The Dividend Girl: October 2024

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

How I’m Budgeting to Pay Off $5,000 in Margin Debt, You are Just NOT ready for this. I know I am not :-)

The TSX closed today’s session at 24,562.55 points. I’m not particularly interested in checking my stock portfolio, as I know I won’t find anything too exciting right now. But I did take a look this morning and saw I received some new dividends, including one from CIBC. This extra income helped reduce my margin debt to $5,084. November is a great month for many of us, as we get three paycheques. If everything goes according to plan, by the end of November, I should have my margin debt down to just $1,500. I’m eagerly looking forward to that day.

To make this goal a reality, I’ll be on a tight budget for the next five weeks. Here’s what my budget looks like:

Groceries: $240
Extras: $200
Internet and Cable: $101.68
Rent: $750
Cell Phone: $40.24
Banking Fees: $8.90
Netflix: $6.89
Crave: $19.54

Total: $1,367.25

With $240 allocated for groceries, that works out to just $60 per week. For reference, that’s what my mother would ask from me for groceries while I was living in New Brunswick, which is quite affordable compared to what I’d typically spend in Montreal. Here in New Brunswick, I have $50 each week for any extras, which is far less than I’d normally spend weekly in Montreal. Being away from major stores makes saving easy—almost too easy!

As winter approaches, it’s looking likely that I’ll be staying in New Brunswick instead of traveling back to Montreal. With no buses, trains, or reliable winter transit options to Quebec, going to Montreal for a short time doesn’t seem worth the hassle. So I’ve decided to settle in here for the next few months, even though returning to Montreal in January would be nice if weather and transportation allow.

On the bright side, by the end of December, I should be debt-free. With no more margin debt, I’ll be able to start building up savings, something I really need to strengthen my financial health.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Welcome in my RRSP portfolio, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)!

Guess what? It's Sunday evening, and we’re experiencing the first snowfall of the year in New Brunswick! Earlier today, while out hunting with my father, we saw a light dusting of snow coming down. It wasn’t heavy, just a delicate snowfall—a gentle reminder that winter is on its way. Personally, I’m never fully prepared for the cold season. Despite growing up here, I'm quite sensitive to the cold and need the right winter clothing to stay healthy.

As for the stock market, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) closed on Friday at 24,551.55 points, which has slightly reduced my net worth from its previous high of $461,948.22. My investment portfolios finished as follows: non-registered at $156,150.78, U.S. portfolio at $6,126.15, RRSP stocks-only portfolio at $73,475.49, and TFSA at $151,119.63. Even though my net worth has dipped, my monthly dividend income has seen a slight increase, now at $962 (excluding my RRSP dividends). Reaching $1,000 in monthly dividends is a major milestone I’m aiming for. Including my RRSP dividends, my annual dividend income is $13,884—just a short distance from my goal of $15,000 annually.

Currently, my margin debt stands at $5,205.60, up from $4,716.98 on October 16. This increase is due to some credit card payments and an advance for my November rent, which I like to pay early. Since my next paycheck is scheduled for November 1, I borrowed from my margin account. My plan remains to pay down this debt by the end of 2025 if I continue managing my expenses carefully and stay in New Brunswick through December 2025.

In 2025, I plan to build up a solid savings account to reduce my dependence on margin whenever cash flow is tight. Having even a few thousand in savings would prevent me from needing to borrow. I’ll be turning 45 in 2025, so it feels like the right time to prioritize building up savings. While I’ve invested aggressively for years, probably close to half my life, I’m now working towards a more balanced financial plan that includes emergency savings.

Earlier this year, following the delisting of Park Lawn Corporation (PLC) from the TSX, I had over $5,000 available to reinvest in my RRSP. Last week, I took advantage of Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) trading in the $77 range and added some shares as a long-term investment. I still have funds to invest in my RRSP, but I’m in no hurry. Recently, I came across an update on Bird Construction Inc. (BDT) on 5i Research’s dividend update page. I’ve followed BDT before and noticed it recently raised its dividend.

