell phones, special cameras, digital tv, as well as the businesses that were creating the hardware and software, it was easy to make money back then. The stock market continued to climb every day for years. The stocks would split, and you’d have double the amount of stocks! It was truly an amazing time. But the key back then was knowing when to get out of a stock because what drives the market is fear and greed and one can get caught up in that thought and possibly lose money.
Was there ever a time when you doubted that this was the right path for you?
No. There was never a doubt.
What is one strategy that you use for investing in a new business?
My advice for investors is for them to know the “news” on the stock. The fundamentals of the stock. The fifty-two-week highs and lows of the stock. And know if the stock is making the stocks quarterly earnings. Then, use the cardinal rule which is to buy low and sell high.
What are your favorite charitable contributions?
My favorite charities are Achilles International, Melanoma, Lung Associations and lots of Christmas Drives for children from lower-income homes. I particularly like the Achilles International Freedom Team. This organization contributes the money to get wounded Amputee War Veterans a special kind of “sports” wheelchair. These wheelchairs enable them to participate in wheelchair races, play basketball and do other sports. Without these specially designed wheelchairs, they would not be able to participate in these events. The veterans are a special charity for me. I believe that our veterans fight to keep America free and put their lives on the line for us.
What do you think makes you so successful with your philanthropic endeavors?
In order to be successful in fundraising and charity work, you have to have a vast friendship base. You need to contribute to other friends’ charities and the usual protocol is that they will reciprocate and donate and help you. This is a building process. Always acknowledge your volunteers and donors. Make sure their names and pictures are given recognition. Develop real relationships. When people feel appreciated, they will want to continue to help you with other projects. It is called a charity wheel because it goes around and around from one charity to the next. The charity wheel is a loose expression used in Palm Beach. Different towns have different thrusts about what they are into. New York is about money. Los Angeles and Beverly Hills are about fame. Washington D.C. is about power. Palm Beach is about charity. If you’re going to get involved in Palm Beach, the best way to do so is by getting involved with charities. Palm Beach and Palm Beach County are all about charity.
What does the future hold for you with business and your charitable engagements? What are you most excited about?
My future is not only stock and bonds, but volunteering to many charities both financially and in the form of volunteer work. I feel that giving back to society and the community is part of the American culture. After reading books on “The Laws of Attraction”, I became intrigued with the ideas that the positive energy you put out in life, is the energy you get back. When you do good for others, God will bless you and things will naturally come back to you. It is called an “attitude of gratitude”. It is important to acknowledge what we have, help others and good things will always come back to you.
What books have inspired you?
Eat Right for Your Blood Type by Dr. Peter D’Adamo. I am very health conscious. The book teaches you the danger of consuming sugary content foods, bleached bread, and processed foods. It describes the foods that can help people eat the right foods and have a healthier lifestyle. I’d also recommend Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill or Ask and It Is Given by Esther & Jerry Hicks which are a couple of inspiring law of attraction books.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self “Too soon we grow old. Too late we grow wise. So get smart quick because time is wasting.” Also, study the law of attraction early in life and learn how good life can be when you give and do for others. Learn how much the universe will give back to you in return.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how would people contact you?
I am not looking to become a mentor because I cannot take responsibility for giving stock advice. I am not in business to do that. I am not licensed to give stock advice. I do it for myself. If I pick the wrong stock, they would be very upset. I don’t give advice, not even to my friends.