Everything you need to know about owning a margin account - Part 2

As expected, it was quite hot in Montreal today, but it's tolerable. In times like these, I am missing working from my usual workplace. We all knew that terrible things were happening in Quebec province when it comes to health care who are giving to seniors in a specialized establishment, but it seems that the province of Ontario is suffering from the same lack of medical care, and not only medical, but also, simply basic care, and it's a real shame. Quebec and Ontario are among Canada's richest province, but it comparison, New Brunswick is in a much better position because we are simply the best, almost perfectly bilingual - and best investors of course, you cannot say otherwise because you are reading this right now - and we are caring. This being said, no place is perfect - even my beloved New Brunswick.

Today, the TSX was the place to be. The TSX closed today session at a good 15,148.12 points. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $104,970.77, my TFSA portfolio at $81,396.56 and my RRSP portfolio at $43,967.58. My margin debt is at 45,526.03, and I have left $17,900.34 available in margin money. Earlier this month, I wrote a post about my margin account, but I have a bit more to say on the topic, so you can really understand what it is to have a margin account.

Currently, I have over $18 000 available in contribution room for my TFSA. One reason why I didn't maximize my TFSA usage yet is that specifically of my margin account. Personally, I like to do contribution in kind for my TFSA portfolio. It's a simple way to contribute to my TFSA when I don't have savings available. A contribution in kind is when you take an existing stock investment that you hold inside your non-registered portfolio, and get it transfer to your TFSA portfolio. This is something that appears quite simple to do, but nothing is simple when you have a margin account link to the exact non-registered portfolio.

Currently, I have left $17,900.34 on my margin - which secures it from the volatility of the market. Personally, to feel safe, I like to have at least a $15 000 left available on my margin. That way, if the value of my non-registered portfolio suddenly decreased, it will help me to keep my head out of the water. But that being said, if the value of my non-registered portfolio goes lower, the amount left that is at my disposal on my margin will go lower too. So it's always a struggle. While having a margin debt, you'll never remain out of the market, you'll always remain link to it, no matter that you like it or not. A margin debt really does take away your freedom. That's something really important to know. However, don't feel sorry for me, I wanted this, and it's had been my reality for a couple of years now. It's just that I really want to explain things the way they are because I feel that your broker probably won't explain things as clearly if you decided to sign up for a margin account. Your broker just wants to maximize the amount of money they can do on your back. Other than that, they won't give damn. Don't count on anyone when it comes to your personal finance.

The following will explain to you why I still have a $18 000 left in contribution room when it comes to my TFSA portfolio. I have spotted a few stocks that I hold inside my non-registered portfolio that I would like to take in consideration for a contribution in kind for my TFSA portfolio:

BCE Inc. (BCE): $1,261.04 (value on date of April 29, 2020). Margin value: $873

Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B): $1,779.90 (value on date of April 29, 2020).  

Margin value: $1 195

Telus Corp (T): $2,082.60 (value on date of April 29, 2020). Margin value: $1 437

Power Corporation of Canada Subordinate Voting Shares (POW): $2,053.80 (value on date of April 29, 2020). Margin value: $1 316

 

Like you know, I have exactly $17,900.34 left available on my margin account. If, I decided to take all the shares that I own of BCE Inc. (BCE) inside my non-registered portfolio in order to proceed with a contribution in kind for my TFSA portfolio, that move will take away exactly $873 from that $17,900.34, which will leave me with a $17,027.34 as available money on my margin account.

While proceeding with a contribution in kind, it's always better, to stay on the safe side, to put the equivalent of the margin value of the stock you decided to use for the contribution in kind in cash, inside your non-registered portfolio. For example, if I would take my BCE Inc. (BCE) shares that are from my non-registered portfolio in order to proceed with a contribution in kind for my TFSA portfolio, I would have to inject exactly $873 inside my non-registered portfolio.

And this close for today your lesson for the margin account.