In 2024, Bird Construction Inc. (BDT) has had a great year. Its chart looks promising, and its monthly dividend payments make it a solid addition. Construction stocks are an area of interest for me, especially as I’ve done well in the past with WSP Global Inc. (WSP). I’m optimistic BDT could be another success in my RRSP portfolio.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Welcoming a $461,948.22 net worth - my highest EVERRRR!!!

With the TSX closing strongly at 24,690.48 points, I had no choice but to update my investment portfolio. Today’s session ended with my portfolio at $461,948.22, representing a gain of $1,556.67. A gain of over $1,000 in one day is always good news for me.

Historic of my Total assets and Net worth values on date of October 17, 2024

2024

Total in assets: $466,665.20/Net worth: $461,948.22: October 17, 2024 - Highest net worth ever!!!!

Total in assets: $465,108.53/Net worth: $460,391.55: October 16, 2024 - First time I am in the 460k!

Total in assets: $461,695.76/Net worth: $456,916.94: October 11, 2024

Total in assets: $456,672.76/Net worth: $451,890.80: October 4, 2024 - First time I ever hit on the 450k!

Total in assets: $452,186.49/Net worth: $447,251.10: September 26, 2024

Total in assets: $450,780.69/Net worth: $447,210.34: September 13, 2024

Total in assets: $447,942.71/Net worth: $444,372.36: September 12, 2024 - First time I ever hit on the 444k

Total in assets: $443,006.26/Net worth: $439,463.77: September 9, 2024

Total in assets: $440,323.44/Net worth: $435,834.87: August 23, 2024

Total in assets: $438,570.89/Net worth: $432,208.43: July 31, 2024 - first time I ever reached 430k.

Total in assets: $434,175.23/Net worth: $427,812.77: July 22, 2024

Total in assets: $419,382.05/Net worth: $413,741.80: May 10, 2024

Total in assets: $415,656.63/Net worth: $407,032.02: March 28, 2024

Total in assets: $410,830.45/Net worth: $403,444.26: March 8, 2024

Total in assets: $409,656.30/Net worth: $402,219.07: March 7, 2024 - first time I ever reached 400k net worth!

Total in assets: $407,214.02/Net worth: $399,776.79: March 6, 2024

Total in assets: $406,530.78/Net worth: $399,043.10: March 1, 2024

Total in assets: $404,868.06/Net worth: $393,617.74: February 17, 2024 - first time I ever hit 393k!

Total in assets: $404,016.51/Net worth: $392,766.19: February 15, 2024 - first time I ever hit 392k!

Total in assets: $401,516.67/Net worth: $390,264.22: February 12, 2024 - first time I ever hit 390k!

Total in assets: $401,713.44/Net worth: $389,317.63: January 29, 2024 - first time I ever hit 389k!

Total in assets: $400,412.81/Net worth: $388,017: January 28, 2024 - first time I ever hit 388k!

Total in assets: $399,833.32/Net worth: $387,437.51: January 25, 2024 - first time I ever hit 387k!

Total in assets: $396,039.93/Net worth: $382,559.57: January 8, 2024 - first time I ever hit 382k!
Total in assets: $393,167.74/Net worth: $379,670.38: January 5, 2024

2023

Total in assets: $406,622.25/Net worth: $380,929.15: December 29, 2023

Total in assets: $408,307.33/Net worth: $380,099.13: December 27, 2023

Total in assets: $406,167.92/Net worth: $380,273.66: December 14, 2023

Total in assets: $402,432.82/Net worth: $376,538.56: December 13, 2023

Total in assets: $397,453.80/Net worth: $371,540.77: December 8, 2023

Total in assets: $395,604.93/Net worth: $368,453.87: December 1, 2023

Total in assets: $390,070.59/Net worth: $362,630.53: November 17, 2023
Total in assets: $381,814.54/Net worth: $354,269.04: November 3, 2023
Total in assets: $373,267.72/Net worth: $345,282.56: October 6, 2023

Total in assets: $393,849.39/Net worth: $367,685.60: August 11, 2023

Total in assets: $397,595.65/Net worth: $361,500.59: July 18, 2023

Total in assets: $416,472.91/Net worth: $370,235.74: May 6, 2023

Total in assets: $419,167.77/Net worth: $373,150.19: April 21, 2023 - first time I ever hit the 373k!

