Fort McMurray devastation had no hard effect on the TSX, at least for now

What's going on in Fort McMurray right now seem to be so unreal. Its really sad that a place that been know for being a rich paradise for workers had turn into a fucking living hell. I am from New Brunswick and when you are from New Brunswick, you know for sure people how had been in Fort McMurray, made money and went back, or are currently living there. A lot of New Brunswickers went down West for jobs. And it was almost my case. While job searching many years ago, I was offered a secretary job in Alberta, in a real estate agency. I don't remember in which city it was. Anyway, I didn't go, and I don't have any regrets, especially now.

It seem like Fort McMurray sad events don't have any current effects over the TSX. I estimate my net worth to be of at least $156 000, which is strange, in many ways, because I am at my highest ever. Its not slowing down at work, I even have to do plenty of extra hours just to be able to make it. Seem to me like I will still be working full-time for at least the next 2 to 3 years ahead. I really need to be working full-time until I hit 40.

 

Its unfortunately in time like these that I congrad myself for not being a homeowner. When you get out of work and that your home is being destroyed, you can only rely on the money that you had put aside. Those who didn't made any savings are getting hurt very badly. They cannot fly away whenever its possible and relocated very easily. It doesn't worth it to have expensive furniture and have so many clothes that you don't have enough of a wardrobe to put all your stuff in. In modern days, less is more. Home and material things can be destroyed, but money and stocks remain yours, no matter what.

Welcome in my TFSA portfolio Andrew Peller Ltd (ADW.B)!

I didn't get the chance to blog about it, but I got my tax income done and completed about 2-3 weeks ago. For 2015, I made more than $65 000. I did a lot of overtime at work and I declare all of those extra working hours. I just had an extra $28 to pay back to Quebec province. And I am waiting a return of about $80 from the federal. I had a better life when I was earning half of that amount. I can get really frustrated over work and all of that overtime may be good for my pay, but its just not good for me. With all that money earn in 2015, I am finally about to welcome a new investment in my portfolio. I just place an order to buy some stocks of Andrew Peller Ltd (ADW.B) for my TFSA.

The weather had been super nice this weekend, making it even more difficult to blog or do anything that request to be in front of a computer for a few hours. With the TSX hitting to a close 14 000 points, things are doing great for my portfolio! I think my net worth could currently be of something like $155 000 right now. Too bad, but I didn't have time to post any portfolio update this weekend.

Check out this adorable YouTube video where you can see Joseph A. Peller himself receiving a kiss on the check from his son at the occasion of the opening of the TSX:

Joseph A. Peller passed away this year. Its his father, Andrew Peller, that started the company.

It seem like Peller wines are not available in Quebec province. Did you know that Wayne Gretzky has his own winery estate? Its actually a brand of Andrew Peller Ltd. You may like to learn more about Andrew PEller by clicking here and also here.

Good results on the TSX

I was quite happy yesterday when I saw that the TSX was closing at almost 14 000 points. The effect on my investment portfolio is showing. I estimated that I currently must be around a $157 000 net worth. 

I just got transferred Hydro One Limited (H) and Barrick Gold Corp (ABX) over my TFSA. I also got transferred $1 500 in cash so I can place my investment in Andrew Peller Limited/Andrew Peller Limitee (ADW.A). I like the name "Andrew Peller". The company is now at its third generation.

Its just too bad that Prince had to die when all those good things are happening.

Contribution in kind for my TFSA

If you taught that holding on to a $137 000 and something as non-registered portfolio was amazing, well you haven't seen nothing yet! My non-registered closed today session at $138 598.27. Highest ever! Hot hot hot! Sooo very close to 140k.

These days, the market is on my side and everything is simply amazing. I just keep beating over and over again my highest value... These times are great. I decided it was time to do something for my TFSA. I just transferred both Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM) investments that I hold inside my non-registered into my TFSA. It make a contribution of about 2k. And I have left more than 20k in TFSA contribution room. 

Another investment that I have in mind for another TFSA contribution in kind is Hydro One Limited (H) and Barrick Gold Corp (ABX). Following what, I hope to place a brand new investment in Andrew Peller Limited/Andrew Peller Limitee (ADW.A). 

I don't know if the markets will keep on that heaven road, but it feel good to be again on top of the game. The 200k net worth is not too far away. And during those wonderful times, Justin Trudeau is selling arms to Saudi Arabia. What is doing the NPD to stop that? We keep rolling and go to work, enjoy the markets like if nothing was wrong.

A new comer for my investment portfolio: Andrew Peller Limited/Andrew Peller Limitee (ADW.A)

Money is in the booze baby!

