September Review / Q4 Preview 2020

Back Home Gremlin here to talk about September and the path forward.  It has been a long time since I've been home and still am working to find my feet.  The world seems to be, amazingly, in a weirder state than when we first traveled for my daughter's surgery.  I certainly did not expect it to go that way, but here we are (its like humanity never learns, same with the market). Investment wise I eliminated two laggard/mediocre positions and increased some that are better geared for my goals.  In addition, I have a small pot of play money I am using for trading - which I view as a small amount of resources to look for big returns.

The situation for everyone is likely vastly different than it was 7 or so months ago, and I am no exception.  My daughter will require more attentive care while at home until her next major surgery early next year.  That is on top of the usual work - parent of young children life balance problems that I (and a lot of others) share. Because of these facts I am going to only post an update for next quarter and my end of year closeout this year. Going forward I will probably stick to quarterly updates.  Portfolio wise I hope to provide an update for August and September combined, and for Q4 I will combine all of my portfolio / dividend updates in one place.  For the record, my Q1-Q4 will line with the calendar.

September:

This month I added shares to 11 positions in my accounts.

Last month I brought in a total of $497.29 in dividends ($211.21 taxable, $125.36 Roth, and $160.72 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($436.5 total) by 13.9%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 6 dividend increases from Hershey's (HSY), Kroger (KR), Target (TGT), Smuckers (SJM), Walgreens (WBA), Westlake Chemical (WLK), and Essential Utilities (WTRG). This keep my total amount of raises to 39 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 2 dividend increases from Realty Income (O) and the First of Long Island Corp (FLIC).  The increases range from 0.2% to 5.5%.  My fund also experienced a 1 to 4 split from Apple (AAPL).

My fund has absorbed the following cuts or suspensions this year: Disney (DIS) [sold], Dunkin Brands (DNKN) [sold], the Gap (GPS) [sold], YUM China (YUMC) [sold], Kontoor Brands (KTB) [sold], WestRock (WRK) [sold], and Welltower (WELL) [hold]. In addition, I have eliminated Kellogg's (K) and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) - my simple reasoning here is these companies should have had excellent years and have been mediocre.

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

Q4:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward, and I will supplementing with minor trading - separate from my primary portfolio.

My portfolio page will be updated soon.

Hope everyone has a chance to relax a little.
- Dividend Gremlin
- Long all stock tickers, minus those sold

August Review / September Preview 2020

Game Time Gremlin here to discuss August and look at September. It has been a long year for a lot of reasons, but it would appear a few of the big what ifs are finally coming to a close.  First, after over a month of recovery looks like it is almost time to take our daughter home.  She has recovered from surgery - but we will be back in several months for another surgery to complete her heart repair.  As an aside, if you know any families who have to go through pediatric heart surgery - just know its a tough journey and that any support is always appreciated.  

Second, the election season is almost here.  I wish we had a shorter election season and I will be glad when ours is done.  Finally, the election should add some spice / volatility into the market so we can get some quality stocks on sale.  Anyways, how did we do?

August:

This month I added shares to 7 positions in my accounts, and my update will published in about a week.

Last month I brought in a total of $361.75 in dividends ($136.84 taxable, $109.61 Roth, and $115.30 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($338.97 total) by 6.7%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized no dividend increases in August. This keep my total amount of raises to 33 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 6 dividend increases from Hershey's (HSY), Kroger (KR), National Retail Properties (NNN), Target (TGT), Smuckers (SJM), Walgreens (WBA), and Essential Utilities (WTRG).  The increases range from 1% to 7%.

My fund has absorbed the following cuts or suspensions this year: Disney (DIS) [sold], Dunkin Brands (DNKN) [sold], the Gap (GPS) [sold], YUM China (YUMC) [sold], Kontoor Brands (KTB) [sold], WestRock (WRK) [hold], and Welltower (WELL) [hold].

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

August:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward, and I will begin minor supplementing with options.

Next month should produce around $505 in dividends, which is a 15% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

Hope everyone has a calm September (like that will happen...).
- Dividend Gremlin
- Long all stock tickers, minus those sold

July Review / August Preview 2020

Tired Gremlin here to discuss July and look into August. This is probably the latest I have ever posted a review, though there are good reasons. Mainly closely monitoring my daughter as she recovers from her surgery, which was 15 hours long. We'll be back here in the middle of winter to do it again to finish the repairs. These surgeries are highly specific and are only done a handful of places in the world. The experience has definitely taught me a lot about healthcare - both in broad and specific ways.