Total in assets: $416,945.17/Net worth: $370,829.18: April 13, 2023 - first time I am in the 370k!

Total in assets: $415,945.38/Net worth: $369,820.54: April 11, 2023

Total in assets: $413,311.52/Net worth: $366,524.01: February 13, 2023

Total in assets: $411,186.99/Net worth: $364,399.48: February 10, 2023

Total in assets: $408,656.95/Net worth: $361,844.12: February 7, 2023

Total in assets: $407,606.87/Net worth: $361,043.28: January 17, 2023

Total in assets: $405,708.89/Net worth: $359,060.31: January 16, 2023

Total in assets: $404,983.22/Net worth: $358,324.64: January 13, 2023

Total in assets: $403,429.72/Net worth: $356,771.14: January 12, 2023

Total in assets: $399,232.95/Net worth: $352,574.37: January 11, 2023

Total in assets: $396,629.76/Net worth $349,971.18: January 10, 2023

Total in assets: $395,568.27/Net worth $348,909.69: January 9, 2023
Total in assets: $393,444.59/Net worth $346,786.01: January 6, 2023

2022

Total in assets: $384,602.29/Net worth $337,875.65: December 30, 2022

Total in assets: $394,205.35/Net worth $347,621.02: November 25, 2022

Total in assets: $383,659.43/Net worth $337,227.95: November 11, 2022

Total in assets: $373,493.10/Net worth $327,061.62: November 4, 2022

Total in assets: $356,147.14/Net worth $309,920.82: October 11, 2022

Total in assets: $396,620.95/Net worth $350,590.82: August 14, 2022

Total in assets: $369,523.83/Net worth $323,815.43: June 24, 2022

Total in assets: $367,287.71/Net worth $321,579.31: June 20, 2022

Total in assets: $364,145.55/Net worth $318,437.15: June 18, 2022

Total in assets: $398,010.84/Net worth $352,164.94: June 2, 2022

Total in assets: $385,843.39/Net worth May 20, 2022: $340,156.47

Total in assets: $407,547.23/Net worth $361,442.42: April 20, 2022

Total in assets: $405,658.35/Net worth $358,941.11: March 29, 2022

Total in assets: $403,792.28/Net worth $357,075.04: March 25, 2022

Total in assets: $402,081.01/Net worth $355,363.77: March 22, 2022

Total in assets: $400,979.64/Net worth $354,262.40: March 21, 2022 - First time I ever hit on the $400,000 in total assets!

Total in assets: $398,652.13/Net worth $352,071.24: March 18, 2022 - First time I ever hit on the $350,000 in net worth value!

Total in assets: $396,355.91/Net worth $349,713.01: March 10, 2022

Total in assets: $393,037.13/Net worth: $347,573.53: March 4, 2022

Total in assets: $391,766.36/Net worth: $345,622.80: February 9, 2022

Total in assets: $382,726.19/Net worth: $341,862.36: February 2, 2022

Total in assets: $386,320.32/Net worth: $340,128.37: February 1st, 2022

2021

Total in assets: $385,979.66/Net worth: $339,434.39: December 31, 2021

Total in assets: $382,726.19/Net worth: $336,268.16: December 23, 2021

Total in assets: $388,421.37/Net worth: $340,312.77 - FIRST TIME I EVER REACHED A $340,000 NET WORTH!
November 8, 2021

