Meet two of my calm soldier stocks: ACR.UN and GRT.UN

I can gladly say that I didn't spend any money yesterday, and the same thing for today, so I can really say that I save $929.11 for the month of January, and that amount doesn't include the dividend earn in Januray so it's quite good. I am about to book my excursions for my upcoming trip to Cuba. I will be spending something like probably $250. I have over $300 cash in my TFSA portfolio that I can use to cover that expense if needed. I plan to catch up in March with my saving.

On this last day of January 2019, my non-registered portfolio closed the session at $120 479.74, my TFSA portfolio at $66 474.49 and my RRSP portfolio at $40 098.52. Those 15 540.6 points are quite healthy. My precious NFI Group Inc. (NFI) stocks are on now better days. It was scared to see my NFI stocks going lower than $29 per share, but it eventually rebounded. Other than NFI, I have many other great things going on in my portfolio right now. My Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL) investment is not far away from the $30 000 value.

Inside my TFSA, I have a couple of calm soldiers: Agellan Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (ACR.UN) and Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN), among others. But when I think of "calm soldier", I essentially think of ACR.UN and GRT.UN. Calm soldier stocks are stocks that stay relatively at the same value, no matter what the stock market goes up or down. In my TFSA portfolio, however, my investment in GRT.UN is about to change of category from "calm soldier" to a new designation that came directly from Stockopedia name "super stock". The reason why is that my Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN) stock gains 7% in my portfolio! So this is leaving me with one single known calm soldier. I am happy with this progression with GRT.UN.

This is actually making me think about my investment in Richards Packaging Income Fund (RPI.UN). Following the acquisition of RPI.UN inside my RRSP portfolio, it took some time, but unrealized capital gains finally kick in. And I say unrealized simply because I am a gain on a stock that I didn't sell and that I don't plan to sell either way.

My new President’s Choice Financial Mastercard credit card

Its now official, my investments in both Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM) and TFI International Inc. (TFII) had now been transferred over my TFSA portfolio. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $119 592.48, my TFSA portfolio at $66 253.64 and my RRSP portfolio, stocks only, at $40 066.68.

Yesterday, I published my expenses for the month of January, despite the fact that the month of January is not exactly past yet. But this was strategic, that way, I won't be pending money for the next two days and it's all good. At least, there are only two days left.

I had applied in order to get a President’s Choice Financial Mastercard credit card. This will replace my BMO Mastercard. I was collecting AirMiles with my BMO credit card, but I don't like AirMiles anymore. I find PC Optimum program being much more interesting and more rewarding. By applying to the PC Financial, I will receive 75 000 points, which is a credit to buy $75 worth of stuff, this will help to compensate for the purchase of my suitcase in January.

I am now on a more frugal mode and I am not scared of paying my expenses with my new credit card.

The month of January 2019: budget in review

Good past Friday for the TSX. My non-registered portfolio closed at $125 241.11, my TFSA portfolio at $59 940.28, and my RRSP portfolio, stocks only, at $39 843.56. I had proceeded with the contribution in kind of my Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM) and TFI International Inc. (TFII) shares from my non-registered to my TFSA portfolio. Today was even better, the TSX closed at 15 378.62 points. And today, my non-registered portfolio closed the session at $125 506.45, my TFSA portfolio at $59 851.50, and my RRSP portfolio at $39 995.58

My margin usage is currently at $45 443.10. Last week, we had extreme bad weather in Montreal and on that bad weather day, I had no choice other than to go work at my workplace. It was awful, it was raining and the sidewalks were disgusting, with an unhappy mix of ice and rain, just enough to make me feel completely miserable. I already had not so great waterproof winter boots, I knew that, but I actually received the confirmation of it on that day. I decided to bough a new pair of winter boots, I got Sorel ones, which cost $200 after taxes. And I also had to buy a pair of socks... But the good news is, those Sorel boots are probably going to last me for at least 4, if not 5 years. It's unfortunate because its kind of destroy my super tight budget for this month. I had worked super hard at spending little as possible, allowing myself just a few coffees and for the eating out, just a few small sweet treats.