Meanwhile the stock market, economy, Covid, and world in general remain a mess. Even the most informed people really only have rough guesses as to how this will continues. For this reason I generally think we will see another solid market correction, from which it will take a decade to recover. Anyways, how did my stock fund do?

July:

This month I added shares to 3 positions in my accounts.

Last month I brought in a total of $150.28 in dividends ($117.16 taxable, $11.80 Roth, and $21.32 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($133.34 total) by 12.7%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 3 dividend increases from Cardinal Health (CAH), Medtronic PLC (MDT), and Realty Income (O).  The increases range from 0.2% to 7%. This brings my total raises to 33 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 0 dividend increases, but in September I will realize 6 dividend increases from Hershey's (HSY), Kroger (KR), National Retail Properties (NNN), Target (TGT), Smuckers (SJM), Walgreens (WBA), and Essential Utilities (WTRG).  The increases range from 1% to 7%.

My fund has absorbed the following cuts or suspensions this year: Disney (DIS) [sold], Dunkin Brands (DNKN) [sold], the Gap (GPS) [sold], YUM China (YUMC) [sold], Kontoor Brands (KTB) [sold], WestRock (WRK) [hold], and Welltower (WELL) [hold].

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

August:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward.

Next month should produce around $347 in dividends, which is a 2% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

Hope everyone has a warm but cool August.
- Dividend Gremlin
- Long all stock tickers, minus those sold

July 2020 Buys

California Gremlin here to talk about what investments and sales I have made over the past month.  I am currently away from my usual stomping grounds as my daughter recovers from her heart surgery.  It was a long and grueling procedure, but things are looking a lot better now than they were a week ago. Kids are amazing in how resilient they are, and indeed people in general are such.  These surgeries (she will need at least one more major one) have made me rethink things about financial independence and health care. Anyways, enough about that let's talk about what was bought.

No purchase or account fees were paid this month (* indicates a new position, which will be discussed below):

Taxable:
SALES: None.
KR - 5 shares @ $32.90 ($164.50), $3.60 income added
JNJ - 1 share @ $155.26 / share, $5.88 income added
Total Invested = $319/76
Annual Income Added (AIA) = $9.48

Roth:
AROW - 1 share @ $28.04, $1.04 income added
Total Invested = $28.04
AIA = $1.04

Standard IRA:
None.
Total Invested = $0
AIA = $0

Totals:
Invested = $347.80
AIA [net] = $10.52

Sales and Cuts:
D: This was a bit shocking, to receive a 33% dividend cut from Dominion.  I am leaning towards selling the stock for a minor profit, but I can see their new approach being prudent as well.  I will continue to ponder this unless the price moves to a point where I would be satisfied with a sale.

I will update my portfolio page at the end of the month.

What do you think of these companies?

- Gremlin
- Long most tickers mentioned.

June Review / July Preview 2020

Not Ready Gremlin here to discuss June and July.  So I am not ready to do this, but we will be traveling with our 8 month old across the country for some major heart surgery.  To answer the question upfront, we are traveling because this is a highly specialized procedure of which only a few places in the world have extensive experience. Thankfully one such place is in the USA, although it is not at all conveniently located for us. Considering that, we are taking a lot of precautions considering the state of the world; indeed we have been much more cautious now since she was born and at the start of this outbreak relative to most people we know. Sometimes I wish people would see the risks we are seeing from our perspective, or our 8 month old's (minus all the baby babel and literal pants pooping).

Anyways, that is the doom and gloom of our lives.  Not to be confused with the doom and gloom that the market seems to be staring right past.  The economic ripples of this whole experience may eventually rise to become a tsunami, but in the meantime I will proverbially continue to invest in the best boats out there I can find. So how did we do?

June:

This month I added shares to 9 positions and sold off three positions in my accounts. Selling should minimal for the remainder of the year, with our current stock mix having much stronger balance sheets across the board.

Last month I brought in a total of $515.86 in dividends ($232.21 taxable, $124.10 Roth, and $159.55 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($438.81 total) by 17.5%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 2 dividend increases from Pepsico (PEP) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).  The increases were 7 and 6.5%, respectively. This brings my total raises to 30 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 3 dividend increases from Cardinal Health (CAH), Medtronic PLC (MDT), and Realty Income (O).  The increases range from 0.2% to 7% (for MDT).