Total in assets: $387,068.51/Net worth: $338,959.91: November 5, 2021

Total in assets: $384,785.92/Net worth: $336,781.52: October 20, 2021

Total in assets: $382,580.80/Net worth: $334,576.40: October 19, 2021

Total in assets: $379,263.95/Net worth: $330,680.17: October 14, 2021

Total in assets: $364,072.52/Net worth: $315,407.64: July 26, 2021
Total in assets: $358,867.59/Net worth: $311,858.22: June 15, 2021
Total in assets: $354,774.64/Net worth: $307,559.30: June 10, 2021
Total in assets: $348,042.77/Net worth: $300,799.45 - FIRST TIME I EVER REACHED 300k in net worth, on May 26, 2021
Total in assets: $346,583.88/Net worth: $298,486.93: May 20, 2021
Total in assets: $349,651.45/Net worth: $298,435.31: May 7, 2021
Total in assets: $347,002.53/Net worth: $297,614.64: April 16, 2021
Total in assets: $338,188.16/Net worth: $287,914.75: March 11, 2021
Total in assets: $333,970.92/Net worth: $283,675.99: March 9, 2021
Total in assets: $328,881.12/Net worth: $279,611.57: February 10, 2021
Total in assets: $326,670.02/Net worth: $278,758.37: February 8, 2021
Total in assets: $324,891.52/Net worth: $276,979.87: February 4, 2021
Total in assets: $322,236.52/Net worth: $274,318.36: February 3, 2021
Total in assets: $327,639.01/Net worth: $274,298.23: January 19, 2021
Total in assets: $316,192.85/Net worth: $268,180.14: January 7, 2021
Total in assets: $313,003.95/Net worth: $264,915.22: January 6, 2021
Total in assets: $310,587.36/Net worth: $262,498.63: January 5, 2021

2020
Total in assets: $310,392.38/Net worth: $259,661.24: December 31, 2020
Total in assets: $307,812.05/Net worth: $259,070.79: December 24, 2020
Total in assets: $306,444.25/Net worth: $258,948.73: December 4, 2020
Total in assets: $304,701.39/Net worth: $257,331.58: November 27, 2020
Total in assets: $300,956.84/Net worth: $253,587.03: November 24, 2020
Total in assets: $298,903.01/Net worth: $251,533.20: November 23, 2020
Total in assets: $296,643.60/Net worth: $249,158.71: November 20, 2020
Total in assets: $294,514.87/Net worth: $247,145.87: November 11, 2020
Total in assets: $291,172.40/Net worth: $243,802.59: November 10, 2020
Total in assets: $287 803.13/Net worth: $240 433.32: November 9, 2020
Total in assets: $277,872.92/Net worth: $226,678.26: August 5, 2020
Total in assets: $276,627.27/Net worth: $227,745.47: June 6, 2020
Total in assets: $263,304.63/Net worth: $211,395.63: April 29, 2020
Total in assets: $241 461,13/Net worth: $194 558,29: March 13, 2020
Total in assets: $282,640.61/Net worth: $235,284.72: February 21, 2020
Total in assets: $304,955.72/Net worth: $257,187.44: February 12, 2020
Total in assets: $296,200.07/Net worth: $250,595: January 16, 2020
Total in assets: $292,715.58/Net worth: $244,970.41: January 9, 2020

2019
Total in assets: $288,237.52/Net worth: $239,582.44: December 31, 2019
Total in assets: $278,823.27/Net worth: $230,902.04: September 17, 2019
Total in assets: $271,896.19/Net worth: 226,137.05: June 24, 2019
Total in assets: $269 950.21/Net worth: $222 942.87: April 5, 2019
Total in assets: $251 634.94/Net worth: $206 278.84: January 18, 2019
Total in assets: $238 656.07/Net worth: $191 009.83: January 4, 2019

