My investment portfolio on date of March 11, 2016

On date of March 11, 2016:

Non registered Investments:
Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Timminco (TIMNF): $0.26
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $7 034.25
Blue Note Mining Inc. (BLNMF): $0.01
Hanwei Energy Services (HE): $16.50
Methanex Corporation (MX): $4 754.48
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $4 500.16
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $16 404.03
Just Energy Group Inc. (JE): $6 666.48
Pengrowth Energy Corporation (PGF): $310.70
Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF): $10 602.62
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 269.96
Davis + Henderson Corporation (DH): $8 056.40
Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH): $23 073.05
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 583.60
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 391.62
Horizons Gold Yield Fund (HGY): $1 160.50
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $3 186
Colabor Group Inc. (GCL): $100.98
TMX Group Inc. (X): $354.88
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $4 295
Westshore Terminals Invest Corp (WTE): $3 238.85
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $140.60
First Majestic Silver Corp (FR): $759
Kinross Gold Corp (K): $590.41
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 187.75
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $7 181.10
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $1 432.20
Agrium Inc. (AGU): $1 980.54
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 491.84
Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG): $402.60
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $2 330.94
Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI): $128.75
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 171.25
Cineplex Inc. (CGX): $1 245.25
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $738
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 267.86
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $1 010
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 567.60
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 100.40
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 550
Loblaw Companies (L): $845.40
Lumenpulse Inc. (LMP): $714.50
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM): $1 454.40
Hydro One Limited (H): $2 400

TOTAL: $133 775.58

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Sprott Physical Silver Trust ET (PSLV): $949.85
Cash: $4.12

TOTAL: $953.97 US ($1 260.67 CAN)

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
EnerCare Inc. (ECI): $46.95
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $14.35
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $1 631
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $934.50
Precious Metals and Mining Trust (MMP.UN): $382.72
Sprott Inc. (SII): $2 392.79
Data Group Inc. (DGI): $13.96
AltaGas Ltd (ALA): $979.50
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 447
National Bank of Canada (NA): $950.36
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $3 191.60
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $5 941.68
Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC): $520
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $2 344.95
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1 152.60
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $1 905.80
Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB): $951.60
The North West Company Inc. (NWC): $1 569.50 

Cash: $354.10

TOTAL: $26 724.96

RSP investment portfolio:
iShares Gold Bullion Fund (CGL): $3 738.28
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $11 618.80
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $799.20
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $543.67
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 650.60
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $922.50
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $5 050
Telus Corp (T): $2 041.50
Stantec Inc. (STN): $966.40
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $3 665
Cash: $397.70  

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund: $680.92
CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund: $434.01
CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $1 224.51

Energy and Base Metals Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $577.30
Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.45

GIC National Bank: $1 305.54

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 394.44
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 152.95
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 142.77
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 211.20
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 007.25

Other various: $6 249.15

TOTAL: $48 276.14

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35 Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$210 072.35

Overview of my financial situation from April 2015 to now

Yesterday, I update my portfolio holdings and my debt situation. I haven't post a portfolio update since April 2015. At that time, the TSX was showing off at 15 364 points. And of course, my portfolio has hitting on to its highest value ever registered. So for that reason, I of course post a portfolio update at that time. It was kind of an historic moment in my investment life. BUT following that, the market started acting all crazy again and I was no longer on top of my game. In response, I didn't post any investment update ever since. I mostly post an investment update when it strictly play in my only advantage and when I can shine as bright as gold. After all, I invest to make money, not to lose some! I prefer to stay quiet when the markets are volatile.

At 13 212.50 points, the TSX is far behind its old 15 000 marks. However, I was curious to see how good or bad I was overall, so I decided it was time to work on a new portfolio update, it was an emergency. Back in April 2015, my overall portfolio had a $205 871.46 value. On date of March 4, 2016, that value was at... ta-dam... $204 835.23, just a -$1 036.23 off, which is not so bad. As for my margin debt, its about the same as before. I hold about $65 000 in margin debt that I carry on my shoulders without any pain most of the time. Now, imagine what will be the value of my portfolio when the TSX hit back that 15 000 points! If only it could...