My fund has absorbed the following cuts or suspensions this year: Disney (DIS) [sold], Dunkin Brands (DNKN) [sold], the Gap (GPS) [sold], YUM China (YUMC) [sold], Kontoor Brands (KTB) [sold], WestRock (WRK) [hold], and Welltower (WELL) [hold].

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

July:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward.

Next month should produce around $146 in dividends, which is a 10% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

Hope everyone has a sunny July.
- Dividend Gremlin
- Long all stock tickers, minus those sold

June 2020 Buys and Sells

Old Man Gremlin here to talk about what investments and sales I have made over the past month.  In June I finally closed out a few positions that had eliminated or suspended dividends and reinvested that money to dividend growing streams.  This is an annoying, but necessary process where I add more towards quality while discarding stocks with inferior management teams / business plans.  Long term this is a positive thing, but it does feel like bloodletting.

Market wise, I am a bit flabbergasted.  My science / engineering and history background tells me that the market is currently not even close to a true reflection of the US and world economic reality.  I keep saying we will not truly be able to understand or appreciate this period of time for another five to ten years.  However, it still feels like there is a middle ground approach that this world has consistently missed. The issue is, as always, how something can be done - not that should or even could it be done (i.e. can the laboratory conditions be replicated consistently in the real world?).  Anyways, I digress - what did I buy.

No purchase or account fees were paid this month (* indicates a new position, which will be discussed below):

Taxable:
SALES: GPS, KTB, and YUMC - all shares, wash sale (total proceeds of $925.39)
AXP - 2 shares @ $99.61 ($199.22), $3.44 income added
CM - 2 shares @ $68.99 ($137.99 total), $7.10 income added [approx. $CAD]
GD - 2 shares @ $153.83 / share ($307.66 total), $8.80 income added
JNJ - 1 share @ $139.46 / share, $4.04 income added
KO - 3 shares @ 45.66 / share ($137 total), $4.92 income added
CSCO - 2 shares @ $46.80 / share ($93.59 total), $2.88 income added
RY - 5 shares @ $68.28 / share ($341.39 total), $13.10 income added [approx. $CAD]
Total Invested = $1356.31
Annual Income Added (AIA) = $44.28

Income lost due to YUMC cut = $5.72
Net: +$38.56

Roth:
CSCO - 2 shares @ $46.04 / share ($92.08 total), $2.88 income added
LEG - 1 share @ $34.07, $1.60
Total Invested = $126.15
AIA = $4.48

Standard IRA:
FLIC- 9 shares @ $14.98 / share ($134.80 total), $6.48 income added
Total Invested = $134.80
AIA = $6.48

Totals:
Invested = $1617.26
AIA [net] = $49.52

Sales and Cuts:
YUMC: I received this as a spinoff from YUM, and I was pleasantly surprised by their initial dividend growth, however they have fallen off a cliff in terms of the dividend.  I locked in a huge gain on this sale, and it washed my losses to the point where I am slightly ahead.
GPS & KTB: As I stated last month, I did plan to sell these two, and I did after a minor recovery.  Overall they are a disappointment, especially KTB.  That said sometimes the lesson is worth the weight, and the recovered cash will go be a lot more useful than these two anchors are at the moment.

I will update my portfolio page at the end of the month.

What do you think of these companies?

- Gremlin
- Long most tickers mentioned, except GPS, KTB, and YUMC.

May Review / June Preview 2020

What a World Gremlin here to discuss May and June.  Ah the law of unintended consequences and the principle of when it rains - it pours. The situation in the USA can best be described as sticky with social unrest in the middle of a once a century medical emergency. In the meantime, I am planning for a cross country trip for my daughter to get her (hopefully) last major heart surgery. So all I am looking for is some peace, quiet, and a smooth trip.

That said none of this will slow the financial freedom snowball.  After all, it is not just financial freedom for myself, but also for my family.  So, despite everything going on in the world, how did my investing do this month?

May:

This month I added shares to 10 positions and sold off two positions in my accounts.