2018
Total in assets: $270 679.86/Net worth: $204 306.57: November 16, 2018
Total in assets: $332 750.88/Net worth: $232 609.15: August 3, 2018
Total in assets: $331 413.83/Net worth: $232 280.40: June 20, 2018
Total in assets: $326 085.75/Net worth: $226 801.92: June 3, 2018
Total in assets: $322 479.23/Net worth: $222 850.15: May 4, 2018
Total in assets: $319 644.86/Net worth: $217 246.23: March 16, 2018

2017
Total in assets: $318 544.64/Net worth: $221 989.65: December 29, 2017
Net worth on the date of November 17, 2017: $211 430.89
Net worth on the date of October 27, 2017: $212 633.39
Net worth on the date of September 29, 2017: $206 352.49
Net worth on the date of April 24, 2017: $204 277.66
Net worth on the date of March 31, 2017: $200 325.69
Net worth on the date of March 29, 2017: $198 299.73
Net worth on the date of March 18, 2017: $193 969.21

2016
Net worth on the date of December 30, 2016: $184 074.35

Net worth after debt on the date of January 1, 2014:
$101 172.99 (yes, finally, IN NET WORTH!).

On the date of February 16, 2011, the TMX hit 14 000+ points, and I exceeded the 150k in assets! (Not net worth yet).

On September 9, 2010, I reached $100,000 in assets! (not in net worth yet).

On the date of August 5, 2009, I reached my investment goal: I reached $50 000 worth of assets! (NOW, net worth).

On the date of December 5, 2009, I had exceeded $60 000 in assets! (not in net worth yet).

My investment portfolio on date of October 17, 2024

Cold cash: $825.02

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN

Methanex Corporation (MX)

Fortis Inc. (FTS)

Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL)

iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE)

New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI)

TMX Group Inc. (X)

K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL)

South Bow Corporation (SOBO)

Canadian National Railway Co (CNR)

Enbridge Inc. (ENB)

Loblaw Companies (L)

Savaria Corporation (SIS)

WSP Global Inc. (WSP)

George Weston Limited (WN)

Power Corporation of Canada Subordinate Voting Shares (POW)

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Class A Limited Voting Shares (BAM.A)

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM)

Royal Bank of Canada (RY)

Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (AD.UN)

Ag Growth International Inc. (AFN)

BCE Inc. (BCE)

National Bank of Canada (NA)

Telus Corp (T)

TOTAL: $158,603.78

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B)

General Mills Inc. (GIS)

Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund (VONG)

Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

CSX Corporation (CSX)

Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation (BIPC)

TOTAL: $6,296.99 US: $8,682.92 CAN

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):

Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI)

CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN)

Canadian National Railway Co (CNR)

Exchange Income Corporation (EIF)

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN)

Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN)

Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A)

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)

Boyd Group Services Inc. (BYD)

Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAR.UN)

Data Communications Mgmt (DCM)

Royal Bank of Canada (RY)

Park Lawn Corporation (PLC)

Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH)

BCE Inc. (BCE)

Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX)

Northland Power Inc. (NPI)

Calian Group Ltd. (CGY)

Canadian Utilities Limited (CU)

WSP Global Inc. (WSP)

Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN)

Cargojet Inc. (CJT)

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR)

TFI International Inc. (TFII)

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM)

SIR Royalty Income Fund (SRV.UN)

ATCO Ltd. (ACO.Y)

Aecon Group Inc. (ARE)

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Class A Limited Voting Shares (BAM.A)

Metro Inc. (MRU)

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD.A)

Fortis Inc. (FTS)

CGI Inc. (GIB.A)

TMX Group Limited (X)

Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation Class A Exchangeable Subordinate Voting Shares (BIPC)

Brookfield Renewable Corporation Class A Exchangeable Subordinate Voting Shares (BEPC)

Suncor Energy Inc. (SU)

Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B)

Telus Corp (T)

Bitcoin Fund The Class A units (QBTC)

Purpose Bitcoin ETF CAD ETF non-currency hedged units (BTCC.B)

3iQ CoinShares Ether ETF (ETHQ)

Tilray Inc (TLRY)

