Easy money-saving tip to help save close to $20 per month and maybe even more

I hope you had all a good Thanksgiving. This is the first Thanksgiving in a really long time that I had spent not being in New Brunswick. Just to make things worst, the hunting season was just been absolutely amazing this year in New Brunswick. My father killed a massive big moose early in the hunting season - which is unusual. Mooses are not of an easy hunting. In my life, I saw mooses only two times (but keep in mind that I never stay for the whole hunting season in New Brunswick, only a few days each year).

Also, partridges can be easily seen a bit everywhere, as well as deers. I remember years when partridges were really difficult to hunt, as there seem like there wasn't much of them in the woods. Well, those days seem to be over. Basically, 2020 was the year for hunters and I miss it thanks to COVID. Around Thanksgiving, for the past several years, I always been able to take a few vacation days and it's always been the best time ever to be able to go home at that time of the year. Because going hunting is way too much exciting!

The TSX is still on a good shape, closing the day on 16,468.80 points. Anywhere in the 16 000 points is quite a really good place, knowing that we are still in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $102,940.36, my TFSA portfolio at $94,231.08 and my RRSP portfolio stocks only at $50,014.38. 

Today, a stock that I had been holding on for a really long time in my non-registered portfolio, Methanex Corporation (MX), gains 3.91% today. It's been a rocky road for MX, but I am still on a good position on this stock, and that being because MX had been in my portfolio for a really long time.

And now, on how to easily save $30 per month, that's quite easy: go for a cell plan that is lower in data, that way, you'll save certainly close to $20 per month. Now that we are spending more time at home, it doesn't worth it to have a cell phone plan high on data. I did that switch, and now I only have a 1 Go data plan, for $35 unlimited talk & text within Canada. I am with Chatr.

Welcome in my RRSP portfolio Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS)!

Finally!! This took forever to happen, but I finally invested the cash money I had inside my RRSP portfolio into something. And this time, the something has the name of Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS). And just to add to the fun, the TSX closed today session in the 16,534.54 points. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $104,909.16, my TFSA portfolio at $93,766.81, and my RRSP portfolio - stocks only - among with my newest invest Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS) - at $50,250.45. I now just realizing this, but my TFSA portfolio ($93,766.81) is almost at the same value as my non-registered portfolio ($104,909.16). 

In her latest post, Susan Brunner had reviewed a stock that I hold inside my RRSP portfolio: Logistec Corporation Class B Subordinate Voting Shares (LGT.B). Check out her review here. From my perspective, it's a good review. LGT.B never really kick it off inside my RRSP portfolio. I didn't have the pleasure yet to register capital gain on LGT.B. Maybe better times are ahead for LGT.B.

I think I will be able to pay off my credit line by the end of November. Following what, I should be able to place a one last investment for 2020. I was looking into Susan Brunner best stocks list, and I was able to find two interesting stocks that I could eventually invest in: Empire Company Ltd (EMP.A) and Ritchie Bros Auctioneers Inc (RBA). I am not done yet looking into her list so maybe I will find other stocks. Before investing in something new, I really want to pay off my credit line. Interest rates are low right now, but paying down debt is hard, and I want to at least pay off that credit line before doing anything else. Following what, I will only have left my margin debt, which in under 50k right now.

My next investment for my RRSP portfolio will be Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS)

Today, the TSX closed on a fantastic 16,428.30 points. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $102,928.29, my TFSA portfolio at $93,713.16, and my RRSP portfolio stocks only at $50,024.86. I think it's the first time ever that my TFSA portfolio is in the 93k value. Currently, both my TFSA and RRSP portfolios are exceeding this past August value. Only my non-registered portfolio is slow to catch up. Back in August of this year, my non-registered portfolio value was in the $110,000 and currently, that same portfolio is in the $102,000. However, please note that I had one investment - Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B) - that used to be in my non-registered portfolio, and that is now in my TFSA portfolio.