Last month I brought in a total of $324.20 in dividends ($99.29 taxable, $109.61 Roth, and $115.3 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($323.36 total) by 0.25%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 5 dividend increases from Apple (AAPL), Royal Bank of Canada (RY), Ameriprise Financial (AMP), Kinder Morgan (KMI), and General Dynamics (GD). The increases range from 3% to 10%. This brings my total raises to 28 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 2 dividend increases from Pepsico (PEP) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).  The increases are 7 and 6.5%, respectively.

My fund has absorbed the following cuts or suspensions this year: Disney (DIS) [sold], Dunkin Brands (DNKN) [sold], the Gap (GPS) [hold for now],  Kontoor Brands (KTB) [hold for now], WestRock (WRK) [hold], and Welltower (WELL) [hold].

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

June:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward.

Next month should produce around $510 in dividends, which is a 16% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

Hope everyone has a June that is better than May.
- Dividend Gremlin
- Long all stock tickers

May 2020 Buys and Sells

Getting Old Gremlin here to talk about my buys for this past month.  I turn 35 next month, and I am going to go out on a limb and state this will be the lamest birthday this far in my life, but better now than in my 20s! Anyways, the market seems wildly out of line with reality.  I have also recorded several dividend cuts and suspensions, which resulted in my action to sell my first stocks in over a year.  I do not have a fast and hard criteria set for selling, however I do have some general guidelines.  1 - does the cut or suspension show me something new about their financial and market position?  2 - Is the cut a complete cut or suspension or a partial cut?

If #1 is answered yes, then if it is clearly negative and their market share is impacted then they will be sold (an example of this was TUP, which has lost its market dominance over the years). If #1 is no and #2 is only a partial cut and done in a way to eliminated debt or deal with some unusual circumstance, I will likely keep the stock assuming it can eventually resume growth (examples include KMI, WRK, and KHC). If it is a full cut, I will sell the position.  In addition, I operate under the same mantra as Maynard Keynes: "When my information changes, I change my mind. What do you do?" No sense in being stuck in the mud due to an idea. Also as a reminder my horizon is decades.

No purchase or account fees were paid this month (* indicates a new position, which will be discussed below):

Taxable:
SALES: DNKN and DIS - all shares, approximate profit of $190 (total proceeds of $1234.66)
MMM - 1 share @ $149.45, $5.88 income added
CM - 2 shares @ $61.7 ($123.40 total), $7.10 [approx. $CAD]
RTX* - 10 shares @ $54.50 / share ($545 total), $19 income added
BKH* - 10 share @ $56.40 / share ($564 total), $21.4 income added
MDT - 1 shares @ $92.89 / share , $2.32 income added
CSCO - 2 shares @ $44.23 / share ($88.47 total), $2.88 income added
Total Invested = $1563.21
Annual Income Added (AIA) = $58.58

Income lost due to DNKN, DIS, GPS, and KTB cuts = $65.2
Net: -$6.62

Roth:
AROW - 1 share @ $25.02 / share, $1.44 income added
GLW - 3 shares @ $20.52 ($61.57 total), $2.64
Total Invested = $86.59
AIA = $4.08

Standard IRA:
FLIC- 5 shares @ $14 / share ($70.03 total), $3.6 income added
WTRG - 1 share @ $40.27, $0.94
Total Invested = $110.30
AIA = $4.54

Totals:
Invested = $1760.10
AIA [net] = $2


*New Positions:
RTX: I only own one other defense company, GD.  I feel these companies are built for the next 20 years and will only continue to be financially rewarded and rewarding. Militarily, the USA has a technological dominance and it will always work to maintain that.  In addition, RTX has a massive portfolio of technologies it supports to the US government, other national governments, and to private industry. There are only a few major international players in these markets (NOC, LMT, etc.), most of which I also want to own.  I plan to at least double this position as long as costs stay reasonable and I have the money to do so.

BKH: I only own two other utilities, D and WTRG. Nominally, I really like utilities, especially ones that are in less contested regions or those that are not in the midst of multi decade declines. BKH meets all those and was temporarily priced in an attractive fashion. Indeed BKH has been on my watchlist now for years.  I believe that it along with D, SO, and WEC are among the best managed electric utilities.  I plan to build double this position as long as costs stay reasonable and I have the money to do so.

Sales and Cuts:
DNKN & DIS: Both of these stocks decided to suspend their dividends for the remainder of 2021.  I would buy back into both, but I found these decisions to be very disappointing considering their size and financial positions.  Of the two, the suspension from DIS left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, and it will be years before I think about deploying capital here.
GPS & KTB: Both of these companies suspended dividends for the remainder of the year.  Their share values dropped so hard that I have held them, but I will sell them as soon as they hit a number I am comfortable with.  It will be a miracle if I ever touch these two again, the quality and resiliency is just not there.

