Wednesday, January 31, 2018

January Review / February Review, 2018

Relaxed Gremlin / Winter Gremlin here to discuss this past month.  I am grateful for the holidays and massive amount of birthdays to be over.  It is a good time to look forward to a new year, one where the little dude starts moving (and probably talking back), and one where our savings and financial side will be pressed to flourish.  My wife will not be making any meaningful income for at least 8 more months, which means that we need to be smarter than ever.  So far, we are off to a good start, and I predict we will only do better as the year progresses.  So far my personal spending has almost dropped off a cliff, and I will do my part to keep us marching towards financial freedom.

January:

This month I made one purchase, adding Dominion Energy (D) to my taxable account.

Last month I brought in a total of $74.41 in dividends ($65.41 taxable, $9 Roth, and $0 IRA).  This is an increase from last year ($67.05 total) by 10.9%.  My new investment in Leggett and Platt (LEG) pushed my dividend growth inspite of the General Electric (GE) dividend cut.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized* two this month from from Realty Income (O) and Disney (DIS).  The raises range from 0.2% to 11%.  These are first two increases of 2018, added to that is one cut of 50% from GE.

Next month I will realize four raises from O, Abbott Labs (ABT), AT & T (T), and Omega Healthcare (OHI).  The increases range from 1% to about 5%.

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

February:

The mortgage continues, so at least part of our 'rent' counts towards our house. Our debts currently outstrip our assets.  Outside of our house, we still have very low interest auto debt (1.9 and 1.5% for our cars).  Both my car and house are receiving slightly out-sized payments monthly.  We are effectively eliminating debt, while still building and assets.  Even with a new Gremlin in the lair. This is a long game, and I am nothing if not patient.

My next buy will likely be in March.

Next month should produce around $219 in dividends, which is a 0% YOY increase.  Several holdings are transitioning to paying in the 3rd month of the quarter from the second, which may impact my numbers on the surface, but not from an annual perspective.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

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

11 comments:

  1. Gremlin, I added to my position in D earlier this month too. Friday they announced a dividend increase. Hope they keep it going for us. Tom

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    1. Tom,

      Thanks for the comment. Yes I saw the D increase and am excited to realize it in March. It is my first payout from them, so its extra sweet.

      - Gremlin

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  2. All of the stocks you mentioned are also on my Stock Buy list. Congrats on your monthly income!

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  3. Grem, January is a weaker month for me too, but hey $74 is definitely something to be proud of. Keep up the great work!

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    1. MH,

      I agree, January has never been a strong month for me, but it is still cash in hand!

      - Gremlin

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  4. Hey, Gremlin. Any YoY increase sounds good to me. Almost 11% is even better. Looks like you'll be getting a good jump in February, too. Plus, dividend raises seem to be all the rage these days. You've realized a couple already, but here's to even more to come.

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    1. ED,

      Indeed raises are all the rage these days - already a bunch have been announced! Thanks for the comment.

      - Gremlin

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  5. Hey Gremlin, not a bad increase y/y and you'll get to a point soon where you'll be seeing $100+ months to start the year!

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    1. TitM,

      That is the goal my friend! $100, then $200 , etc. per month. Thanks for the comment.

      - Gremlin

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  6. There it is Gremlin Love the start to the year here. You'll close in on $100 in the first month of each quarter here shortly. Keep it up my friend and keep on pushing forward!

    Bert

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    1. Bert,

      Thanks for the comment. $100 is the definite short term goal, getting that monthly and annual average up!

      - Gremlin

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