Club of the Month: June 2002

Bond Girls

CHICKS: Tell us how you met and how long you've been together as a club.

BOND GIRLS: 4 months ago Goodhead and CJ (Christmas Jones) assembled this team [see Member Profiles at the bottom of this page] for an informational brunch that lasted six hours and just might change their financial future forever.

What prompted you to start a club?
We wanted to retire young AND have enough cash to travel the world with our personal cabana boys (or lifelong soul mates if we're so lucky). Staci's boyfriend's mom has been in an investment club for 30 years! That inspiration, teamed with a serendipitous night at Barnes and Noble (where she got her boyfriend to buy her the Chick's book) lead to the creation of the club.

How did you come up with your name?
"Women of Opulence" was too Oprah book of the month, and we couldn't resist the triple-entendre of "stock and bond", "girl bonding" and "strong sexy women who kick bu-ta." Plus we wanted a name that would facilitate good theme parties with professional young men of our liking.

Where are you located?
We're practically global. We've got agents in New York, San Francisco, with Base Operations in the beach cities of Southern California (Hermosa, Long Beach, Orange County).

Do you meet online, or face-to-face?
Twice a year we meet face to face to drink champagne and catfight. Otherwise it's one Sunday a month on-line to vote and discuss Alias. Bond Girls (Aki, Xenia) and (Pussy) are arranging some additional "bonding" activities like beach camping or a trip to Catalina.

How has your portfolio done?
We are on the cusp of our first major purchase and we expect to beat the pants of the S&P. We decided that our first purchase would be in the tech sector and voted for Oracle. The way we see, it has nowhere to go but up!

Every three months we will research stocks in a certain field so that we can really feel that we've bought the best stock in that field. Our next purchase will be pharmaceutical.

What's been the greatest benefit of being together as a club?
The end of stock illiteracy! We've learned how to evaluate a stock and been forced out of the safe little womb of bank interest. And Honey Rider and Miss Galore are learning what it is like to actually save and plan. Also, we have a diverse group of talents - we are much stronger together.

What's been your club's greatest challenge?
The diverging opinions on what stocks to buy and when - but since our operating procedures were very clear and have been adhered too, all of us have a chance to voice our opinion and ultimately respect the group decision.

Any good club stories to tell?
The time Solitaire got locked out of her house in a towel and had to call the fire department to be let in time for our on-line meeting - the fireman turned out to be Bill Gate's Nephew - so he came to speak at our club… and is now dating May Day!

What advice would you give new clubs?
In my humble observation, a strong leader has been the glue for this ragtag gang of misfits - especially during these first few months as we learn to gel as a group - our president's reminders and dedication to the operating procedures has been invaluable.

Stick with it