I will update my portfolio page at the end of the month.

What do you think of these companies?

- Gremlin
- Long most tickers mentioned, except TUP, DNKN, DIS, SO, and WEC.

April Review / May Preview 2020

Still Quarantined Gremlin here to discuss April and May.  Wow this sometime we are all living in, and honestly it will be 10, 20, or 100 years before someone looks back on this period of time and knows what the really hell happened.  Yes, we can all wrap our heads around information (perhaps even all of the information), but its not all available.  Anyways, not to stump on the issue, but this is beyond historical and unprecedented.  As a person who loves history - its fascinating.  As a person still at home most of the time with two kids that love to scream, at times in unison, its a bit frustrating.  Luckily the market is a hot mess / basket case.  So lets see how we did.

April:

This month I added shares to seven positions in my accounts.

Last month I brought in a total of $134.44 in dividends ($112.77 taxable, $11.08 Roth, and $10.7 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($102.81 total) by 30%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 6 dividend increases from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM), Coca Cola (KO), Realty Income (O), TD Bank (TD), WalMart (WMT), and Kimberly Clark (KMB). The increases range from 0.2% to 7%. This brings my total raises to 23 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 4 dividend increases from the Apple (AAPL), Royal Bank of Canada (RY), Kinder Morgan (KMI), and General Dynamics (GD).  The increases range from about 3% to 10%.

In addition, I have received one dividend halt/pause/suspension from the Gap (GPS) and Dunkin Brands (DNKN). These are not a huge positions for me, and I will hold, but it is annoying. DNKN should especially be able to return to form once this crisis is over.  Total lost forward 12 month income stands at: $27.74 (approx. 1.58% of taxable income)

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

May:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward.

Next month should produce around $350 in dividends, which is a 8% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

Hope everyone has a May that is better than April.
- Dividend Gremlin
- Long all stock tickers

April 2020 Buys

Still at Home Gremlin here to talk about my buys for this past month.  Wow, almost two full months of being in lock down and for all I know we might still just be in the beginning.  It certainly is a trying thing, especially with young kids at home - sadly, I have not really picked up any new languages or cool skills.  However, I have discovered at least one new podcast that I enjoy and we are spending less money.  Silver linings...

So the question is will the market tank again or take a rocket ride directly into the sun?  No one really knows, but it is clear that the effects of both this virus and its lock down are not fully known yet.  Indeed the only consequences I would bet on are the unintended ones.  That said, I keep improving my positions because the future is now!

No purchase or account fees were paid this month (* indicates a new position, which will be discussed below):

Taxable:
BMO - 3 shares @ $49.56 / share ($148.68 total), $8.1 income added [approx. $CAD]
DNKN - 1 share @ $54.99 / share, $1.61 income added
EV - 3 shares @ $30.41 / share ($91.23 total), $4.5 income added
GD - 1 shares @ $133.23 / share , $4.40 income added
NNN - 2 shares @ $31.14 / share ($62.28 total), $4.12 income added
Total Invested = $490.37
Annual Income Added (AIA) = $22.73

Roth:
AROW - 1 share @ $27.72 / share, $1.44 income added
Total Invested = $27.72
AIA = $1.44

Standard IRA:
FLIC- 2 shares @ $14.72 / share ($29.44 total), $1.44 income added
Total Invested = $29.44
AIA = $1.44

Totals:
Invested = $547.53
AIA = $25.61

*New Positions:
None.

I will update my portfolio page at the end of the month.

What do you think of these companies?

- Gremlin
- Long all tickers mentioned

IRA to Roth Conversion Part #3

Retirement Gremlin back to talk about the long term process I am undertaking to slowly convert my IRA holdings to Roth.  This is the third 'backdoor' account conversion I have initiated.  I decided to take advantage of the economy, our down income (wife taking school year off for the 2nd child), and our general tax situation.  My first conversion and the underlying strategy can be found here.

Strategy: to avoid unnecessary taxable events, I will move around 1 to 2 "positions" a year.  At this rate I will be able to move the whole IRA to my Roth by the time I am 59. This is of course to maximize growth and minimize taxes.