Another secret super hot stock that I barely write about: Emera Incorporated (EMA)

It's been a good day for the TSX, who closed today's session in the 15 077.46 points. In this pandemic, anything exceeding the 15 000 points is just really surprising. Currently, I am closed to the portfolio value that I had back at the end of April, so I can say that my net worth is still somewhere in the $210 000, which is still quite good. Today, my non-registered portfolio closed the session at $103,213.49, my TFSA portfolio at $80,641.80 and my RRSP portfolio at $43,079.38. My margin debt is at $45,541.34, and I have left at my disposal $17,514.44 as margin party money. Overall my numbers are looking good, I am satisfied. So far so good, but remember that the markets remain volatile for now and anything and everything can quickly happen.

I am looking forward to pay down that margin debt. For now, I don't have any new investments in mind, I have nothing much going on in that sector. I am not in a mood to invest in stocks. I feel there's somewhat a morosity in the air that is BORING. Currently, my view is that I had invested enough and the best thing I can do right now is to pay off some debt/and build up some savings. This pandemic situation is making everything easier for me, but in terms of expenses only. I don't buy makeup or nail polish anymore. I don't buy clothes, I don't go to the hairdresser... Stylists are about to open soon here in Montreal. I have to say, a good hair cut won't do any warm to this girl! I actually admire people who have the courage to cut their own hair. I don't touch mine because I know for sure it would turn into a complete disaster. But one thing for sure I don't want to spend much money at all in summer clothes. Actually, I don't want to spend much at all. I would really like to decrease the usage of my margin to 40k. We'll see if it actually happens or not. Personally, this pandemic is helping me because I had been able to cut my spending.

The past week had been amazing here in Montreal, it's why I haven't been posting anything. But starting tomorrow, the really heavy hot temperatures are coming out so I am getting ready. It's going to be a little nightmare on its own because malls are not open, it's impossible to sit down at a coffee shop, or a restaurant. This is not going to fun at all. Earlier today, I found that the weather was a bit cold outside, the air was fresh. I am having a problem realizing that it's actually going to be super hot for at least the next two-three days starting tomorrow so wish me luck.

I am not in the mood to invest, but I am always in the mood to share my best investments! An investment portfolio can always be bigger and better, but at a point, at least for now, I am satisfied with what I have and I am not looking for more. It's almost like I am not the same person anymore. I hold on to many many stocks in my portfolio, but they're a few of them that are my favorites. One of my little favorites is Fortis Inc. (FTS), but I already exposed that stock before. Another stock, precious like a rose, that, just like Fortis Inc. (FTS), I barely ever write anything about is: Emera Incorporated (EMA). EMA is another super great stock that you can perfectly rely on. 

You are truly welcome. ;-)

Everything you need to know about owning a margin account

Investing is hard enough, investing in a margin account is something I do, but it's not something that is recommended or that I recommend. Derek Foster doesn't recommend investing on borrowed money either, he also said so during his speech at his latest MoneyShow conference. I don't recommend you have a margin account link to your non-register broker account, and you'll understand why with what comes next. I often write about my margin account, so you already know the drill.

Personally, I don't mind having a margin account, it actually gave me the leverage I needed back in the time, which is several years ago, and I don't think that I would now have a net worth in the $200 000 without it. But that being said, I wouldn't recommend opening a margin account now, with this current really bad economic environment, and I wouldn't recommend either way to invest using borrowed money, even if it's what I still do from time to time.

Holding on to a margin account comes with high risks. Personally, I follow the stock market every business day. A margin account contains two important numbers: the first number is a minus number that contains all the money you had borrowed using your margin. That number is static and will only move whenever you borrow money from your margin account. That static number that represents your debt is not exactly static because unfortunately, that debt will increase on a monthly basis upon reception of the interest earned on the borrowed money.

The amount that you have at your disposal to borrow is base on the value of your portfolio. While borrowing money from your margin account to invest or to do whatever else with the money, it's of a wise advise to recommend not to use all of the money that is at your disposal. Actually, it's better to simply borrow as little as possible and the real best is not to invest at all using a margin account. The best is really not to have a margin account at all. The reason behind this is simple: the amount you have at your disposal to borrow on a margin account is directly linked to the value of the different stocks that you hold in your non-registered portfolio, and that value vary every single business day when the stock market is open. You can only have a margin account with non-registered portfolio, which can be in US and Canadian dollars. I actually have a margin account in my US non-registered portfolio, but I never use it, and I plan to never ever use it.  A Canadian margin account is risky enough, imagine now in US dollars! Because US dollars worth more than Canadian ones, it would be an extra risk to take. I already have enough on my plate in terms of risks.

