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