How to do everything like a Dividend Girl

While the TSX ongoing rough time, it's tough as hell, but personally, I am now better at handling such a downturn. Not that I don't think about it, but I am taking it much better now than I did 11 years ago. When I started investing in stock, really shortly after, I went through the 2008 stock market crash, and it wasn't funny. I went through some quite traumatic time, but it always appears really clear to me that if I wanted more than just a 1.5% on my money, I had to do something. It had worked out pretty well overall.

While facing some hard downturn like the one we had in May, I try to concentrate on stuff that is outside the stock market. The key is to keep yourself busy so the heaviness of dealing with a down stock market, with a down net worth, is not touching your delicate shoulders. Like everything is going down around you, but you have to save your spirit no matter what. Personally, I try to concentrate on a bunch of things and that involved the smallest little thing like drinking water (I do not naturally drink water), cleaning my little shit place, doing my laundry, shopping for my grocery, shopping for a new purse (it's more difficult than it sound) and cooking my lunch. 

This evening, I got a pretty good result with a new recipe I tried from Josée di Stasio, a Mediterranean-style turkey loaf. One slice of this with a little salad or soup, and I am good to go for a day at work. I like to eat something light around noon, like soup or salad, and I usually eat again around 4 pm, so I will eat a slice of turkey loaf. I just ate a slice and really fulfilling, which I really need because my appetite is as huge as my hunger for stocks. I also plan to try this easy from Josée di Stasio, roasted mushrooms later on this week.

As for the purse, I got one purse at La Baie, it's this one Calvin Klein Nylon Messenger Bag in navy. Not that I am a fan of Calvin Klein, but it was the only purse that I was able to find at La Baie downtown Montreal, and I was desperate to get a new purse. I like it, it has a perfect size and its nice large shoulder strap make it nice to hold. However, because it's made in nylon, this is only a spring and summer purse. I wasn't especially shopping for an autumn and winter purse today while walking on St-Denis, but I find one and decided to buy it.

I got this S-Q crossbody in black. That purse also looks nice in red. Mine was at $64 at the store, after taxes, $73.58. Not bad for a super nice purse. It's no leather obviously, but the fake leather is quite soft and it looks nice. And best of all, S-Q is a Canadian business based in Ontario, so go buy all those purses! They have many great other purses, like this one and this one. Overall, all of their purses look nice and practical.

Basically, while facing a downturn, you need: to drink water, go to the gym, clean your stuff, cook your meal for lunch, buy something new, and remain strong.

Rough days for the stock market, but not so much for hot Lightspeed POS Inc. (LSPD)

This past week end on quite a negative note. At some point this Friday, the TSX went under the 16 000 points!!! - it wasn't fun to watch. At least, the TSX closed in 16 000 points this past Friday. I am experiencing some light damages. My non-registered portfolio closed at $121,137.23, my TFSA portfolio at $70,989.45, and my RRSP portfolio, stocks only, at $44,639.37. All this is because of Donald Trump and his bad behavior. I don't understand why he is going on a trade war with Mexico. We now have a trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada. What doesn't please Donald Trump remain a mystery for me. He's a very hard, difficult man, and one day, it will play against him, that's for sure. 

With all that misery, my margin is at $48,157.60 - which is good, since below the mark of 50k. And the best but not the least, I now have $1,572.98 in my bank account! For June, I won't have the minimum fee of $3.45 to pay. On a year, that makes $41.40. And like I said before, it's a bit ridiculous not to have money in the bank while having a net worth in the $200,000. Actually, for one of the account, I have a balance of $49, and in the second one, $1,523.98. Years ago, I used to live in the Ottawa area, and I had a bank account there, which I kept open. I just received a $50 return, on which they took a $1 fee. I won't say no to a free $49! The second account I have is my regular New Brunswick account that I had now for several decades. They made us open a bank account at school when I was maybe 10 years old and we put something like 1 or $2 in it each week... It was cute attention. I guess they were trying to motivate us to have some money of our own, but I didn't get any of that back then. It's only now, at almost 39, that I am willing to leave some money in there. It's also a matter of financial security. I wouldn't like having to sell any of my precious baby stocks simply because I am in need of money. It wouldn't hurt at all to have at least $5 000 in cash. It what I am working on right now. I still use the same banking account in the date of today as a lucky charm. I keep writing "bank account", but it's not a bank, it's a financial cooperative. Actually, I think I should use the term "saving account". I am not used to this, I haven't keep any money in my saving account in ages. I am a really bad girl.