Here are what had been my fix expenses for January:

Cable & Internet: $98.18

Gym: $14.38

Banking fees: $3.45

Insurance: $7

CraveTV: $11.49

Cell: $40.24

Rent: $680

Total: $854.74

At $98.18, that cable and Internet bill is quite high. And it was actually almost the double of that amount in December! I got f by Videotron, I was promised a $71.79 deal, but my first bill didn't match at all that amount, and same thing for the second bill. I had to call Videotron to fix that mess, I asked them to listen to the telemarketer call that I received, I told them how pissed off I was not to be giving what I was promised. I finally was offered a deal, but the offer I got is only valid until May, and after that, I will cancel my cable. I really got fool by Videotron and I should have never had accepted the telemarketer offers for the cable. I should know better. I didn't respect my own rule: never trust Quebeckers, too many of them are big time liars. Learn from my mistakes. Anyway, don't worry, I won't ever let any Quebeckers mess up with me. I am a super mean wild bitch and I hate those morons next to their bones. I should received a credit on the next cable and Internet bill, so my fix expenses should get lower next month. I also cancel my subscription to CraveTV, but it's on until February 22.

There had been 5 long weeks in January. Two expenses kick in and completely destroyed my really tight budget: I bought a suitcase at $81.92, and as you know now, a pair of winter boots at $202.34. But both items should last for a couple of years. It doesn't take much to imbalance a budget, that's why it's important to spend less on things you have control over.

Other expenses for January:

Suitcase: $81.92

Sorel winter boots: $202.34

Taxi: $15 - on that extreme bad weather day on January 24, I call a taxi to go back home from work

Socks: $10.35

Credit card payment: $20.47

Grocery for January: $204.25

Coffees and eating out for January: $53.73

Sunscreen for Cuba: $14.45

Stuff for Cuba, medication: $34.08

Little gifts for Cuba: $43.98

Laundry tickets: $40 (for 20 loads)

Optometrist: $50 - ($20 return from insurance): $30

Qtip: $1.43

Mouthwash: $15.57 (I got 4, it should last for a little while)

Coffee filter: $2.50

Donation to OSM: $10

Birthday card to a relative: $1

Duplicate keys: $5.98

9V battery for my alarm clock: $3.50

Dishcloths: $2.88

Kitchen tool: $2.87

Shampoo: $5.74

2 blush powders: $35.62

F pads: $14.92 

Nair: $24.81

Gap clothes: $51.73

Total: $929.12

Total money spend in January, 2019: $1 783.86

-$92.50 (exchange of rolling pennies at the bank) :-)

TOTAL: $1 690.89

Money save: $929.11, and that amount doesn't include my dividend income!

Not too bad, let see now if you can do better!

I wish I could say that I am going to save more money in February, but sometime in February, I already have a trip plan to Cuba.

A creamy caramelized onion soup for the cold weather

These days, the weather is really cold in Montreal. This evening, I cook for the second time the most delicious soup of all: creamy caramelized onion soup from Trois fois par jour. The first time I made this soup, I didn't take time to caramelized my onions and the soup had a real heavy taste of onions. Fact is, caramelized onions don't taste onion. :-)

You may have notice, this past weekend, I updated my portfolio. On date of January 18, my net worth was of $206 278.84. My margin debt is now at $45 356.10. Today again, the TSX closed the session on a positive note. With those 15 354.16 points, my non-registered portfolio closed the day at $125 814.01, my TFSA at $59 854.87 and my RRSP portfolio, stoks only, at $39 653.55. My net worth is now probably at 207k, slowly moving forward the $300 000, only missing... $93 000. Currently, the most exciting thing that is going on is the upcomig extradition of Meng Wanzhou to the USA. This had last for too long now. I just don't understand why that Chinese woman is still in Canada. The rich Chineses appear to me as being really arrogant. They are not above the law. We don't need Huawei to build our future 5G network.

My investment portfolio on date of January 18, 2019

Cold cash: $12.89

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $11 280.50
Methanex Corporation (MX): $8 037.09
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $5 698.59
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $28 307.72
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 598.75
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 704.24
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $3 398.62
TMX Group Inc. (X): $608.40
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $3 625
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $21
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 381.25
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $9 832.50
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $15 410.92
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 122.75
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 227.60
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 575.60
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $2 009
Loblaw Companies (L): $762.96
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $7 680
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM): $3 288
ATCO Ltd. (ACO.Y): $2 394
Jamieson Wellness Inc. (JWEL): $2 180
WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $3 208
Aecon Group Inc. (ARE): $1 849
Aphria Inc. (APH): $1 768
TFI International Inc. (TFII): $3 108.80
George Weston Limited (WN): $93.86