Process: Since my accounts are all at the same brokerage, I can for no fee transfer single positions after a few mouse clicks.

Part 3:

For my third conversion I moved my entire position in WELL (30 shares - $1218 value). With this conversion, I am effectively moving $104.40 in forward dividends from my SEP IRA to my ROTH accounts.  The initial cost on the shares was a little over $2100 and their recent high was $3000 in value; so I feel like long term this was a good move.  The income in a Roth is always more powerful than a regular IRA.

Part 4 will happen next calendar year.

All changes will be reflected in my portfolio at the end of the month.

- Gremlin
- Long WELL

March Review / April Preview 2020

Quarantined Gremlin here for an update on March.  We have been mostly holed up for three weeks now, only venturing around for fresh air, exercise, and the occasional medical or grocery need.  Mentally, doing this with little kids is exhausting; so those of you without better take advantage and all of you better come out of this healthy and speaking like 1 new language + have some other trivial knowledge base.  I will continue to buy stocks, but I am looking for high quality positions from here on out only.  In the meantime, everyone stay sane out there.  This crisis will not last forever, eventually things will return to the new normal.

March:

This month I added shares to eight positions in my accounts, including new positions in Cisco Systems (CSCO) and Medtronic PLC (MDT).

Last month I brought in a total of $504.43 in dividends ($217.82 taxable, $122.20 Roth, and $164.41 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($429.57 total) by 17%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 12 dividend increases from the Archer Daniel's Midland (ADM), Amgen (AGMN), Canadian National Railway (CNI), Dominion Power (D), Dunkin Brands (DNKN), Eaton Corp. (ETN), 3M (MMM), Waste Management (WM), YUM! Brands (YUM), Corning (GLW), Prudential (PRU), and T. Rowe Price (TROW). The increases range from just about 1.5% to 10+%. This brings my total raises to 17 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 6 dividend increases from the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM), Coca Cola (KO), Realty Income (O), TD Bank (TD), WalMart (WMT), and Kimberly Clark (KMB).  The increases range from 0.2% to 7%.

In addition, I have received one dividend halt/pause/suspension from the Gap (GPS).  This is not a huge position for me, and I will hold, but it is annoying.  I think this will become a wider spread item, and I will continue to hold, but remember this going forward after the crisis abates.

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

April:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward. I will also take advantage of the low prices and move some shares from my IRA to my Roth.

Next month should produce around $123 in dividends, which is a 20% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

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

March 2020 Buys

Work From Home Gremlin here to talk about my buys for this past month.  It has now been almost two weeks since I have done anything outside my house besides go for some runs and some walks (so all that is missing for me is mainly work and 1 weekly social activity).  My wife, son, and I are not in high risk groups for COVID-19, but my daughter has a heart condition.  Due to that we are being extra cautious, even though I suspect this condition will likely not affect her.  That said her surgeons and doctors are all 40+ years old, so anything we can do to end this sooner is better for her regardless.  Honestly, this virus in someways is a "welcome to our world" sort of scenario for everyone else.  Once your knuckles start to bleed from hand washing and look like you were in a bare-knuckle boxing match - you'll start to get it.

So apart from the general lock down situations, the market has been awesomely irrational.  Some companies have eliminated or frozen dividends and buybacks due to the need to preserve capital.  The ending of buybacks should strike people as particularly interesting given that those were getting ramped up when share prices were super high... if there is anytime (in general) for buybacks it is right now with all the cheap stock flying around.  Additionally, the market and underlying index funds are massively in flux, which means good opportunities for the long haulers like me (and you if you've read this far).  Anyways, enough talk, what did I buy?

No purchase or account fees were paid this month (* indicates a new position, which will be discussed below):

Taxable:
BMO - 2 shares @ $42.15 / share ($84.29 total), $5.4 income added [approx. $CAD]
CM - 1 share @ $53.93 / share ($53.93 total), $3.71 income added [approx. $CAD]
CSCO* - 5 shares @ $36.97 / share ($184.83 total), $7.2 income added
EV - 2 shares @ $28.76 / share ($57.52 total), $3 income added
MDT* - 2 shares @ $75.95 / share ($151.90 total), $4.32 income added
NNN - 2 shares @ $34.47 / share ($68.95 total), $4.12 income added
SBUX - 1 share @ $55.86 / share ($55.86 total), $1.68 income added
Total Invested = $631.57
Annual Income Added (AIA) = $36.63