In my last post, I express my need to sell the Bank of Montreal (BMO) stocks that I hold inside my TFSA portfolio. Unfortunately, since the TSX was down this past Friday, I wasn't able to proceed with the sell. Currently, by BMO stocks are -2.96% down. I will wait for BMO to recover before selling it. I am not exactly in a rush.

While the TSX was sliding down, Lightspeed POS Inc. (LSPD) stocks were gaining a fantastic 13.82%! Too bad, I missed the boat on that one. I had performed a quick buy-and-sell move on LSPD a little way back. And ever since, I am not letting go, I always check on LSPD from time to time. And it definitely worth the watching. Let see how LSPD will do at the opening tomorrow morning. LSPD stock goes up and down, probably under the impulsion of people like me who had been trading the title on some quick hot buy-an-sell sexy moves. At the end of the day, the dirty game is all about money. And it's all about having more and more and more money! :-)

The Quebec stocks that you shouldn't hold inside your beautiful investment portfolio

Lately, a couple of Quebec stocks had increased their dividend, despite not having spectacular financial results, and without meeting their analyst expectations. Those companies are: 

Power Corporation of Canada Subordinate Voting Shares (POW)

Bank of Montreal (BMO)

Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB)

National Bank of Canada (NA)

We all want to earn more money, that's natural. Even me, after reaching $50 000 - which was all I really wanted when I started my blog, I just wanted more. And it's what it makes me reach my current network of $200 000+. Nothing wrong at wanted more, but you need to be careful about what you wish for, especially when it comes to dividend distribution. Those companies, POW, BMO, LB, NA had all failed in the same nasty track, for a reason or another, their management decides to increase dividend distribution despite the fact that expectations were not reached. Is that really surprising knowing that those companies are all Quebec ones??? For me, truly no. I had been a victim of really bad people while having to live in Montreal to make a living and nothing surprise me anymore. They have absolutely everything for themselves, but are extremely bad managers and have poor common sense, generally speaking.

While investing is stocks, it's ok not to understand it all, it's still my case despite the fact that I had been investing in stocks for over 10 years now. And I really don't care about many many things involving the stock market. Like I don't give a shit. But I have a precious gift that is tempted to be neglect in the years 2000: a good old fashioned common sense. And for me, if a company increased it's dividend distribution while having so-so financial results, my common sense tells me to stay the hell out of those stocks. Now, yes, I hold to some BMO stocks in my portfolio - I had those since a little now in my portfolio. However, I am seriously thinking to sell that one. The money I will get could pay down a bit my margin account. That wouldn't be a bad idea at all. 

I actually have a little bit going on as you can see. It's not because I don't plan to invest in stock for the next couple weeks that I don't have a fantastic investment live. I finally had the $1 500 I need in my banking account in cash. So starting next month, I won't have any banking fees to pay. It's ridiculous, to have a $200k+ net worth, and not to have a cent in a banking account! But I never bullshit anyone and I explained many times that when it comes to stock investing, I am an addict. And if that means not to have any money in the bank, well, it will mean that. :-)

But not anymore! (hope I can control myself and make this last).

Being a dividend oriented investor can be quite dangerous. Because while earning dividend, the only thing you want is TO EARN MORE, MORE AND MORE. Right now, Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB) dividend distribution comes with a high yield of 6.164%. At first, that may sound appealing, but it's quite an irresponsible yield. LB bank actually had a bunch of problems, especially with mortgage, they had giving some mortgages to some people that shouldn't have etc... I mean, how is possible to make such mistake???!!! And on top of that, LB overall chart is not strong. So it's a big no-no. Don't get fool by the appeal of a super high yield.

No one knows where the stock market is going to be next. Maybe we'll be facing a recession, some slowdown. And because of the stock market natural volatility, it's extremely important to be totally obsessed with the quality of the stock you invest in. Always, all the time. Earning dividend is a nice thing, but just earning more dividend for just earning more shouldn't be your top priority.