The second number that is really important while dealing with a margin account, after the minus number that contains the amount of money that is borrowed, is the amount (and that one is positive +) of money that you have left at your disposal to invest. For example, in my current situation, my margin debt is of -46 000$, and the amount of money left at my disposal to invest using my margin is around $15 000. That positive amount is what is being left, what remains at your disposal varies on each and every single trading day, depending on the value of your portfolio.

And the value of my portfolio is directly link to each and single stocks that I hold in my non-registered portfolio. Each stock has it's own margin value, which can represent, for the best stocks, 70% of the stock value. Let say that I have a $1 000 invested in X stock which has a margin value of 70%, that specific stock brings on a $700 in buying power - which represents the margin account on itself. Of course, and we know that for sure, a $1 000 that is invested in a stock won't remain at a $1 000 value. That value could go up or down, depending on the stock market situation, and depending on the situation for the stock itself. All of those ups and downs are being defined as a splendid word: volatility. 

Another great thing to know is that the margin value that each stock owns is being determined by the broker, and is subject to be change. Usually, good quality stocks equal a good margin value, which is generally in the 70%, but that value is subject to be changed from time to time by the broker. The broker published updates from time to time, when margin value change for stocks.

For all of those reasons, you shouldn't do like me, you shouldn't borrow money on a margin account to invest, to be used as a banking account or to pay down other debts. And yes, I did all of the above.

Best Dividend Girl's tax return tips and hips

You cannot see my hips, but you can certainly have all my little tips LOL. Ready? Let's go!

I took care of my tax return a little way back and it's recently got completed and sent. For the first time in years, instead of having to pay more tax, I actually got a little return, less than $200, but still, I was happy. For 2019, I make closed to $60 000, which is less than for 2018. However, in 2019, I didn't trade much, which help to reduce my income. Back in 2018, I had a capital gain of over $10 000, and in 2018, it was less than $300. Also, in 2019, I took care of some problems with my teeth, which I will have to continue with later on this year or in 2021 when this pandemic will be over with. I don't know that much tax income tips, but for those that I know, if you hold stocks outside a registered account, you'll have to pay taxes on those. Your broker will provide all the taxes form you'll need. If you hold dividend stocks or have trade stocks inside a TFSA or RRSP account, the good news is, you don't need to declare anything, as they are tax-free safe heaven.

If like me you have a margin account debt link to your non-registered broker account, please note that you can declare the TOTALITY of the interest earned on that margin as financial fees. For this, you'll get the amount of the total of interest on your broker statement on the month of December 2019. You can declare that amount in the box 22100 of the federal tax declaration and if you live in Quebec, the Revenu Quebec boxes concern is the 231. So the interest earned on your margin account for 2019 needs to appear on boxes 22100 (federal), and 231 (for Quebec resident). 

Once you get your tax return done - if you get it file by an income reporting service, make sure you review it before they send it. Last year, I discovered a bunch of mistakes in my declaration, it wasn't even funny. This year, I found one mistake - my financial fees were not declared, but I got it to fix. Here in Montreal, professional services are extremely poor quality, and that being in evert fields, you got to verify absolutely everything, double-check EVERYTHING. There's a reason why Quebec province is the most affected by the coronavirus: it's because it's the province that is less well organized. Here, people are hypocrites and offer the worst services and health care system ever. On top of everything, Quebeckers don't give a damn about their seniors and have neglected them for years. Countries like Germany, South Korea have good sharp leadership with a willingness to fight correctly this pandemic.

