FI3000

The goal is a retirement portfolio net worth of $1,000,000 and an annual passive income of $40,000. We are currently mortgage free but won’t be including the value of our principal residence or cottage as we have no plans to sell either. We have also omitted the value of our workplace defined benefit pension plans and our children’s RESPs. Well I wasn’t able to contribute any new capital this month as we’ve been on a little bit of a spending spree recently. We spend around $1,200 on travelling this month as well as bought some expensive water toys (kayaks, paddle boards etc…) for the cottage. It’s always a battle to balance my love of frugality with the rest of my family’s love for stuff…but I digress. Some positive news is that our retirement portfolio net worth has finally broken the $500,000 mark.   It took a while to get here but barring any major market catastrophes I’m still on track to reach my goal of being a millionaire by  2025. ASSETS June Contributions:...

Well we basically treaded water this month with a measly $3,335 increase to the retirement portfolio. We have a few vacation related expenses coming up in June but I'm hopeful that we'll still be able to contribute at least a few thousand towards the retirement account as we have a healthy cash position in our saving account. I'm also considering initiating a position in either Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP.UN) or Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP). I'm also really looking forward to breaking the $500,000 retirement networth. I know it's more psychological than anything else but it gives me a sense of comfort to know that we in theory have half a million dollars of assets just sitting in the closet. ASSETS May Contributions: $2625 Retirement Portfolio: $487,708 (up $1317 -$1,308 stock market loss + $2625 contribution) Rental Property #1: $105,000 (lowest estimated selling price) Rental Property #2: $155,000 (purchase price) Total Ret...

Well in these crazy markets a month can certainly make a difference in a retirement portfolio. In March I was down $11,000 however, fast forward a month and I'm up almost $17,000. I didn't buy or sell any positions in April but did manage to move $4000 from our savings into our retirement account. I'm hoping to add another couple of thousand in May as long as there aren't any unforeseen house or vehicle repairs. ASSETS April Contributions: $4000 Retirement Portfolio: $486,391 (up $10,986 stock market gain + $4000 contribution) Rental Property #1: $105,000 (lowest estimated selling price) Rental Property #2: $155,000 (purchase price) Total Retirement Assets: $746,391  (up $14,986) LIABILITIES: Investment Loan: $25,933 (down $1,005) Rental Property Loan #1: $73,911 (down $502) Rental Property Loan #2: $153,289 (down $459) Total Liabilities: $253,134 (down $1,966) Retirement Portfolio Net Worth: $493,257 (up $16,952) Dividends Receiv...

Well March was another major down month for us. Our stock market holdings dropped $13,056 and we withdrew $500 for a major vehicle repair. I've been investing since the late 90' so I've learned to ignore a lot of the noise of the market. I've ridden out both the tech crash and the financial crisis of 2008.  Although our stock market losses have been huge over the last couple of months I haven't sold anything. The majority of my holdings are fairly stable blue chips so if anything I'll be adding to those holdings as funds become available. Generally, my holding period is forever and I'm confident that like every other stock market crisis this one too will pass. In 10 years from now when you look back on the charts this will be just another small blip.  I'm also going to continue with the plan I outlined last month to reduce the amount of holdings that I own. My goal is to continue to maintain my average return of approx. 12% a year. ASSETS M...

Well this certainly wasn’t a bragging month for me. Overall my retirement portfolio was down a whopping $7,300 due to the correction in the markets. Although that number seems large it only represents about 1.5% of my stock market assets.  I’m currently in the process of revamping my portfolio as my annual returns have been slowly creeping down. The main cause of this is that over the years I’ve accumulated too many holding to generate much (if any) alpha. I’ve basically created my own index fund. Additionally, as the portfolio has grown I’m finding it hard to be very nimble as a 5% position is now close to $25,000 which would take me approx a year to save up. As a result, whenever opportunities arise I’m only able to take a 1 to 2% position which really isn’t enough to move the needle.  So, in the coming months I’m going to be reviewing my portfolio and either divesting, or adding to any of my positions that represent less than 2% of my portfolio. I expect this process ...

Well we basically just treated water this month. No new contributions were made as most of my time and effort was spent getting our second rental house fixed up and on the market. Other than my free time I spent a grand total of about $3000 renovating the house. Well… the work paid off and I have a tenant who will begin renting it Feb 1 (today!). So hopefully, the cash outflows will stop and the house will start paying for itself. As far as the stock market goes, I was basically even for the month. I sold 2 of my higher yielding more interest sensitive REITs and picked up some NWL for a long term hold. The numbers are below. ASSETS Jan Contributions: $0 Retirement Portfolio: $493,737 (down $3,651 stock market loss) Rental Property #1: $105,000 (lowest estimated selling price) Rental Property #2: $155,000 (purchase price) Total Retirement Assets: $753,737 (down $3651) LIABILITIES: Investment Loan: $28,943 (down $1498) Rental Property Loan #1: $75,439 (dow...

Well I've sold a few of my small cap interest sensitive REITs over the last couple of weeks and put that money to use on this American giant.   "Newell Brands is an American worldwide marketer of consumer and commercial products with a portfolio of brands including Rubbermaid food storage, home organization and reusable container products; Contigo and Bubba water bottles; Coleman outdoor products; Diamond matches; Sharpie, Expo Markers, PaperMate, Dymo, Elmer's, Krazy Glue, Mr. Sketch, Parker Pens, Uniball, Prismacolor, Rotring, Xacto, Waterman, Berol stationery products; Bicycle and Bee Playing Cards; Aprica, Nuk, Tigex, Babysun, Baby Jogger and Graco children's products; First Alert alarm systems; Calphalon cookware and kitchen electrics; Sunbeam, Rival, Crock-Pot, Holmes, FoodSaver, Oster, Osterizer, Mr. Coffee small kitchen appliances; Yankee Candle candles; Jostens custom memorabilia; and Goody hair care accessories."   Here's why I thought it wa...