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