TOTAL: $125 172.15

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B): $1 634.56
General Mills Inc. (GIS): $1 390.72

TOTAL: $3 025.28 US: $4 010.46 CAN

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $14.35
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $860.30
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 245
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $4 370
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $28.86
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $3 451.17
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1 126.50
Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A): $2 490.50
Hydro One Limited (H): $2 127.30
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 446.20
Boyd Group Income Fund (BYD.UN): $3 570.90
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAR.UN): $3 159.80
Data Communications Mgmt (DCM): $6.60
Morneau Shepell Inc. (MSI): $2 414.70
Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $3 944
Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $1 486.20
Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $2 287.60
BCE Inc. (BCE): $502.20

Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (NVU.UN): $3 918
Sienna Senior Living Inc. (SIA): $1 354.40
Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $715.60
Richelieu Hardware Ltd. (RCH): $1 168.86
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $1 050
Northland Power Inc. (NPI): $2 290
Calian Group Ltd. (CGY): $2 238.50
BMO Bank of Montreal (BMO): $1 934
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 391.04
WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $1 604
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN): $576.10
Cargojet Inc. (CJT): $2 140.20
Agellan Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (ACR.UN): $796.32
Nutrien Ltd. (NTR): $3 397.50
Cash: $275.70

TOTAL: $59 382.40

RSP investment portfolio: 
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $12 529.89
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 004.40
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $2 169.30
Telus Corp (T): $2 309
Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $1 972
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $3 030
Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI): $2 418.84
Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $4 954
Richards Packaging Income Fund (RPI.UN): $1 254
Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $400.33
CAE Inc. (CAE): $1 883
CGI Group Inc. Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (GIB.A): $3 025.75
Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $894.50
Quebecor Inc. (QBR.B): $750
Logistec Corporation Class B Subordinate Voting Shares (LGT.B): $303.17
(BEP.UN): $713.45
Cash: $74.79

Total: $39 686.42         

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund + CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund + CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $2 766.06

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

GIC National Bank: $1 337.79               

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 201.91
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 304.75
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 170.48
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 556.29
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 176.19
Total: $6 409.62

Other various: $11 742.40

TOTAL: $63 022.04

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35
Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$251 634.94

On date of January 18, 2019

My debt situation on date of January 18, 2019

Margin account: $45 356.10 @ 5.50%
Annual interest: $2 494.59

Another super great for the TSX! YEAH!! :-)

Its been another great day for the TSX! I am happy, don't get me wrong, but this is not the usual natural thing for the TSX to just keep being in the positive zone for many many days in a row. I never experimented something like it before. Not that I can remember. This is quite exciting, my non-registered closed today session at $125 326.73, my TFSA portfolio is now at $59 291.21 and my RRSP portfolio at $39 607.83. I had all my eyes on my New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI)today and it seems like its situation is getting stabilize for now, but tomorrow is another day. Those who had to sell off NFI are just a bunch of not smart losers.

In front of that TSX that just keeps giving and giving, I am just asking for another good day tomorrow, so I can update my portfolio page this weekend and look outrageously good. And things are only getting better knowing that tomorrow is pay day.

I still doing great with my budget. This week so far, I only bought one coffee, and it was a small one... The less you spend, the less you are tempted to spend because you know too well that at the end, you'll win the jackpot at the end of the month. Including my dividend income, its close to $2 000 per month that I can save. That make a lot of money. If I can reduce my margin debt, which is currently of $47 000, in half, it would be great.

Another great thing when saving money become your newest obsession is that it really help with your diet, because you cannot eat out anymore, you can basically do nothing that involve spending money, so guess what, you lose weight in the process. That's what is hapenning for me. For the past couple years, I wasn't as severe as now about saving money, some months, I had several hundreds ad up on my credit card, but it was alays about an amount I could pay within  the month, but that being said, it was leaving me with little money left to save. The month of January is now even over yet that I feel a huge difference in almost everything. My sleep is better because I most of the time drink decaf coffee. And now, I drink water like if I would be living in the desert of Saudi Arabia. So just try to figure out what 2019 is going to be like.

Now, I am just wondering: can the TSX hit back the 16 000 points anytime soon? If so, I will cry of hapiness in front of my computer at work and no one will understand what's going on. It's all the fault of the TSX who's playing with my nerves.