Roth:
CSCO* - 3 shares @ $36.84 / share ($110.53 total) $4.32 income added
Total Invested = $97.23
AIA = $4.32

Standard IRA:
FLIC- 9 shares @ $19.47 / share ($175.23 total), $6.48 income added
Total Invested = $175.23
AIA = $6.48

Totals:
Invested = $904.03
AIA = $47.43

*New Positions:
CSCO - Cisco Systems is one of the more stable tech stocks out there, and their offerings rang from hardware to software such as Webex.  This shutdown is showing that some arms of industry can continue to function, in large part thanks to companies like CSCO.  Right now they are showing their value and that they are a definite part of the future.  Plus they're cheap right now.

MDT - I have wanted to own Medtronic now for at least 5 years.  This is a stock that is never cheap and always producing.  I have always like companies with at least some exposure to the medical device industry, and of all the times this seems to be an appropriate one to acquire shares in a company like MDT.  My only regret was I was not able to grab more shares.

I will update my portfolio page at the end of the month.

What do you think of these companies?

- Gremlin
- Long all tickers mentioned

February Review, March Preview 2020

What a Month Gremlin.  My family insurance has already surpassed my out of pocket insurance max for healthcare.  This is what can happen when you have kids who need the occasional hospital visit.  Anyways, between that and a leak in my upstairs shower, it has been an eventful month.  However, there is always hope - with warm days rolling in there will be more chances to get outside and get fresh air (with some allergy meds in my system of course).

Internationally, it looks like a recession might be starting.  I have felt for a while now that all that was needed was a spark, that this economic boom is missing a segment of the population, and you never know what will spark a slow down.  Maybe this virus is the spark, only time will tell.  For the record I do work with respirators regularly, and I can assure you they are not really effective if you haven't been taught how to use them.  So that said, I hope everyone is able to buy your future income at a discount and please do stay safe (and wash your damn hands)!

February:

This month I added shares to six positions in my accounts.

Last month I brought in a total of $349.18 in dividends ($119.67 taxable, $89.61 Roth, and $139.80 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($286.21 total) by 22%.  In addition, I received a $75 special dividend from MSM, and I am counting that as a special capital return.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 3 raises from Bank of Montreal (BMO), Realty Income (O), AT&T (T), and Abbott Labs (ABT). The increases range from just about 2% to 12.5%. This brings my total raises to 5 for 2020.

Next month I will realize 12 dividend increases from the Archer Daniel's Midland (ADM), Amgen (AGMN), Canadian National Railway (CNI), Dominion Power (D), Dunkin Brands (DNKN), Eaton Corp. (ETN), 3M (MMM), Waste Management (WM), YUM! Brands (YUM), Corning (GLW), Prudential (PRU), and T. Rowe Price (TROW).  The increases range from 1.5% to 10+%.

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

March:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will continue to make rolling purchases going forward.

Next month should produce around $480 in dividends, which is a 11% YOY increase.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

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

February 2020 Buys

No Time Gremlin here to talk about my buys for this past month.  The world is nuts at least if you read the news, or if you're living my life.  My big life news is we are deciding where to have our daughter's next (and hopefully last) major heart surgery.  It likely will be all the way across the country at a specialized program.  Could the surgery be done here, yes?  But not to the same quality level with exceptional level of outcomes out west.  I know this will likely be a proverbial kick to the balls for our financial independence, but as we are talking life and death I believe the extra expense is worth it.

Anyways, the march forward continues and the market looks like it has decided to readjust itself (unfortunately thanks to a potential pandemic). Regardless, time to take advantage of Mr. Market.

No purchase or account fees were paid this month. I added shares of the following companies by account (* indicates a new position, which will be discussed below):

Taxable:
B** - 0.367 shares bought for $26.31 (DRIP), $0.46 income added
KR - 4 shares @ $27.53 / share ($110.12 total), $2.56 income added
KTB - 2 shares @ $38.41 / share ($76.81 total), $4.48 income added
Total Invested = $582.28
Annual Income Added (AIA) = $7.5

Roth:
AROW - 2 shares @ $35.11 / share ($70.23 total), $2.08 income added
GLW - 1 share @ $27, $0.88 income added
Total Invested = $97.23
AIA = $2.96

Standard IRA:
FLIC- 6 shares @ $23.02 / share ($138.11 total), $4.32 income added
Total Invested = $138.11
AIA = $4.32

Totals:
Invested = $938.06
AIA = $13.34

*New Positions:
None.

