September Review, October Preview, 2018

No Free Weekends Gremlin here to talk about September with an eye on October.  Just when it seems life might slow down a little bit, it speeds right back up.  When I was younger that was not a problem, and in terms of being able to handle it all, it still isn't.  However, with investing and thinking about expenditures, while maintaining your sanity can be a serious challenge considering all the other stuff that is happening.  In the meantime, the focus is on baby proofing the house - as the little guy has figured out how to move and stand.  At least he has not figured out how to talk back yet!

Getting on with the show, this month I came up just under $400, which is unfortunate.  Dividend growth is starting to kick itself into gear, and so my future totals should start to punch above their weight class.

September:

This month I made one new purchase adding a new, acquiring shares of Broadcom (AVGO) in my Roth portfolio and acquiring shares of Cardinal Health (CAH) in my taxable portfolio.

Last month I brought in a total of $397.50 in dividends ($158.09 taxable, $94.85 Roth, and $144.65 IRA).  This is an increase from last year (319.66 total) by 24.38%.  Almost got that $400 I wanted, I will definitely get it in December.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized* six raises from Hershey's (HSY), Kellogg's (K), Target (TGT), Discover (DFS), J.M. Smuckers (SJM), and Westlake Chemical (WLK).  The increases are from 4% to about 19%.  I have now realized 43 raises thus far this year.

Next month I will realize three raises from Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM), and Realty Income (O).  The increases are from about 0.2% to about 3%.

* I only count increases when realized, because until that money is delivered any statements or declarations are simply conjecture.

October:

The mortgage continues has started to see more cash flowing towards the principal - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets (I choose not to count the house as an asset).  Outside of our house, we still have very low interest auto debt (1.9 and 1.5% for our cars).  My car is getting paid at double time, and I suspect I can finish it off within 10 months from now - which will be nice because I plan on keeping that car for 20 years.  Debt is being eliminated, and we are still building and assets.  A second income goes a long way.

September was a busy month, and October looks like it will be more of the same.  Life should hopefully slow down in November.  My next purchase should be in October, but might be in November if things go less than as planned.

Next month should produce around $87 in dividends, which is a 28% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

Hope everyone has a great October.
- Dividend Gremlin
- Long all stock tickers mentioned