Mysterious Mainstreet Equity Corp. (MEQ)

Again today, the TSX didn't exactly perform today,  but that doesn't matter, because I got another good news today! Bank of Montreal (BMO) had increased its dividend distribution. I am not getting a huge amount out of this. I actually have only enough to buy a coffee, but free money is free money. My non-registered and TFSA dividend income is now at $7 315.69. If I include the dividend earn inside my RRSP, I am now at $8 669.89. 

I am not in a rush to place my new investment, I actually feel good, for once, to have some money in my bank account. But with me, we never know. I sometimes change my mind on things. I continue to look at Mainstreet Equity Corp. (MEQ), but I notice something strange. On May 28, MEQ had no activity what so ever on the TSX!!! Check it for yourself:

And between May 25 and May 26 - no trade at all! The reason why I keep checking on Mainstreet Equity Corp. (MEQ) is because of it's a very beautiful overall chart. That's the type of stock I am looking for. It's risky to invest in stocks, but it might be even riskier to invest in a stock that doesn't register any activity at all for one to two days in a row. I really don't know. And on top of this little problem, MEQ doesn't pay any dividend. And that little tiny annual distribution of mine of $8 669.89 need to beef up. At this time, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Class A Limited Voting Shares (BAM.A) seem to be a better stock pick. 

But no real stock pick, for now, I am not in a rush to place my next investment. If I can leave some money in my bank account for once, I will be really really proud of myself. Let see if I can keep in the control.

Be ready to get rich on a old time favorite of mine: New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI)

Only three other days before the end of May, I can't wait. I have a feeling that June is going to be much much better. While waiting, the good news continues to kick in. Today, one of my long-time holder, New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) had announced a massive acquisition in the UK, Alexander Dennis Limited. I tried to find Alexander Dennis Limited on Stockopedia, but it's looking like this company is not trading on the stock market. Alexander Dennis Limited appears to be a perfect match. This company basically do what NFI do here in Canada: they construct buses. And just like NFI, Alexander had been around for real long time. It appears like a perfect match and let's hope I can make $$$ out of the deal. I don't plan to sell any of the NFI shares I hold now. I had, in the past, partly sold my investment in NFI. 

I look kind of dumb now, but back at the time, the company was having a rough time so when the opportunity presents itself to sell at profit, pretty did what she needs to do. I decided to partly sell. Me and NFI, it's been love since the start. It's actually looking like New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) had been in my non-registered portfolio since... 2011!!! Time is flying by. NFI hasn't always been easy to hold. Several years ago, they went through a major restructuration, but it actually worked quite well and that's who today you have my beloved New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) kicking off some ass in the UK. Like WOW. Big bucks are coming in, I can feel it. It's already happening, NFI gains 3.52% today on the TSX. Let's go NFI. I knew from the start that you were going to be HUGE one day. Mommy is proud of you. I would have never suspected for NFI to be such an ambitious company. Let's show those Brits what Canada is all about.

On the other hand, today wasn't exactly an over exciting day for the TSX. And my money had suffered from it. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $123 859.12, my TFSA portfolio at $72 122.46. The market is not exactly playing my favor right now, but who cares, now that June is just a few days away. I am just feeling my luck right now.

Other than that, the good news of the day, I was asked today if I was a student at the grocery store (to get the student discount). YESsss. I am just wondering if this is going to continue to last for really long or what. I will be turning 39 (!!!) in August, be ready. I am getting old for this blogging stuff but it's how it is.

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) increased it's dividend distribution

Only four days left before the end of May - which haven't been an easy one, like not at all and I can't wait for its end. And it seems like the TSX is reacting the same way. Today, for once, we got a break from the US stock market. We could be from our own self. The TSX gains more than 100 points today, go go go, leaving my non-registered portfolio at $123 937.73, my TFSA portfolio at $72 415.64‬ and my RRSP portfolio - stocks only - at $45 041.48‬. Not too bad! While checking up on my babies tonight, it was just like if I had noticed it for the first time in a long long time! Let me explain.

While fully loading of many many stocks like I do, and that you had been investing in stocks for more than 10 years in a row now, at a point, some stocks of mine had become part of my natural environment. Like I am EMA. And EMA being me, I know that EMA is a good stock, I check on it from time to time. I am used to see that one in the $40 value +. But currently, time might have passed by, my precious EMA stocks are now trading over $50! Fact is, Emera Incorporated (EMA) had been in my portfolio since.... 2010, for what I had been able to find. I am used to having EMA in my portfolio, so sometimes, I barely see it. But tonight, EMA got all of my attention. EMA currently within its top value - the highest value for the past 52 weeks had been in the... $52! Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidence.