It take time, patience and extreme resilient to heal from massive crashes and since 2008, I didn't have it easy. How can a very middle class can even survive in this environment? There's no magic trick, if not to only have confidence in our on choices and power, and to always think that the market will eventually recover. Holding to mostly blue chips can certainly help on the long run.

Back in December 2015, my dividend earnings were at $6 128.80, and its currently of $6 128.97.

Overall, I am just glad that I am stable. Its a release to see that I am not facing big drop anywhere.

My debt on date of March 4, 2016

$65 057.90 at 4.25% (margin money coming from my broker account) = 

$2 764.96 in annual interest

[In date of March 4, 2016]

My investment portfolio on date of March 4, 2016

On date of March 4, 2016:

Non registered Investments:
Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Timminco (TIMNF): $0.24
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $6 720.11 
Blue Note Mining Inc. (BLNMF): $0.01
Hanwei Energy Services (HE): $16.50
Methanex Corporation (MX): $4 738
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $4 396
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $16 127.37
Just Energy Group Inc. (JE): $6 759.54
Pengrowth Energy Corporation (PGF): $298.75
Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF): $10 354.83
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 190
Davis + Henderson Corporation (DH): $8 188.40
Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH): $20 657
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 562.2
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 342.34
Horizons Gold Yield Fund (HGY): $1 166.83
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $2 806.92
Colabor Group Inc. (GCL): $93.84
TMX Group Inc. (X): $347.44
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $4 549
Westshore Terminals Invest Corp (WTE): $3 173.44
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $163.40
First Majestic Silver Corp (FR): $646
Kinross Gold Corp (K): $599.47
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 231
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $7 088.40
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $1 369.48
Agrium Inc. (AGU): $2 985.32
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 444.38
Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG): $396.88
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $2 361.15
Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI): $114.50
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 149
Cineplex Inc. (CGX): $1 247.50
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $731.20
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 264.56
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $934.60
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 572.80
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 073.20
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 550
Loblaw Companies (L): $841.56
Lumenpulse Inc. (LMP): $792.50
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM) : $1 390.50 
Hydro One Limited (H): $2 340

TOTAL: $129 776.16

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Sprott Physical Silver Trust ET (PSLV): $965.55
Cash: $4.12

TOTAL: $969.67

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
EnerCare Inc. (ECI): $47.46
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $12.92
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $1 673.64
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $918.75
Precious Metals and Mining Trust (MMP.UN): $388.24
Sprott Inc. (SII): $2 274.76
Data Group Inc. (DGI): $6.98
AltaGas Ltd (ALA): $991.50
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 460
National Bank of Canada (NA): $904.59
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $3 150.40
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $5 950.80
Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC): $519.60
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $2 255.85 
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1 152 
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $1 930.50 
Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB): $927 
The North West Company Inc. (NWC): $1601

Cash: $349.99

TOTAL: $26 515.98

RSP investment portfolio:
iShares Gold Bullion Fund (CGL): $3 775.46
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $11 398.08
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $788.40
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $557.88
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 609.80
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $914
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $4 673
Telus Corp (T): $1 958.50
Stantec Inc. (STN): $963.84
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $3 712.50
Cash: $397.70  



CIBC Dividend Growth Fund: $665.86
CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund: $430.95
CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $1 207.68

Energy and Base Metals Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $577.30
Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.45

GIC National Bank: $1 305.54

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 558.68
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 156.13
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 146.04
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 379.29
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 007.89

Other various: $6 249.15

TOTAL: $47 538.42

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35 Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$204 835.23

My vacations at Mercure Playa de Oro in Varadero, Cuba - Part 1

I came back from my trip in Varadero last week. Going back to work in the snow, rain and slush was quite rough and it seem like I saw nothing yet because a big snowstorm is about to hit Montreal tonight. My portfolio is doing better now than before I left. My non-registered portfolio is now at a good $130 024.33. I should definitively go to Cuba more often! I have to say, during my week in Varadero, I went to Havana one day and there touch the water from a so call magic water fountain next to a church. And I sadly wish it all about money... but it seem to be working!

Here' the fountain:

I was in a hurry, with a tour guide, and some pictures are... dancing. But its all very authentic.