:-)

It seem like my $150 000 net worth is here to stay. My non-registered portfolio closed Friday session at $137 569.81. I now hold to $416.08 in cash inside my TFSA. I am in no hurry to place my next investment even if I should. I didn't invest in something new in a very long time. But no matter what, my portfolio value just keep going strong.

I guess you may had heard, Eric Sprott is back on the spotlight for investing in silver mine. But fact is, you know when Eric Sprott invest in something, but as soon he wil be selling, the stock price will drop and voilà. Its too risky. He may still be investing and playing with millions, but Eric Sprott is not the kind of investor you want to follow if you want to make money out of the stock market. Sprott make money by being a gambler, not an investor. I had a quick look at the mining company he's promoting, but no thank you. I already burn myself by investing in some Eric Sprott shit so I will pass on this one.

I prefer to invest in some stuff that I can trust and that I won't be scare losing my money in. My portfolio is large and invested in all kind of stuff that catch my interest over the years. Its getting harder to get something new in my portfolio because it appear to me that everything interesting is already in there. But nope, its not the case! There's always something interesting hiding somewhere on the stock market!

One my favorite alcoholic juice is Andres Fine Old Apera - it drink itself like juice with good booze,  its tasty and good. This Canadian Sherry is so very good. Its so good that I once check on the company that own it: Andrew Peller Limited/Andrew Peller Limitee (ADW.A). ADW.A is a family owned company with an interesting history.  

Andrew Peller Limited chart is sky rocking - exactly what I need for my portfolio. At not even 1.6%, the dividend yield is tiny little, however, because of the value it could bring in to my already good looking portfolio, I may finally move forward.

Welcoming a brand new $150 000 net worth

I hope you all had an Happy Easter. Mine was spent in New Brunswick. The weather was terrible on Friday Easter. While being stuck inside with nothing much to do, I did some cleaning in my old student stuff, like student loan papers that I no longer have to keep because the loans are now paid, etc. So many useless papers! I kept a few books and most of my courses paper because I didn't want to throw away that stuff. Overall, it has been a massive cleaning exercise that kept me busy for most part of the weekend and I am not even done with it. I still have a few boxes that I didn't look at and I have no ideas what can be in them... It will be a surprise for my next vacation in New Brunswick. Here in Montreal, I am pretty good at keeping just what I need partly because my apartment is small. Its crazy the number of papers we can accumulate on the long run.

At $137 020, my non-registered portfolio is still going strong. I am actually at one of my highest in a very long time! And its quite exciting because I found out today that my net worth is now of a great $150 760.97! It could even a bit more, but I didn't add the $1 600 of my banking account because it soon be gone on rent and credit card payment. No matter what, I am currently sitting on a $150 000 net worth! I wasn't expecting it to be so soon. Now, I can think of my first $200 000! Those are all very exciting and wonderful things. Its kind of funny that I reached $150 000 in net worth on April 1, but this is not an April fool, I promise!

In result, and to begin a new month the right way, I decided to pay a closer look at my expenses so I may place my next investment. I didn't invest in nothing new in quite sometimes. I still have thousands available in contribution room for my TFSA, which is a shame. I have left more than $24 000 left on my margin, transferring non-registered investment over to my TFSA is just the perfect time. I am looking for stocks with a low value increased so I won't have too much to pay in capital gains. Currently, my investments in Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM), Hydro One Limited (H) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) are good candidates for TFSA contribution in kinds.

My debt situation on date of April 1, 2016

$64 686.41 at 4.25% (margin money coming from my broker account) = 

$2 749.18 in annual interest

[In date of April 1, 2016]

My investment portfolio on date of April 1, 2016

On date of April 1, 2016:

Non registered Investments:
Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Timminco (TIMNF): $0.26
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $7 086.23
Blue Note Mining Inc. (BLNMF): $0.01
Hanwei Energy Services (HE): $16.50
Methanex Corporation (MX): $4 272.44
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $4 558.40
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $16 420.12
Just Energy Group Inc. (JE): $6 760.33
Pengrowth Energy Corporation (PGF): $380.01
Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF): $10 283
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 221.56
Davis + Henderson Corporation (DH): $8 322.60
Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH): $25 238.85
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 686.32
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 425.50
Horizons Gold Yield Fund (HGY): $1 135.18
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $3 599.64
Colabor Group Inc. (GCL): $99.96
TMX Group Inc. (X): $376.08
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $4 400
Westshore Terminals Invest Corp (WTE): $3 565.90
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $117.80
First Majestic Silver Corp (FR): $843
Kinross Gold Corp (K): $682.52
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 239.25
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $7 297.20
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $1 380.40
Agrium Inc. (AGU): $2 994.16
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 528.38
Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG): $377.52
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $2 289.60
Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI): $104.25
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 205
Cineplex Inc. (CGX): $1 239.50
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $710
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 306.80
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $948.80
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 635.60
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 121.80
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 570.10
Loblaw Companies (L): $869.04
Lumenpulse Inc. (LMP): $812.50
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM): $1 463.25 
Hydro One Limited (H): $2 435