Just to add up to other good news, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) had increased its quarterly dividend distribution from $0.43 to $0.45. Nothing to turn crazy, but free cash is free cash. After this, what can happen next? Tell me. But I am not done yet. It's unfortunate, but I hold to some loser stocks in my portfolio. Among them, we find Hydro One Limited (H). However, right now, I am really closed to register a gain on H. It was about time. I name "troublemaker stocks" stocks that I have problems to rely on to register a gain. Not too long ago, Jamieson Wellness Inc. (JWEL) happens to be on that mental list for a little while. But now, JWEL is back in the game and I am now experiencing a gain. While holding on to as many stocks as I do, it's always a good idea to always check on your troublemaker stocks, just in case the little troublemaker get in some deep shit.

 

For me, that's it, I am fully load and I have absolutely have all the stocks I need to hit on the $300 000 without too much pain. This is what it is to be a retail investors in a dark bear market, every step of the way is a real pain but at the end, check out for the magic bucks. For me, real richness begins with a $300 000 net worth. That's when it will get really exciting. For now, it's just an exercise. Let see if I can make it or not.

Boring month of May for the TSX

The weather was quite nice today in Montreal. For the first time of the year, I had worn my sandals! It's a good feeling to get rid of socks. Other than that it looks to me like I have a few new white hairs popping in, but nothing too revealing still. I am lucky enough to have a light brown hair color, so the white hair is not really noticeable - but trust me, I am noticing them! I had a nice hair cut just before Easter last month, but now, the hair had grown and I can even attach them, which I couldn't do last month. My hair grows too quickly.

I am not getting much from the TSX, but a few good things actually happen for a couple of my belove stocks, so the situation like always is not totally desperate. I don't blog that much when the TSX is not playing in my favor because I am tempted to stay away from blogging and out of the market zone when everything is not all shiny and bright. I take a quick look at everything and the market, and it's about it. But like always, I usually have several looks at the TSX all during business days. When the TSX is leaving me down, I do exactly the same thing. May is well-known for not being a super great month for investors - I barely ever remember that because I am mostly stuck on the good stuff. Like for example, I remember that June is usually a good month for me. I have a thing for trading on Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which is a holiday for Quebec province. And usually, I make super great investment moves in June. In the end, I always come back trading sooner or later. I always like to buy something new for my stock collection.

Luckily, my numbers are still great - for now. My non-registered portfolio closed this past Friday session at $122,960.51, my TFSA portfolio at $71,888.72, and my RRSP portfolio at $44,703.44‬. As for the great things that I had noticed, let's begin with CAE Inc. (CAE). CAE registered great gains following the release of it's 2018 and first quarter results. Cargojet Inc. (CJT) can be quite volatile. It's not for nothing that Stockopedia had defined this stock as being a "high flyer" on Stockopedia, and it's truly what CJT is. Since I add this one in my TFSA portfolio, I had gone through some heavy ups and downs with CJT. But now at least, Cargojet Inc.  (CJT) had registered some nice grow. Bank stocks had registered great earnings: CM, RY, TD - those are the best bank stocks.

I had posted a monthly expense for May - I will try not to spend any more money for the month of May. If I do so, I will be able to save in the $1 200, which is not bad at all knowing that I made several big expenses this month, on clothes, a new purse, and some earrings. June is going to be a quiet month as I will try not to spend on clothes or anything else. And I will try to stand my hair and let them grow, but that's going to be hard. I like my Marilyn Monroe style short hair cut.

Otherwise, this weekend, I purchased a new purse, and just to let you know, I don't have any new investment ideas for now. The stock market is not super wow and I can't wait for June to come in a hurry. Please.