Also, when you are getting all your papers ready to have them send over to an income reporting service, make sure you cover all stocks' name that you still own, all of your account broker numbers., and all, all information related to your broker, like the name, address etc. Your accounting doesn't need to know about the stock that you own, your account numbers, and the name of your broker. This year, I use a free trial of Adobe Reader to do so. What I did is that I used my original PDF copies, cover in black - I don't exactly how the name of this feature on Adobe but you should be able to find it quite easily. After, I converted the PDF in Word, and got it back converted in PDF format. This is an important process because if you only cover in black the account numbers, stock names and broker name info alone - the person who's getting that copy could easily remove those black spots. If, once you are done, you convert your PDF that contains black spots in Word, and reconvert it in PDF - that way - and that way only, you are sure that no one will be able to see the info that are under those precious black spots. Protecting your personal information is certainly the best financial tip that I can provide you.

If you contribute to an RRSP through your work, make sure you declare it, no matter how little the amount is, this will really help you to reduce the amount of taxes you may have to pay at the end of the year.

You can also declare any dental care that hasn't been covered by your insurance - make sure you declare!

This is all for my tax return tips for now.

Derek Foster stealing the show... at the MoneyShow

Today, Derek Foster was one of the speakers for the MoneyShow, which had for topic: "Canadian COVID-19 Market Update: Opportunities and Strategies for What Comes Next". Derek Foster presentation was: What Can You Do When the Stock Market Is Crashing? Derek really stole the show today! It was an interesting speech. It will be available on the MoneyShow's web site soon. Over the years, Derek Foster books really help me to establish my portfolio. It's actually how I started investing in stocks. I was going nowhere with my mutual funds and at the time, I just felt that there was a way to do things better. Investing in stock was my only option. If I wouldn't have invested in stocks, my net worth would currently be much lower. At first, I wasn't too sure on how to take Derek Foster books Stop Working, but I went in and it was all good after that. It was the little push that I needed to start investing in stocks. I planned to read his books back again, including Stop Working, which I didn't read in quite some time.

The current pandemic is helping me in many ways. I am spending a lot less, and I spend less in eating out, which should now be named eating in. For I don't know how long now, I usually get a hair cut every 2 months-3 months or so because I wear my hair quite short. But my problem is that my hair grows quickly. I have a lot of hair, and they are curly, which can get super missy. I think I had my last hair cut back in February, but it's not too bad, so I decided to let my hair grow. I also have some highlights done in my hair every 4-5 months, but I decided not to have highlights anymore, I am done.

I had been working from home since the beginning of the pandemic. And sincerely, I now prefer to work from home. To be at ease, I am only missing a printer, but I can work without one. It's just that sometimes, I would like to read on paper important instructions in hand, instead of having everything on one working screen. Working from home is better for me because that way I am tempted to buy any coffees, and I don't eat out. It's too easy to spend money while being in a workplace, at least for me.

I feel that I am getting back to the "old" me, when I was making little money, but I was saving money like crazy. I had months where I was spending less than $1 000, including rent. I used to be quite of a marvelous little saver. This pandemic actually put be back on my old ways. It's just that over time, while my net worth was increasing without too much help, I lose it up a little. At this point, I feel I am just kind of on a borderline. A net worth in the $200 000 is in a between being a lot, and not a lot. Now, it's easier for me to save some money, I will probably invest again soon enough. If only the TSX could go back to the 17 000 points, I could make it to the 200k. I am have been in the 200k for too long now, something has to move forward.

Look who's back in the 200k net worth!

I AM. FINALLY.

 

Thanks for today's wonderful gains, the TSX brought me in just where I needed to be. A $211,395.63 net worth is a nice step in the right direction. This is quite surprising, but if you had been investing in stocks for at least the past 10 years, you may have noticed that the stock market is always recovering quite quickly from whatever happens. And it seems to me like the stock market always trades at a higher value than what it should be. The stock market doesn't always react the way it should be. 

Currently, I have a few major problems with those 15,228.11 points. First of all, millions of people in both Canada and US are out of work. And most secondly, the oil price is low, and I guess we are still in a situation regarding oil. Anyhow, I stopped a long time ago just trying to understand the finance world, it's just a complete non-sense. I am just really happy with that $211,395.63 net worth, even if it's just doesn't make sense.