TOTAL: $137 020.36

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Sprott Physical Silver Trust ET (PSLV): $954.56
Cash: $4.12

TOTAL: $958.68 US ($1 250.79 CAN)

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
EnerCare Inc. (ECI): $45.81
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $14.35
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $1 614.90
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $930.30
Precious Metals and Mining Trust (MMP.UN): $384.56
Sprott Inc. (SII): $2 628.85
Data Group Inc. (DGI): $13.96
AltaGas Ltd (ALA): $973.50
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 440
National Bank of Canada (NA): $980.03
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $3 243.20
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $6 331.85
Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC): $514.80
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $2 443.50 
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1 178.70
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $1 872
Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB): $950.20
The North West Company Inc. (NWC): $1 444.50

Cash:$395.96

TOTAL: $27 400.97

RSP investment portfolio:
iShares Gold Bullion Fund (CGL): $3 647.02
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $11 953.60
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $851.04
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $538.30
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 682.70
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $887.50
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $4 744
Telus Corp (T): $2 105
Stantec Inc. (STN): $1 035.20
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $3 600
Cash: $399 

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund: $681.70
CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund: $439.65
CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $1 228.75 

Energy and Base Metals Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $577.30
Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.45

GIC National Bank: $1 305.54

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1412.78
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 167.26 
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 161.52
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 195.72
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 030.84 

Other various: $7 593.39

TOTAL: $49 740.26

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35 Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$215 447.38

The very fabulous Dividend Girl

Ever since I return from Varadero, Cuba, my portfolio is going all the way up up up! My portfolio is now at $210 072.35. This leave me a net worth of $145 014.45. Having a financial blog is probably the best way to keep track of your "money" progress - start one now! According to my very own blog, I began the year 2014 with a net worth of $101 172.99. This is an increase of $43 839 in less than 2 years. I haven't invest much in the recent years, so some of my old stuff are performing well!

I would like to have a net worth of 150k for my 36th birthday. Even beautiful investors are getting older.

My investment portfolio on date of March 11, 2016

On date of March 11, 2016:

Non registered Investments:
Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Timminco (TIMNF): $0.26
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $7 034.25
Blue Note Mining Inc. (BLNMF): $0.01
Hanwei Energy Services (HE): $16.50
Methanex Corporation (MX): $4 754.48
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $4 500.16
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $16 404.03
Just Energy Group Inc. (JE): $6 666.48
Pengrowth Energy Corporation (PGF): $310.70
Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF): $10 602.62
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 269.96
Davis + Henderson Corporation (DH): $8 056.40
Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH): $23 073.05
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 583.60
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 391.62
Horizons Gold Yield Fund (HGY): $1 160.50
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $3 186
Colabor Group Inc. (GCL): $100.98
TMX Group Inc. (X): $354.88
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $4 295
Westshore Terminals Invest Corp (WTE): $3 238.85
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $140.60
First Majestic Silver Corp (FR): $759
Kinross Gold Corp (K): $590.41
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 187.75
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $7 181.10
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $1 432.20
Agrium Inc. (AGU): $1 980.54
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 491.84
Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG): $402.60
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $2 330.94
Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI): $128.75
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 171.25
Cineplex Inc. (CGX): $1 245.25
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $738
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 267.86
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $1 010
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 567.60
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 100.40
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 550
Loblaw Companies (L): $845.40
Lumenpulse Inc. (LMP): $714.50
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM): $1 454.40
Hydro One Limited (H): $2 400

TOTAL: $133 775.58

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Sprott Physical Silver Trust ET (PSLV): $949.85
Cash: $4.12

TOTAL: $953.97 US ($1 260.67 CAN)

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
EnerCare Inc. (ECI): $46.95
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $14.35
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $1 631
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $934.50
Precious Metals and Mining Trust (MMP.UN): $382.72
Sprott Inc. (SII): $2 392.79
Data Group Inc. (DGI): $13.96
AltaGas Ltd (ALA): $979.50
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 447
National Bank of Canada (NA): $950.36
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $3 191.60
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $5 941.68
Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC): $520
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $2 344.95
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1 152.60
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $1 905.80
Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB): $951.60
The North West Company Inc. (NWC): $1 569.50 

Cash: $354.10

TOTAL: $26 724.96

RSP investment portfolio:
iShares Gold Bullion Fund (CGL): $3 738.28
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $11 618.80
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $799.20
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $543.67
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 650.60
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $922.50
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $5 050
Telus Corp (T): $2 041.50
Stantec Inc. (STN): $966.40
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $3 665
Cash: $397.70  