The month of May 2019: budget in review

Fix expenses:
Rent: $680
Gym Membership: $14.38
Banking fees: $3.45
Insurance: $7
Cell: $40.24
Internet: $82.93
Total: $828

Food:
Grocery: $434.43
Eating out: $192.65
Coffees: $60.93
Wine: $18.50
Total: $706.51

Personal care:
Shampoo: $4.59
Makeup: $43.62
Beauty cream: $15.51
Total: $63.72 

Clothes: 
Earings: $113.83
Jeans and tops: $253.94
Pants: $44.84
Purse: $127.62 

Total: $540.28

Others:
Event: $10
Laundry tickets: $30
Laundry soap: $9.18
Newspaper: $2.99
Book: $17.21
Cleaning products: $7.48
Plastic container: $2.30

Lotery ticket: $9.20
Total: $88.36

Transportation:
Taxi: $10
Ticket metro: $3.25
Total: $13.25

Interest on margin: $218.58

Total expenses: $2,458.70

Income: 
Paychecks: $2 899.90
Dividend earns in the non-registered portfolio: ‬$326.41
Dividend earns in US portfolio: ‬$15.68 US: $20.82 CAN
Dividend earns in TFSA portfolio: ‬$162.78
Dividend earns in RRSP portfolio: ‬$204.38
Sell of an item on Kijiji: $20
Total income: $3,634.29

Money save: $1,175.59

My debt situation on date of May 17, 2019

Margin account: $49 603.45 @ 5.50%
Annual interest: $2 728.19

My investment portfolio on date of May 17, 2019

Cold cash: $213.70

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $11 130.60

Methanex Corporation (MX): $6 543.59
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $6 206.20
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $31 002.6‬0
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 520.08
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 907.52
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $3 507.9‬0
TMX Group Inc. (X): $733.36
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $3 900
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 636.75
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $11 362.5‬0
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $16 449.96‬
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 288.5‬0
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 332.1‬0
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 834.80
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 870.70
Loblaw Companies (L): $837.84
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $6 955.68‬
ATCO Ltd. (ACO.Y): $2 730
Jamieson Wellness Inc. (JWEL): $1 982‬
WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $3 679.50
Aecon Group Inc. (ARE): $1 872
Aphria Inc. (APH): $1 842
George Weston Limited (WN): $102.61

TOTAL: $124 228.79

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B): $1 625.28
General Mills Inc. (GIS): $1 676.48‬
Cash: $26.66

TOTAL: $3 328.42 US: $4 479.05 CAN

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $14.35
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $919.1‬0
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 419
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $5 050
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $36
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $3 772.77
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1 287.60
Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A): $2 230.4‬0
Hydro One Limited (H): $2 369.10
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 487
Boyd Group Income Fund (BYD.UN): $5 048.40
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAR.UN): $3 430.7‬0
Data Communications Mgmt (DCM): $7.44
Morneau Shepell Inc. (MSI): $2 565
Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $4 200.8‬0
Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $1 659‬
Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $2 400.80
BCE Inc. (BCE): $544.95

Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (NVU.UN): $4 072.50
Sienna Senior Living Inc. (SIA): $1 512
Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $730.40
Richelieu Hardware Ltd. (RCH): $957.72‬
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $943.60
Northland Power Inc. (NPI): $2 530
Calian Group Ltd. (CGY): $2 460.50
BMO Bank of Montreal (BMO): $2 066‬
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 550.64
WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $1 839.75‬
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN): $621.80
Cargojet Inc. (CJT): $2 373.07‬
Nutrien Ltd. (NTR):$3 324‬

TFI International Inc. (TFII): $3 533.60 
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM): $3 315.6‬0

SIR Royalty Income Fund (SRV.UN): $1 320

Cash: $461.22

TOTAL: $72 054.81‬

RSP investment portfolio: 
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $14 534.28
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $966.60
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $2 230.50
Telus Corp (T): $2 464.5‬0
Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $2 100.40
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $2 722.96‬
Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI): $3 141.36
Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $5 530
Richards Packaging Income Fund (RPI.UN): $1 290.96‬
Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $420.14‬
CAE Inc. (CAE): $2 565.50
CGI Group Inc. Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (GIB.A): $3 409.7‬0
Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $913
Quebecor Inc. (QBR.B): $800
Logistec Corporation Class B Subordinate Voting Shares (LGT.B): $284.9‬0
Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $815.48‬
Cash: $321.33‬

Total: $44 511.61‬        

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund + CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund + CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $2 906.26

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

GIC National Bank: $1 342.86              

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 197.58
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 391.85
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 224.28
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 661.03
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 243.76
Total: $6 718.50

Other various: $13 212.94‬

TOTAL: $69 771.92‬

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

On date of May 17, 2019
$270 783.27