Vising a communist country where people live poorly and have access to barely nothing was never in my plans, and I am still against the principle, but my mother really wanted to go to Cuba, and I was the only one who could go with her. By visiting massively Cuba, foreigners encourage the current system. Cuban people are just too nice and sweat to begin a revolution and fight against their poor living conditions. They don't know anything else, but they are perfectly aware of what they don't have and don't have access to. This being said, Varadero and Havana seem to me like being 2 very safe place to visit. Cuban are poor, but there's no sign of any aggressiveness in them. They are happy people, but they are struggling to survive and to make ends reach. Havana is very magical and despite everything, I think we should all visit Havana at least one time in our life. I visit once, but it wasn't enough. I would like to spend a 5 days in Havana, maybe for a next trip, now that my portfolio is doing better. 

The good thing about Cuba is that trips in all inclusive resort are cheap. For a 7 days at Mercure Playa the Oro with Air Transat, I pay $929 + an $80 for insurance. So this was quite cheap in my sense. If I would had book one week earlier, I could had pay only something like $850.

My father suffer from severe asthma, so I didn't push for him to go with us. I had no idea how he could react to a hot environment and sincerely, if you are not in perfect health, don't go to Cuba, Mexico or any south destination. Since the environment is not the same, someone who is more vulnerable physically may catch some other type of germs to which him or her could react badly in reason of an existing sensibility. One thing for sure if you go to Havana and anyplace else in Cuba: don't drink any water. Asked for drink with no ice. Eat moderately. Water can be easily replace by Crystal beer or any delicious alcohol at any time of the day while being at the resort. And bring a thermo cup, coffee cup or something similar to keep your drink free of any sand.

I stayed at Mercure Playa de Oro located in Varadero Cuba for one week. The hotel was nice. Our room was actually nicer than the one and a half apartment I have in Montreal. I was in the room 1237. No hotel room was a direct view to the sea, even if the sea is about 5 minutes walk from the hotel. When we enter in the room the first day, a strong humidity smell came out from the room. We quickly open the patio door. After what, I check the bathroom - everything was fine. Toilet and shower in very good conditions, like new. We had a safe in the room, which was descent. The door of the room closed perfectly. We had to leave a towel on the ground while taking out shower because water was going on the bathroom floor, no matter what. There was a lot of humidity. Nothing would dry. We left the patio door open during out stay. Also, probably because of the strong humidity, we had some very small insects on the bathroom sink, but on the bathroom sink only. Not very much, but still noticeable despite being very small, maybe 1 mm. So we never left our toothbrush or anything in the bathroom.

Here are some pictures of the room 1237 of Mercure Playa de Oro:

The safe that work with the room card.

We had a nice TV in our room, we had a US and one French Quebec TV channel. But of course, we didn't watch a lot of TV. We were there for the beach! The beach next to the Mercure Playa the Oro was very nice, very clean. And when we hit the beach, usually, there was one hotel employee who asked were we wanted our chairs and brought it where we wanted. A real princess treatment.

The beach was very beautiful and the sea was nice.

However, there must some days had some beach bugs or something because I had some irritation at some points and I got a few bites on my sexy thighs. I no longer suffer from irritations but my skin is quite dry. During our first few days, it was really windy, I couldn't even wear my cute little beach hat. The sea was quite violent too. At the end of our stay, the earth elements finally became more human.

Brian Gallant is stealing the show at Tout le Monde en Parle. Way to go Brian!

New Brunswick economy never been on a golden road, and it seem like now more than ever, my hometown province is suffering from the current financial environment. Its a fun game when you have to leave your province just to be able to have a job and earn some money. At least, a compensation is coming forward for your favorite Dividend Girl as I am soon going to fly to Cuba Varadero for a week of sun, sea and beach.

New Brunwsick Prime Minister Brian Gallant was at Tout le Monde en Parle this evening - a popular French Quebec show. He was there to talk about Energy East project. He had an interesting talked. Oil need to travel in some ways. If its not pipeline, it will be by train. I know my home province is desperately in need of jobs, but I am not ready to accept Energy East project just because it will create jobs in New Brunswick. I cannot believe that we are still today rely so much on oil. No matter what, I am very proud of Brian Gallant, he did a nice job with that interview, New Brunswickers are being nicely represent. His job is so hard. New Brunswick has to deal with a lot of issues. Energy East is an easy solution for New Brunswick lack of economical prospect, but Brian Gallant needs to seek help somewhere else. There's no easy solution.