North West Company Inc. (The) (NWC)

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)

National Bank of Canada (NA)

Stelco Holdings Inc. (STLC)

Hammond Manufacturing Company Limited Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (HMM.A)

Saputo Inc. (SAP)

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation (LIF)

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (ITP)

Parex Resources Inc. (PXT)

Wescan Energy Corp. (WCE)

Verde Agritech Plc Ordinary Shares (NPK)

Wajax Corporation (WJX)

Whitecap Resources Inc. (WCP)

Goodfellow Inc. (GDL)

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN)

Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL)

TransCanada Corp (TRP)

A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund (AW.UN)

Total Energy Services Inc. (TOT)

Empire Company Limited Non-Voting Class A Shares (EMP.A)

Power Corporation of Canada Subordinate Voting Shares (POW)

Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (AD.UN)

Westshore Terminals Investment Corporation (WTE)

Finning International Inc. (FTT)

Element Fleet Management Corp. (EFN)

Ninepoint Energy Income Fund ETF (NRGI)

Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund (CHE.UN)

Hamilton Enhanced U.S. Covered Call ETF (HYLD)

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)

Emera Inc. (EMA)

TOTAL: $154,524.11

RSP investment portfolio:

Emera Incorporated (EMA)

Ovintiv Inc. (OVV)

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)

Telus Corp (T)

Royal Bank of Canada (RY)

Savaria Corporation (SIS)

Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI)

Park Lawn Corporation (PLC)

Richards Packaging Income Fund (RPI.UN)

Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH)

CAE Inc. (CAE)

CGI Group Inc. Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (GIB.A)

Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX)

Quebecor Inc. (QBR.B)

Logistec Corporation Class B Subordinate Voting Shares (LGT.B)

Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (BEP.UN)

Leon's Furniture Limited (LNF)

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)

Brookfield Renewable Corporation Class A Exchangeable Subordinate Voting Shares (BEPC)

Cascades Inc. (CAS)

JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN)

AirBoss of America Corp. (BOS)

Suncor Energy Inc. (SU)

Pender Growth Fund Inc. (PTF)

Rogers Communications Inc. Class B Non-voting Shares (RCI.B)

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. (ATA)

Algoma Central Corporation (ALC)

Finning International Inc. (FTT)

Guardian Capital Group Limited (GCG)

Information Services Corporation Class A Limited Voting Shares (ISV)

Interfor Corporation (IFP)

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (MFI)

National Bank of Canada (NA)

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR)

Open Text Corporation (OTEX)

Taiga Building Products Ltd. (TBL)

Vitreous Glass Inc. (VCI)

Power Corporation of Canada Subordinate Voting Shares (POW)

North West Company Inc. (The) (NWC)

Whitecap Resources Inc. (WCP)

Parex Resources Inc. (PXT)

Wajax Corporation (WJX)

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM)

Hamilton Enhanced U.S. Covered Call ETF (HYLD)

TMX Group Limited (X)

iA Financial Corporation Inc. (IAG)

Ninepoint Energy Income Fund ETF (NRGI)

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (IVN)

ARC Resources Ltd. (ARX)

Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS)

Total: $74,425.28

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund + CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund + CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $3,959.45

Others: $1,159.90

NBI Income Fund: $1,329.98

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP

Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio

Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund

Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund

Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest

Total: $10,106.09

Other various: $52,922.67

TOTAL: $143,903.37

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35

Online money: $91

Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:

TOTAL: $466,665.20

On date of October 17, 2024

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

How I’m Tackling My “Troublemaker” Investments - Part 2

You can read Part 1 of this post right here.

The TSX closed yesterday's session down -0.13% at 24,439.08. To my surprise, my stock portfolio gained over $2,000! I wasn’t expecting that. Today, the TSX closed in green territory at 24,561.20 points, up +122.12 (+0.50%). While keeping an eye on this, I had no choice but to update my investment portfolio, and when I did, I found out my net worth is now proudly standing at $460,391.55.