A rough day for my precious darling New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI)

Its been a rough day today for a stock that I now had been holding on since 2011 in my non-registered portfolio: New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI). I had been watching my NFI closely, and I decided to sell if the stocks were going to reach the $28 per share... It didn't, so I am keeping New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) in my portfolio for now. It's sad to see one of my favorite stock going down. At this point, I am affected of course, but not that much since I had bought my NFI shares several years ago, when NFI was trading under the $12 per share. I will again watch on closely NFI tomorrow.

Bad day for my NFI baby, but today was not a bad day at all for Goodfood Market Corp. (FOOD). I must admit, I am a bit in a hurry now to sell this one at profit. Its been a little since I haven't traded anything and the need remains. Patience is everything and doesn't expect the big bucks to come as easily as before. I am just in the need to do something. While trying to figure it out, my non-registered portfolio closed today session at $124 191, my TFSA portfolio at $58 956.97 and my RRSP portfolio at $39 392.05. I am really happy with those numbers and of course, I am just hoping for more gains to come. I would like to post an update of my portfolio if the TSX close on a positive note this Friday. Only 2 days to go. Little gains, by little gains, the TSX is going to get back in the 16 000 points sometime soon, hopefully.

Today, I was impressed by BNN Bloomberg Market Call. I actually agree with everything that Robert McWhirter, president of Selective Asset Management. Two stocks that I hold: Emera Inc. (EMA) and Northland Power Inc. (NPI) were on Robert McWhirter's top picks today. His third pick was Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B). If like me you like getting investment ideas for free, read my blog and subscribe to BNN Bloomberg Newsletters, its free, like my blog.

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) is just a stock, not a top winner pick stock

The TSX finally did something I had been waiting for a long time now. Its been a tough road, but those newest 15 046.28 points are certainly making me happy. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at a great $124 251.45, my TFSA portfolio at $58 879, and my RRSP portfolio at $39 227.30. I now estimate my net worth to be in the $203 000. Its official, I am now back in the game so just watch me! :-) It's quite a long road for recovery, but now at least I am only missing $97 000 to hit on the magic $300 000 net worth... 97k is a good amount, but if the TSX plays in my favor like it should, I have my chances to hit on the 300k, maybe in 2 years. Let's just hope for that.

Yesterday, I wrote a little about not being a fan of the tech sectors, but I am a fan of tech services, which is two different sectors in a way. CGI Group Inc. Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (GIB.A), that I hold in my RRSP portfolio, is certainly a top player, but unfortunately, CGI Group, despite being a top notch quality stock the way I love them, but doesn't pay any distribution at all. It's like holding on to some JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) units, but in better because CGI is actually a stock that performs and deliver capital gain to its investor. JFS.UN is just another stock on the TSX that exists for investors who still belive in Jean-François Tardif, but shouldn't. Other than CGI, if you want something valuable playing in the tech sector, check out Calian Group Ltd. (CGY). I hold CGY in my TFSA portfolio. Susan Brunner recently posts a positive review of this awesome jewel. You need to be smart and use all of your good judgement. At first, social media stocks may seem appealing, but when you deep in, you get to understand what its bullshit, and Facebook is the perfect example of a really poor manage company that you shouldn't get any appeal to. Data users are being sell and no protected. Facebook publish fake news all year round and have no real intention to take care of business properly. But you shouldn't expect any better coming from Americans. In the other hand, companies that offer tech services like CGY and CGI, those are the real good companies in the tech sector to invest in.

Ofen, in case of mergers, the company that is being buy by another one usually register gain, commonly, becaus ethe other party too oftern offer more per shera than its current trading price. It happen really often, but in the case of Goldcorp Inc. (G), both G and Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM) had registered some loses following the big announcement. I was really tempt at first to acquire some G stocks, but because of the sector, I decided not too, and I am just really happy I didn't!! But anyway I wouldn't. The temptation last only for a few seconds. I am not a fan of the gold sector. Its better to explore the possibilities in other sectors.

Today, Ryan Bushell, president of Newhaven Asset Management was in the show Market Call of BNN Bloomberg. He has made good comments regarding Fortis Inc. (FTS), saying its a good stock for the long term, andthat FTS has increased its dividend over year and we are looking forward for more juicy dividend in the future. I agree with Ruan Bushell on Fortis Inc. (FTS). I had been holding to FTS since my early beginnings. Over the years, FTS had become a solid rock in my non-registered portfolio. Fortis is that kind of super easy stock to hold on to, with a solid chart that can only turn you on. Ryan Bushell, president of Newhaven Asset Management also covers my super precious Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL), another great stock of mine that he only could had good words for.