Today, I received in the mail a credit card balance transfer offer from CIBC. The offer is a credit card balance transfer for 10 months at 0% interest rate, but with an initial fee of 2% for the transfer. At a time when I am desperately trying to pay off my credit line debt, that offer makes me laugh. Currently, my credit line balance is at $2 928.25. Soon enough, that balance will be down to $1,739. I cannot wait to have it all paid down. Following what, I may be able to place an investment for the month of December. 

Justin Trudeau made today an interesting announcement that could be profitable for Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS) in the long run. By the end of next year, we shouldn't see any plastic straws, stir sticks, carry-out bags, cutlery, dishes and takeout containers, among with six-pack rings for cans and bottles, in circulation in Canada. It was about time. It's quite sad to see that in 2020, we're not doing much for the environment. We should have banned the use of plastic from our life several decades ago. This Canadian plastic ban could mean more growth for a company like Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS) who's already a leader in the production of packaging made of recycled fibers, like those ones. 

I still have a little sum in cash of +$500 inside my RRSP portfolio that is patiently waiting to be invested. In the circumstance, I think that Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS) is a good choice. CAS overall chart is not perfect, but it's no disastrous and who knows, maybe the future will be better for Cascades Inc. Let say that I really taught about this one. It will bring on some diversification to my portfolio. 

Inside my RRSP portfolio, I am already involved in the packaging sector with a stock that discovered way back on Stockopedia: Richards Packaging Income Fund (RPI.UN). RPI.UN is specialized in.. bottles. And I made a lot of $$$ on that stock alone. And now, Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS) will add on to that packaging sector of mine.

Other than JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN), Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS) could be a good pick for my RRSP portfolio

Luckily, the TSX closed this past Friday session exceeding the 16 000 points. My non-registered portfolio closed at $101,451.41, my TFSA portfolio at $91,270.96 and my RRSP portfolio at $49,235.68. I had been busy and in result, I didn't place any new investment for my RRSP. So I still have a little $528 in cash inside my RRSP stocks portfolio. Other than JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN), I came along with a stock that been highlight lately by BNN: Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS).

This past Friday session, one of my latest investment, Power Corporation of Canada Subordinate Voting Shares (POW) registered a great gain of 2.76%. Since "inspection" inside my non-registered portfolio, POW had registered a capital gain of +15.82%, which is quite great, especially in this pandemic environment.

I notice that BNN talked from time to time about Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS). CAS could be an interesting bet. JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN) can bring in stability for the few dollars I currently have available to invest, but JFS.UN won't bring in any cash dividend. Dividend distribution is extremely important. It's because of the dividend I earn inside my RRSP portfolio that I can make a new stock investment inside that same RRSP stocks portfolio. And that's quite a precious process because even small investments made from time to time can bring on a lot of richness over time. I think I am a living illustration of that.

I used to be invested in JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN), but I dislike my experience with that fund. When the TSX was rocking my world, the JFS.UN was in slow motion. As an investor, I wasn't feeling much alive when JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN) was from my investment. JFS.UN doesn't pay any dividend distribution on a steady continuous way. Back in the days, when JFS.UN was in my portfolio, JFS.UN paid dividend about one time only, from what I can remember. You cannot rely on JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN) for a continuous dividend distribution. It only pay dividend once in a tiny while. JFS.UN value is steady, but it never jump out in the sky in term of capital gain. You can compare JFS.UN to just an ETF, but a good one, that will never bring in high expectations in term of value.

It's why I prefer to keep thinking and it make me somewhat of a pandemic activity. There's never been a better time to search for perfect investment ideas, because perfection is hard to find. Cascades Inc. Unlimited (CAS) is not exactly perfect. If you want understand what I mean, I would say that POW is what you could considered as being a perfect stock.

An investment idea for my RRSP portfolio: JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN)

I listened to the first debate between Trump and Biden. I left somewhat confused out of it, but Biden gave a good performance and was strong. Trump not being your usual politician, it was hard for Biden to say a word without being interrupted by Trump. 

Tomorrow at midnight, Montreal will be making its comeback to the red zone, which mean that movies, public libraries, theaters and bars will be closed for the next 28 days. Restaurants will be open, but only for takeouts. Fortunately, hairdressers, gyms ans stores are remaining open. I didn't really wanted to visit the hairdresser now as I find my hair kind of ok for now. The only thing I would like will be to get some new highlights, but since that is costly, and I am trying to resist to the temptation for now.

