My annual dividend income is now at $13,310

Today, my stock portfolio gained almost $2,500. While we're not quite back in the 20,000-point range, seeing the TSX in the 19,000-point range is encouraging. I must admit, I dislike it when the TSX isn't in the 20,000s, but witnessing it in the 18,000s can be quite disheartening.

Here's a breakdown of my portfolios:

• Non-registered portfolio: $130,090.82
• US portfolio: $4,959.30
• RRSP stocks-only portfolio: $60,026.18
• TFSA portfolio: $123,287.93

Due to recent investments, my margin debt has risen to $27,985.16. I had to allocate funds somewhere, after all.

Fortunately, tomorrow is payday, and I'm not expecting many expenses for October, except for hunting. It costs about $35 per day in gas, which will sum up to around $490 for two weeks. The weather in New Brunswick is surprisingly warm, allowing me to enjoy daily walks.

Thanks to my latest investments, my dividend income from my non-registered and TFSA portfolios now totals an equivalent of $931.66 per month. I'm not far from reaching the coveted $1,000 monthly mark, but I'm unable to invest more at this time. I have an upcoming dermatologist appointment to pay for in November, and I plan to get a haircut when I return to Montreal. Additionally, there are credit card bills from my September shopping spree, including my new gadget, a Kobo Sage eReader. After all, what's the point of earning money if you can't enjoy it from time to time?

I also need to keep in mind that I have a few thousand dollars to contribute to my RRSP. While I may not be a fan of investing in my RRSP, it does help with taxes, ensuring I don't pay too much in income taxes. I'm thinking of planning a $3,000 to $4,000 investment for my RRSP.

Before my departure to New Brunswick, during my last week in Montreal, I tried following the cabbage soup diet. I didn't eat cabbage soup for every meal, but I incorporated it into many of them. The results were quite satisfying, as I managed to shed a few pounds. Now, I'm considering making cabbage soup one of my main dishes. I thought about having it for lunch alongside a salad and opting for something else for dinner. This idea appeals to me because cabbage soup is budget-friendly. I typically have oatmeal for breakfast, another cost-effective choice. By having two economical meals during the day, I can easily save money and maintain a healthy diet. Groceries can be quite pricey in New Brunswick, so this plan aligns perfectly with my financial goals. Of course, my evening meal will be heartier than just cabbage soup.

I hope you find these insights and updates from my financial journey helpful. Stay tuned for more!