February Review / March Preview, 2019

Excited Gremlin here to talk about the past and future months.  So far 2019 is shaping up handsomely.  Personally, its been equally rewarding with excellent opportunities popping up at work, fun at home, and with dividends.  The opportunities come from trying and taking chances - one of the best lines I have ever heard is "50% of the battle is showing up," which is beyond true.  Its amazing how many things happen just be giving something a shot.  On the home front Lil Gremlin has been a riot, and his rascally personality, is pay-per-view level entertainment.  If only everything was as funny to me as it seems to be to him.

Meanwhile in the real world some hilarious articles have come out, specifically this one on Vice.  The article offers a very interesting perspective on something I take for granted, but seems to miss the point.  Dovetailing with that article is one that is this gem from the Atlantic.  In a way it seems to vindicate the Vice one - where the cycle of spend, earn, live, repeat and unending progress seem to be the order of the day until you are retired because your fingers are unable to type.  As a person who generally dislikes religion, I found the Atlantic one very interesting and completely disagree with it in the sense that it applies to me.  Happiness is my goal, and I am not defined only by my work.  Also of interest to me was this find about social media is the new opium of the people.  These eschewing of saving, dedication to work, and temporary enjoyment (beyond what you need to keep the train on the rails) all clearly intertwine.  That being said I am writing a blog... so let's cut to the chase, show me the money.

February:

This month I made one purchase, acquiring shares of Canadian National Railway (CNI) in my taxable account.

Last month I brought in a total of $286.21 in dividends ($71.23 taxable, $66.1 Roth, and $148.88 IRA).  This is an increase from last year (233.83 total) by 22%.

In terms of dividend increases, I realized* five raises from the Bank of Montreal (BMO), one from my employer (Bºº), AT&T (T), Abbott Labs (ABT), and Deere Co. (DE).  The increases are from about 2% to about 21%.  I have now realized 7 raises thus far this year.

Next month I will realize eleven (11!) raises from the Archer Daniel's Midland (ADM), Amgen (AMGN), CNI, Dominion Energy (D), Dunkin Brands (DNKN), Union Pacific (UNP), Waste Management (WM), YUM! Brands (YUM), Prudential (PRU), 3M (MMM), and T. Rowe Price (TROW).  The increases are from about 4% to about 15%+.  I will also realize one cut of approximately 33% by Kraft-Heinz (KHC).

* 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 a little extra cash towards the principal monthly - 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).  I should be able to pay off my car soon thanks to my tax windfall related to home ownership and having a child - which is a nice silver lining.  Debt is being eliminated, and we are still building and assets.

My next purchase will be in March, which will make for 9 consecutive months of buys across all accounts.

Next month should produce around $426 in dividends, which is a 12% YOY increase, even with KHC's shenanigans.

My portfolio page is currently up to date.

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