Today was just another ordinary day for the TSX. Despite the fact that it was a real ordinary day, my TFSA portfolio closed at what I think is its highest value ever: $91,263.51. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $102,528.11, and my RRSP portfolio stocks only at $49,216.40. My numbers are not ugly. I currently have a cash balance of over $500 in my RRSP portfolio and I didn't place any new investment yet. However, seeing lately Jean-François Tardif at BNN gave me this new idea: maybe JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) could be a good investment idea for my RRSP.

What?!! Jean-François Tardif special guest at BNN The Open with Jon Erlichman

What I really wanted happen so I could enjoy this weekend: the TSX closed this past Friday session in the 16 000 points. I listen to BNN from time to time in the morning, and also in the afternoon. It's pretty much the same equivalent as listening tot he radio while working. The Open show worth watching this past Friday morning because just before the opening, Jon Erlichman had a special guest: Jean-François Tardif himself. Personally, I like Jon Erlichman, but I am getting sick over his work-from-home décor. He kind of has a vase in a corner, which looks like a farm bucket or something like that. I have a personal problem with the seeing of that ugly vase, but not only. What bothers me the most is the seeing of his dried flower sticks lying desperately inside the farmer bucket. I wonder when Amber Kanwar will be making her comeback. I think I saw her one time only recently, but that was the only time, maybe in replacement of Jon Erlichman for the day. Other than his dried flowers, I like Jon Erlichman. He's always interesting. Jon Erlichman  and Amber Kanwar are a great dynamic duo. Erlichman is better when Amber is around.

For this past Friday morning show, Jean-François Tardif décor also has somewhat annoying. In his background, he has that strange-looking figurine that probably represents a woman dress in a XIXth century outfit... golfing. It's well-known, Jean-François Tardif loves golfing, but I find that figurine weird looking and it amused me. Where that figurine is coming from and who gave it to him, I don't know, but it makes something to think about, always for the amusement part, much needed in those times of pandemic. In his background, there was also a box that seems just to be a box with office stuff. Other than his exotic golfing figurine, Jean-François Tardif office décor is not elaborate.

Of course, I listened to Jean-François Tardif carefully, almost desperately, trying to get a tip or two... After all those years, Jean-François Tardif view on investment didn't change. He's still into cash flow. According to Tardif, we are in crisis, and, at the same time, we are correcting. It's time to be more careful. Jean-François Tardif is into free cash flow at a reasonable price. According to Tardif, investors should avoid investing in companies that are not making money.

Luckily, Tardif gave BN viewers something to bite into: Diversified Royalty Corp. (DIV) and Nautilus Inc. (NLS). NLS is a US stock and DIV overall chart is not great. At 11.5%, Diversified Royalty Corp. (DIV) dividend yield is too dangerous. I dislike stocks that pay a high dividend yield like that. For me, both Diversified Royalty Corp. (DIV) and Nautilus Inc. (NLS) don't worth to be look at. I don't understand Jean-François Tardif interest. The JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) that is under Jean-François Tardif management had done well under this pandemic. I used to have JFT Strategies Fund in my portfolio, but I eventually sell off all of my units as I felt that I wasn't getting enough for my money. I wanted to get much much more from Jean-François Tardif.

Did you know? Emera Inc. (EMA) had increased its dividend distribution!!!

This morning, Newfoundlander Fortis Inc. (FTS) didn't suffer much, actually not at all, from yesterday news: Fortis Inc. CEO Barry V. Perry calling for retirement. One thing for sure, shareholders can only be happy with everything that Barry V. Perry did for Fortis Inc. (FTS). I love stocks that make be shine like a diamond and Fortis Inc. (FTS) is looking good in my investment portfolio. Let's just hope that Fortis will continue its marvelous journey for a long time. I made a lot of money on Fortis Inc. (FTS) and I really want things to remain the same, or - why not - even better. Let's just wish Barry V. Perry a very long happy retirement, I have the feeling that he's a real nice person.