My debt situation on date of April 29, 2020

Margin account: $46 909 @ 4%
Annual interest: $1,876.36

Credit line: $5 000 @ 4.31%
Annual interest: $215.50

Total: $51,909
Total annual interest: $2,091.86
On the date of April 29, 2020

**For a complete update regarding my debt, click on the label "Debt situation" located at the right column of this blog.

My investment portfolio on date of April 29, 2020

Cold cash: $2,490.76

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $10,355.15

Methanex Corporation (MX): $2,407.26

Fortis Inc. (FTS): $7,118.08

Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $25,176.06

iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2,363.75

New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $1,902.66

TMX Group Inc. (X): $974.08

K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $2,701.00

TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1,687.25

Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $10,602.90

Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $15,263.28

Emera Inc. (EMA): $1,434.00

BCE Inc. (BCE): $1,261.04

Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1,429.60

Loblaw Companies (L): $846.60

Savaria Corporation (SIS): $6,167.04

WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $4,643.00

Aphria Inc. (APH): $1,016.00

George Weston Limited (WN): $102.00

Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B): $1,779.90

Telus Corp (T): $2,082.60

Power Corporation of Canada Subordinate Voting Shares (POW): $2,053.80

TOTAL: $103,367.05

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B): $1,512.56

General Mills Inc. (GIS): $1,928.96

Cash: $26.66

TOTAL: $3,468.18 US: $4 909,21 CAN

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):

Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $12.92

CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1,311.00

Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $4,712.40

Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $29.71

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $3,766.07

Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1,977.60

Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A): $1,633.05

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1,206.60

Boyd Group Services Inc. (BYD): $5,841.00

Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAR.UN): $3,279.50

Data Communications Mgmt (DCM): $1.26

Morneau Shepell Inc. (MSI): $3,059.10

Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $5,742.10

Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $1,351.20

Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $2,599.20

BCE Inc. (BCE): $515.88

Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $1,112.00

Richelieu Hardware Ltd. (RCH): $1,221.30

Savaria Corporation (SIS): $817.60

Northland Power Inc. (NPI): $3,046.00

Calian Group Ltd. (CGY): $3,358.86

Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1,472.10

WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $2,321.50

Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN): $2,321.50

Cargojet Inc. (CJT): $4,091.61

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR): $2,562.50

TFI International Inc. (TFII): $3,183.20

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM): $2,562.30

SIR Royalty Income Fund (SRV.UN): $290.28

ATCO Ltd. (ACO.Y): $2,457.00

Aecon Group Inc. (ARE): $1,523.08

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Class A Limited Voting Shares (BAM.A): $2,786.16

Metro Inc. (MRU): $2,208.18
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD.A): $479.16
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $1,946.35
CGI Inc. (GIB.A): $1,763.00
TMX Group Limited (X): $3,044.00

(BIPC): $$408.10

Suncor Energy Inc. (SU): $449.99

Cash: $192.08

TOTAL: $80,988.44

RSP investment portfolio: 

Emera Incorporated (EMA): $16,863.84

Ovintiv Inc. (OVV): $158.55

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1,809.90

Telus Corp (T): $2,337.14

Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $1,766.80

Savaria Corporation (SIS): $2,359.36

Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI): $3,592.08

Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $4,504.00

Richards Packaging Income Fund (RPI.UN): $1,481.70

Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $454.86

CAE Inc. (CAE): $1,666.00

CGI Group Inc. Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (GIB.A): $3,085.25

Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $1,390.00

Quebecor Inc. (QBR.B): $769.00

Logistec Corporation Class B Subordinate Voting Shares (LGT.B): $193.55

Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1,252.48

Leon's Furniture Limited (LNF): $440.98

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $347.10

Cash: $141.07

Total: $44,613.66

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund + CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund + CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $2,737.46

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

Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.45

NBI Income Fund: $ 1 373,81         

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP: $1 619,42

Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 350,62

Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 185,94

Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 168,40

Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 210,21

Total: $6,534.59

Other various: $15,120.07

TOTAL: $71,459.34

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35

Online money: $54.83

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

$263,304.63

On the date of April 29, 2020