I will update my portfolio page at the end of the month.

What do you think of these companies?

- Gremlin
- Long all tickers mentioned

January Review, February Preview 2020

End of the Season Gremlin here to talk about the first two months of the new year.  This past weekend was the Super Bowl and of course I am cheering for the most important thing - excellent pregame chips and dip!

Getting back to reality, January was a decent start to the year and February will build on that momentum.  I do anticipate a little bit of a slow down in terms of fresh capital as we adjust to one income until August.  However, that does not mean investment will stop nor that new capital won't to flow into my accounts.  As always my focus is on my taxable account, because that is the real financial independence engine.  So with all that, lets see how I did.

January:

This month I added shares to four positions, including one new position, in my account.

Last month I brought in a total of $123.57 in dividends ($98.59 taxable, $10.00 Roth, and $14.98 in my IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($109.56 total) by 12%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized 2 raises from  Realty Income (O) and Eastman Chemical (EMN). The increases range from just about 1% to more than 17%. This brings my total raises to 2 for 2020.

Next month I will realize three dividend increases from the Bank of Montreal (BMO), Realty Income (O), AT&T (T), and Abbott Labs (ABT).  The increases range from 2% to 12.5% (thanks ABT!).

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

February:

The mortgage continues and I am putting extra cash towards the principal monthly - not a huge number, but every little bit counts. Our debts currently outstrip our assets, because I consider our house a liability and NOT an asset.

I will be doing rolling purchases going forward, expect the buys to come in faster now.

Next month should produce around $420 in dividends, which is a 45+% YOY increase. It should be noted a big portion of this is from a special dividend of $5/share from MSM, which will be counted separately.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

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

January 2020 Buys

Post Holiday Gremlin here to give you my January 2020 buy updates. Time flies when you have kids and not much else to do.  I have been slacking on my working out due to life's requirements, but things are looking up.  My work place just opened up a new gym, free for all who work in my building.  Time to start crushing some iron / running some miles again.  Now back to the financial Independence.  This was a lighter month, and the next few will be too.  We have a bit of a home repair issue plus only my income is still our only one in the house.  This time though is special with the little kids, so its not worth griping over - even though those kids are a lot of work!

No purchase or account fees were paid this month. I added shares of the following companies by account (* indicates a new position, which will be discussed below):

Taxable:
B** - 3.12 shares bought for $210.84 (employee discount), $3.37 income added
EVR - 2 shares @ $75 / share ($150 total), $4.68 income added
KR - 4 shares @ $28.63 / share ($114.53 total), $2.56 income added
NNN - 2 shares @ $53.46 / share ($106.91 total), $4.12
Total Invested = $582.28
Annual Income Added (AIA) = $14.73

Roth:
None purchased.

Standard IRA:
None purchased.

Totals:
Invested = $938.06
AIA = $14.73

*New Positions:
NNN - National Retail Properties.  This is my second REIT in my taxable account.  NNN will be a support type position for my primary REIT, O (Realty Income).  I like the mix of properties and growth.  The valuation is ok, but its just a starter position for now.

I will update my portfolio page at the end of the month.

What do you think of these companies?

- Gremlin
- Long all tickers mentioned

IRA to Roth IRA Conversion Part 2

Retirement Gremlin here to talk about the long term process I am undertaking to slowly convert my IRA holdings to Roth.  This is the second 'backdoor' account conversion I have initiated.  My first conversion and the underlying strategy can be found here.

Strategy: to avoid unnecessary taxable events, I will move around 1 to 2 "positions" a year.  At this rate I will be able to move the whole IRA to my Roth by the time I am 59. This is of course to maximize growth and minimize taxes.

Process: Since my accounts are all at the same brokerage, I can for no fee transfer single positions after a few mouse clicks.

Part 2:

For my second conversion I moved my entire position in CVS (25 shares - $1876 value) and part of my position in MMM (5 shares - $882.10 value). With this conversion, I am effectively moving $78.80 in forward dividends from my SEP IRA to my ROTH accounts.

Part 3 will happen next calendar year.

All changes will be reflected in my portfolio at the end of the month.

- Gremlin
- Long CVS and MMM