In the meantime, the TSX is not going through an easy time. I would just like to see a more stable stock market environment. It would make me feel less powerless. My non-registered portfolio is now at $124 348.94. Not too bad, I seen worst days.

I didn't have time to call back TD Direct to find out about JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) dividends that I never earned. Back in December 18, 2015, this was the announcement made for JFS.UN:

"For the Fund listed below (JFS.UN), the Estimated Special Distribution will be paid on or before January 15, 2016, to holders of record on December 31, 2015. The Estimated Special Distribution will be paid by the issuance of units of the Fund, and immediately thereafter, the issued and outstanding capital of the Fund will be consolidated such that the number of issued and outstanding units of the Fund does not change."

???

I understood from this that I was going to earned direct dividend. But it seem like I can only dream. It was too complicated for the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) to please its investors.

Again, JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) playing with my nerves

Sorry to begin this new post this way, but I still didn't received my JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) dividend. Tomorrow, I am going to call again TD Direct and this time, I am going to push over the use of my sweetest, sexiest kitten voice ever and BEG for my dividend. PLEASE SIR. PLEASE!

One thing for sure, I am not going to give up on my JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) dividend.

Another short post.

JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): where are my dividends from the January 15 special distribution???!!!

It was a released to see the TSX going back to almost 13 000 points. My non-registered portfolio almost closed at 125k. It actually closed at $123 656.42. The stock markets are playing with investor nerves. Its not a good financial environment. Its disgusting. And when I read articles like this one, it make me laugh. Life is getting more and more expensive, you can't never save ENOUGH money. It wasn't long ago when I saw cauliflower at $10 each... At that price, you better buy frozen ones. In my hometown in New Brunswick, grocery can get really expensive.

I am very very disappointed, I didn't received yet any dividend distribution for my JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) units. I should had received my dividend on January 15, $0.811 per units. I call TD Waterhouse to find out what was going on. As you know, I book a trip to Cuba and I especially need my money now. 

See, this is the reason why you always need to always check on EVERYTHING. I like to note in my agenda my upcoming distribution date. Because distribution date = fresh new cash to pay for my diet pills, makeup, anti-cellulite cream and so on. :-)

I just hang up the phone with TD Waterhouse - which is no longer TD Waterhouse, but I found that name much more elegant than just a boring TD Direct. The broker create a ticket and I need to call back in 2 business days to find out what's going on. This is the first time that I am not receiving expected payment. So I wonder if its not a problem going from JFS.UN, who suddenly decided to keep the money in their pockets. I had received some JFS.UN special distribution in the past, but not this year. I am upset. And all that for a bit more than $230... What can I say? I want my every pennies. That amount is actually paying a part of my Cuba trip, so sexy keep running for money wherever it can be found.

I will of course keep you update regarding the situation with JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN).

The only condition to received JFS.UN special distribution was to be holder of units since December 31, 2015.

You don't need Weight Watcher to lose wait, common sense is the key

My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $119 098.23 - which is way better than what I had been on lately. These days, I spend a lot of time at the gym and a lot less in from of my laptop. Its been announced that Weight Watchers stocks jumped after Oprah announced losing 26 pounds on the program. To lose weight, eat less, and go to the gym every single evening of the week. No need to enroll in an expensive problem like Jenny Craig or Weight Watcher. Keep your money for investment purposes, no Weight Watcher super junk weight loss program.

This post was short.

All in a bad day for the stock market

While the TSX kept losing points like crazy, I was at work, and following that, I hit the gym. As I was upset because the TSX went all down, I burned down 700 calories and went back home. At a point, I taught that the TSX was going to hit the 10 000 points, it was going all the way down, what a misery. The weather is quite cold in Montreal these days so I am quite happy to be able to move my booty at the gym rather than outside. Imagine, I train at the gym 2 hours everyday.

This being said, my non-registered closed this bad day at $114 245.91. I did not received yet any special dividend distribution from the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN), I am still waiting.