XX Files: Mary A. Coulthard, The Speculators Investment Club

By Ujjwal Sharma

MARY COULTHARD Investing In The Future

Now more than ever, people are interested in ways to make their money work for them.

The goal of The Speculators Investment Club is just that — through investing in the stock market.

“My husband and I moved to Windsor from London in 1965,” recalls Club President Mary A. Coulthard. “I had always wanted to belong to an investment club and since I had a lot of free time, I decided to start one.”

At that time Coulthard was bowling with ladies from Essex Golf Club and belonged to a Bridge club. When she proposed the possibility of forming an investment club to these two groups, there was a lot of interest.

“I held a meeting January 1970 at my home with about 40 women showing up,” she says. “After some discussion, it was decided to form a club right there.”

Twenty-five ladies contributed $25 initially with the agreement to pay $10 per month. Volunteers for the executive slate were voted on and accepted. Plans were made to draw up by-laws and the name they originally decided upon for the club was “Dix”— the number 10 in French — representing their initial investment.

The Club’s by-laws state they are to meet each month at a specific time and place, which they have done, on the third Tuesday of every month, for 50 years (March/April 2020 being an exception due to COVID-19).

“Members take turns reporting on a stock that took their interest,” she explains. “Any purchase or sale cannot be done without a report first and voted on by the majority of those present.”

Mary Coulthard, President of The Speculators Investment Club, looks at the S&P/TSX Composite Index with volume projections going into 2041 from the comfort of her home office. Photo by Rod Denis.

Back when the Club first formed, all research had to be done either at a library or from newspapers. However, if anyone knew any stock brokers personally, they reached out to them for information.

“Making transactions took some thinking because it was expensive to trade, not like now with discount brokers,” she comments.

And as for researching today, Coulthard mentions “computers rule.” Back when they first began, all their reports, minutes, and financial statements were manually typed.

“Technology has changed everything considerably,” she states. “We can now make instant trades. In fact, one of our members winters in Florida and we include her by email.”

Over the years, Club regrouped with new members from their waiting list and renamed themselves, The Speculators Investment Club.

“We endeavour to achieve more knowledge about our economy, as well as the workings of the stock market,” notes Coulthard.

She adds that the investment club is somewhat exceptional because the average life of any club, organized by men or women, is usually only 10 years.

Coulthard continues: “Our members are very diverse: a chartered accountant, a few teachers, business owners and retirees, ranging in age from 53 to 91.”

The Club currently has 21 members and has room for four more.

“Over the years we have had many interesting speakers on timely stock subjects,” she describes, pointing out a yearly donation is made to a local charity. “We have learned a tremendous amount about the stock market, made good friends and even went on a Caribbean cruise as a group.”

When it comes to mixing home life and work life, Coulthard believes women are natural multi-taskers.

“Investing is an interest, so there is no problem,” she states. “The social aspect of the club is just a perk!”

Anyone who is interested in getting involved in investing with the Club, must be willing to do their homework.

“As a member, part of your commitment is researching various companies that may personally interest you, because we never invest in a ‘HOT’ tip,” Coulthard expresses.

Find out more information on this unique club by emailing Coulthard at: coulthard@sympatico.ca.

XX FILES