One of Ryan Bushell top pick stock is... Nutrien Ltd. (NTR). Really???!!!! Come on!

Personally, I had invested in Agrium years ago, but ever since Agrium merger with Potash had turn to become Nutrien Ltd. (NTR), I never EVER registered super great capital gainon NTR. With Agrium, everything was super easy smooth, I was on super great capital gains. But with NTR, I get nothing of that. And for that reason, I really dislike NTR. Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) is a little stock that like to play with my nerves. I really dislike NTR, BUT, I keep the few shares I have inside my TFSA portfolio for the simple and good reason that NTR establish a good diversity - in the potash sector - inside my portfolio. And other than that, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) is not bringing anything good for me.

Knowing all that, why Ryan Bushell is a top stock pick of Ryan Bushell??!!!

Of, wait, you haven't heard the worst coming from Ryan Bushell: another top pick of his is Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC). But MFC overall chart is totally distusgting. And insurance stocks are pretty bad investment, you cannot have worst than MFC for your money.

At a point, I am having a blast with BNN Bloomberg. I just don't understand how Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) can possibly be consider a to pick. Better stick to my blog for investment ideas, I much better than any of those so call managers. I am better than anyone.

Thisis basically what a 15 000 points have as effects on me. It's all it take.

I am back to my old 200k net worth!

Goodfood Market Corp. (FOOD) started the trading day on a positive note - the opening market at 9h30 is the perfect time to take a 15 minutes break from work to check out the market. Market openings are always important. I was hoping a bigger push coming from FOOD, but I guess, for now, its ok. I am still confident I may be able to register a capital gain on FOOD later on. It's just taking longer than anticipated. These days, better be patient and calm. Seem like the easy days are dead over for the TSX. Overall, I had an easy road despite the difficulties. I always got what I wanted. But this time, for the 300k net worth, I really will have to work harder this time. It a long long road just to reach out that net work. But the good news is: only $99 000 left to go! Goooooooooo!

Another good day for the TSX, we didn't gain many points, but at 14 975.53, we are certainly getting closer to the 15 000 points. It's also a long and painful road just to get all the way up there. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $123 360.11, my TFSA portfolio at $58 491.17, and my RRSP portfolio at $38 852.36. Currently, I estimate my net worth to be in the $201 000. Its certainly getting better. Back on January 4th, I felt a bit pitty with my $191 009.83 net worth. It was a shock to see it being under the 200k. Donald Trump killed my dream of a 300k net worth in 2018, but now, he's burning up all of his government people. Trump is so rough and has no heart at all for his own people. I am pretty sure that many of them are dealing with financial difficulties right now, and it might be hard, especially for those who have children to take care of.

Lately, I had been writing more about saving than investing, but saving is quite important knowing I am trying to pay down my margin account usage and that I am trying to stop investing using my margin account. In order to stop investing using my margin money debt, its quite simple, I just need to add up to the saving. It's a deprivation that is serving me well.

Also today, the American Newmont Mining announced a $10 billion takeover of Goldcorp Inc. I have to say, I was tempted to jump in some Goldcorp Inc. (G) shares, but I didn't. I now listen to BNN Bloomberg, and I once heard someone saying something that makes a lot of sense to me: it's better to buy some ETF involved in gold rather than a company that is involved in gold. And this makes a lot of sense because the gold market is volatile and it's quite rough for the businesses out there who are involved in the gold sector. Have a look at Barrick Gold Corporation (ABX) chart to understand what I mean. ABX used to trade in the $5+ per share and currently, ABX is having big problems big time just to reach in the $20 per share. And ABX is not alone in this position, other great Canadian mining companies are having the same shock in their value and this is true for both silver and gold mining sectors.

That's why Goldcorp Inc. (G) is a big no-no for me. For me, its a no silver, no gold, no gas, and no tech. I, however, like the technology sector, but only in term of services. I am not a fan of social media junk, so no Facebook or Twitter shit stocks for me. But yes to tech services like CGY and CGI because those services are essential. And of course, I have both of those businesses in my portfolio because I am absolutely fabulous. Now, I only need the TSX to go back to its old 16 000 points. Its all I need to hit on the 300k net worth.