The TSX almost closed in the 16 000 points. This is quite encouraging, but I am staying mentally ready for more ups and downs. Today, my non-registered portfolio closed today session at $100,899.08, my TFSA portfolio at $89,193.38, and my RRSP portfolio, stocks only, at $48,149.34. I will be able to go through this, I am pretty sure. Especially while having Fortis Inc. (FTS) in my non-registered and TFSA portfolios. And I also have other super great stuff who are helping to keep my head out of the water, like for example another baby of mine, Emera Inc. (EMA).

Just a few days ago, on September 16, Emera Inc. (EMA) dividend increased $2.45 to $2.55. Yes, it's a tiny little increase, but its an increase anyway. The best thing of all being that EMA is looking forward to increasing its dividend growth through to 2022, with a target of 4 to 5%. That's really good news. And we need more good news like that over the TSX. Don't forget, things are never as dark as they appeared.

Fortis Inc. (FTS) President and CEO Barry V. Perry announces his retirement

Real bad day for the TSX as my worst fear became reality: the TSX closed in the 15 800 points. And of course, that affects the value of my different investment portfolios. I had listened to today Throne Speech, as well as Justin Trudeau's press speech this evening that took place just a few minutes ago. When I listened to Julie Payette's speech, I was pleased with everything that was presented. However, there were a lot of times in which there was a celebration of the Liberal party and of all of the great things that Trudeau has done for Canadians... It was kind of a look at us, the Liberal party is going great things for Canadians...

 

A lot of promises had been made. I think it's a real good thing to help out families and to make sure that every province had access to good childcare support. I can say that in New Brunswick, 30 years ago, there was nothing really set for childcare. Any mom could open her own kindergarten at home, without any regulations to be followed. At that time, families had to pay a high price to have their children taking care of. Back in the days, I know a relative who had a kindergarten at home, and it was a fee per day. When no system support families, that can quickly make things extra difficult. I don't know how kindergartens are how being finance in New Brunswick and the current regulations, but I am pretty sure that my home province will welcome any federal help in that matter. If the federal help in the field of child care, that will help to create jobs, and more women will be able to go to work or go back to school.

 

For that part, investing in child care is money well spend that can contribute to the wellness of everyone.

Other than that, the Liberal party will continue to give away money to support those who are out of works, and also to the businesses, different programs are being offered. It's all good, but the part that I dislike was when Julie Payette and Justin Trudeau both said that the government was able to help Canadians on credit because the interest rates are low. Nice, but at a point, all debt needs to be paid off. I feel that the Liberal party is being too generous with workers. We need all kinds of workers in different fields and sectors, but the current subvention for unemployment is being too generous, and no following up is being made to check if those who are out of work are currently looking for work. Right now, anyone can cash in unemployment benefit, they can stay at home without doing any job search, and during that time, many employers are desperate to find employees. Many things need to be improved, but they are not improving because the Liberal party generosity is being a big part of the problem. Future generations, and even mine, may have to pay a high price for that generosity. Under Justin Trudeau, the Liberal party is far from being perfect.

 

In those circumstances, my non-registered portfolio closed today session at a low $100,787.08, my TFSA portfolio at $88,699.04, and my RRSP portfolio at $47,945.02. My margin debt is now at $46,400.02, and I have left $17,301.27 in margin usage. I don't think I will proceed with any more contribution in kind for my TFSA portfolio. I am just enjoying what I have and it's about all.

 

Today, the President and CEO of one of my favorite stock ever, Fortis Inc. (FTS), announced his retirement. Under the leadership of Barry V. Perry, Fortis Inc. (FTS) was able to provide a lot of richness to their shareholders, and that include also me. I wonder how FTS stock will react to that announcement tomorrow morning. Let's wish that my next stock pick will be as good as Fortis Inc. (FTS).

