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.