I personally update my portfolio whenever it registers gains. You just never know what tomorrow will bring, which is why I like to keep track of what’s going on. If a market correction happens and I lose a few thousand, I’ll know that I can recover to the $460,000 net worth because I’ve been there before. Once you’ve reached a certain amount, it's possible to get back there even after a downturn. Over the years, I’ve experienced multiple stock market corrections. It's never easy, but with time, you get used to it. It's during these tough times that it's actually the best time to invest your money.

My non-registered portfolio closed the session at $157,067.82, my TFSA portfolio at $152,710.73, my US portfolio at $6,297.03 USD, and my RRSP stocks-only portfolio at $73,839.60. I still have over $5k sitting in cash in my RRSP portfolio, waiting to be reinvested. I’m holding off for the next stock market correction before making my move. That money came from the exit of Park Lawn Corporation (PLC) from the TSX. The company no longer trades on the TSX as it became private. I benefited from that exit, but now I’m left with a lovely problem: I haven’t figured out yet what to invest in next. I definitely want to invest for the long term.

The stock market is a strange place. It’s not for everyone. Over time, I’ve realized that the best investors are often those who don’t overthink things. Personally, I started investing in stocks because I knew it was my only chance to "make it," if I may say so. I don’t earn a high salary—I’m not even at $30 per hour—so that gives you an idea of the income I deal with. The proportion of my earnings that I can actually invest is quite low. Because of this, I knew from the start that my only way to financial growth was through the TSX. It’s worked out pretty well so far. Along the way, some investments performed better than others. The stocks that have been more difficult and haven’t worked in my favor are what I call the "troublemakers" on my blog.

Previously, we discussed Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), which is facing a multibillion-dollar fine in the US for money laundering. I would really like to know what exactly happened. We haven’t received many details on the case, but I’m curious. I hold TD stock in all my portfolios: non-registered, TFSA, and RRSP. It’s tough to predict the long-term effects of this debacle for TD investors. I’ve read that this will likely not impact TD’s ability to pay its quarterly dividend of 5.20%. Yesterday, TD seemed stable on the TSX, but it closed the day at $77.68, down -1.02%. If you’re a contrarian investor, you might see this as a buying opportunity. However, I’m not sure if TD’s stock has hit rock bottom yet. Can it go lower than $77.68 per share? It might.

Today at Market Call, for October 16, I asked Amber Kanwar the following question:

My question actually appeared on today’s episode of Market Call at BNN Bloomberg! Chris Blumas, a portfolio manager at Raymond James Investment Counsel, answered my query. You can watch today’s Market Call show right here. Not only is Amber Kanwar a fantastic host, but her hair is absolutely stunning—like a Disney princess!

It was quite insightful to hear Blumas' views on my question. I’ve thought about partially selling my TD Bank shares, but honestly, it’s a tough decision for me. I tend to get sentimental about my long-term holdings, and TD has been a core part of my investment portfolio for years. As a small investor, the situation with TD's several billion-dollar fine in the U.S. for money laundering is mind-blowing. Whenever there’s a stock market correction or one of my stocks faces challenges, my obsession is trying to figure out if we’ve hit rock bottom. Of course, there’s no way to know for sure, but I’m always keen to find out!

According to Chris Blumas, when it comes to the U.S. banking sector, all banks are involved in some form of money laundering; there are no banks that are entirely clean in this regard. TD Bank’s issues in the U.S. aren't new, and the stock has been on a decline for a while now. This suggests, as Blumas pointed out, that TD stock may have already reached its rock bottom—at least that’s how I interpret it.

I’ll be working on a Part 3 of my series, "How I’m Tackling My ‘Troublemaker’ Investments," as we haven’t yet discussed my TFSA portfolio.

Historic of my Total assets and Net worth values on date of October 16, 2024

2024

Total in assets: $465,108.53/Net worth: $460,391.55: October 16, 2024 - Highest net worth ever!!!! First time I am in the 460k!