How to deal with the COVID like a Dividend Girl

Yesterday, as I saw the TSX going down into the dark 15 800 points, I was seriously worrying. But today, just like magic, the TSX went back in the happy 16 000 points, so no problem :-). Today, my non-registered portfolio closed the session at $103,045.84, my TFSA portfolio at $89,525.72 and my RRSP portfolio - stocks only - at $48,265.70.

It's really unfortunate, but these ups and downs are here to remain, as long as the COVID will remain active worldwide. Even in more normal times - I hope you remember those - the TSX remains volatile and is normally sensible to a bunch of all sorts of events. The COVID is just the extra that we didn't need.

As the second round of COVID is hitting on the world, the situation is getting worst in Quebec province. New-Brunswick-Quebec border is still closed, and I think it will remain that way for a long time. Quebeckers are not careful enough while the COVID is still around and hurting more and more people. This pandemic reveals the total lack of organization of Quebeckers, their really poor health system, as well as their poor understanding of what the COVID is all about. We are in a much better place in New Brunswick because we are smarter. We understand what the COVID is, and how it manages to make it way within all of our social activities. Even if there's currently no case of COVID in New Brunswick, the population is extra careful and wear a mask in public places.

I live in Montreal and here, people more or less wear the mask properly and just don't take this pandemic seriously. As a Canadian, it's a real shame to see how Quebeckers are handling things. When it comes to COVID, you need to be extra careful. As a really smart New Brunswick, I am here to explain how to handle this shit to the best, without panicking.

The following is a Dividend Girl guide on how to deal with the pandemic.

First, always wear a mask in public places. The more you spend time in public places, the more you expose yourself to the COVID virus. You need to reduce those expositions to the minimum needed. As soon as you step outside, you are directly exposed to the virus. Everything that you touch with your hands can wear the virus on it. While wearing a mask, leave it on your face, don't touch it, don't touch the mask, don't touch your pretty face. After touching something, make sure you use Purell or a similar product on your hands.

Only remove your mask when you are back home. While being home, remove the mask carefully. Your mask may be contaminated with the COVID, put it in a place where it won't be able to contaminate anyone. Following what, wash your hands and wash for at least 20 seconds. Following what, I like to use a similar product to Purell, even after washing my hands.

While dealing with this pandemic, you need to close down your social bubble. Work from home if you can, don't visit anyone, don't go to the restaurant, don't go to the movies, don't go to the gym. However, you can: walk outside, but stay away from people. And if someone is getting to close, move out from there.

If you have a few pounds - or more - to lose, this is a good time to lose weight as the COVID like big fat inactive bodies. Eat some meat, eat a lot of veggies, and drink water. Talk to yourself and ask your body to reject the COVID virus, to destroy it if it's in you.

And that being said, I wish you good luck because you'll need some.

Northland Power Inc. (NPI) is killing it on the TSX

The TSX registered a nice little gain that drive my non-registered portfolio at $105,258.39, my TFSA portfolio at $89,954.57, and my RRSP portfolio stocks only at $48,747.37. Today, 2 of my stocks registered some quite good gain: Northland Power Inc. (NPI) with +5.22% and Quebecor Inc. (QBR.B): +4%. Also today, TFI International Inc. (TFII) announced the acquisition of a business in the US. However, the news didn't help TFII to register any gain today. Another stock that I hold, Loblaw Companies Ltd (L), had invested in Maple Corporation, which is a virtual care provider. Maple Corporation makes me think of  stock that I prefer not to invest in at this time: WELL Health Technologies Corp. (WELL).

Currently, with the number of covid cases that is raising in Quebec, and also across Canada, I don't know if we'll be bale to stay in the 16 000 points or not. It's really a week-to-week kind of situation. I always prefer to think that I will visit New Brunswick soon to keep my mental health in good shape, and I also really like to think that I will be home in New Brunswick right in time to enjoy the hunting season. But, between what I want and between what is probably going to happen, there's a big gap, unfortunately. Between March and now, I keep thinking New Brunswick, I check from time to time if the Quebec-New Brunswick border is opening, but not. And speaking about New Brunswick, believe it or not, the fire smoke of California had reached Montreal today, and it's about to soon reach New Brunswick,