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund: $680.92
CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund: $434.01
CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $1 224.51

Energy and Base Metals Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $577.30
Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.45

GIC National Bank: $1 305.54

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 394.44
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 152.95
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 142.77
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 211.20
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 007.25

Other various: $6 249.15

TOTAL: $48 276.14

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35 Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$210 072.35

Overview of my financial situation from April 2015 to now

Yesterday, I update my portfolio holdings and my debt situation. I haven't post a portfolio update since April 2015. At that time, the TSX was showing off at 15 364 points. And of course, my portfolio has hitting on to its highest value ever registered. So for that reason, I of course post a portfolio update at that time. It was kind of an historic moment in my investment life. BUT following that, the market started acting all crazy again and I was no longer on top of my game. In response, I didn't post any investment update ever since. I mostly post an investment update when it strictly play in my only advantage and when I can shine as bright as gold. After all, I invest to make money, not to lose some! I prefer to stay quiet when the markets are volatile.

At 13 212.50 points, the TSX is far behind its old 15 000 marks. However, I was curious to see how good or bad I was overall, so I decided it was time to work on a new portfolio update, it was an emergency. Back in April 2015, my overall portfolio had a $205 871.46 value. On date of March 4, 2016, that value was at... ta-dam... $204 835.23, just a -$1 036.23 off, which is not so bad. As for my margin debt, its about the same as before. I hold about $65 000 in margin debt that I carry on my shoulders without any pain most of the time. Now, imagine what will be the value of my portfolio when the TSX hit back that 15 000 points! If only it could...

It take time, patience and extreme resilient to heal from massive crashes and since 2008, I didn't have it easy. How can a very middle class can even survive in this environment? There's no magic trick, if not to only have confidence in our on choices and power, and to always think that the market will eventually recover. Holding to mostly blue chips can certainly help on the long run.

Back in December 2015, my dividend earnings were at $6 128.80, and its currently of $6 128.97.

Overall, I am just glad that I am stable. Its a release to see that I am not facing big drop anywhere.

My debt on date of March 4, 2016

$65 057.90 at 4.25% (margin money coming from my broker account) = 

$2 764.96 in annual interest

[In date of March 4, 2016]

My investment portfolio on date of March 4, 2016

On date of March 4, 2016:

Non registered Investments:
Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Timminco (TIMNF): $0.24
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $6 720.11 
Blue Note Mining Inc. (BLNMF): $0.01
Hanwei Energy Services (HE): $16.50
Methanex Corporation (MX): $4 738
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $4 396
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $16 127.37
Just Energy Group Inc. (JE): $6 759.54
Pengrowth Energy Corporation (PGF): $298.75
Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF): $10 354.83
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 190
Davis + Henderson Corporation (DH): $8 188.40
Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH): $20 657
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 562.2
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 342.34
Horizons Gold Yield Fund (HGY): $1 166.83
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $2 806.92
Colabor Group Inc. (GCL): $93.84
TMX Group Inc. (X): $347.44
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $4 549
Westshore Terminals Invest Corp (WTE): $3 173.44
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $163.40
First Majestic Silver Corp (FR): $646
Kinross Gold Corp (K): $599.47
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 231
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $7 088.40
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $1 369.48
Agrium Inc. (AGU): $2 985.32
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 444.38
Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG): $396.88
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $2 361.15
Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI): $114.50
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 149
Cineplex Inc. (CGX): $1 247.50
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $731.20
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 264.56
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $934.60
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 572.80
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 073.20
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 550
Loblaw Companies (L): $841.56
Lumenpulse Inc. (LMP): $792.50
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM) : $1 390.50 
Hydro One Limited (H): $2 340

TOTAL: $129 776.16

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Sprott Physical Silver Trust ET (PSLV): $965.55
Cash: $4.12

TOTAL: $969.67

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
EnerCare Inc. (ECI): $47.46
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $12.92
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $1 673.64
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $918.75
Precious Metals and Mining Trust (MMP.UN): $388.24
Sprott Inc. (SII): $2 274.76
Data Group Inc. (DGI): $6.98
AltaGas Ltd (ALA): $991.50
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 460
National Bank of Canada (NA): $904.59
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $3 150.40
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $5 950.80
Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC): $519.60
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $2 255.85 
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1 152 
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $1 930.50 
Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB): $927 
The North West Company Inc. (NWC): $1601

Cash: $349.99

TOTAL: $26 515.98

RSP investment portfolio:
iShares Gold Bullion Fund (CGL): $3 775.46
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $11 398.08
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $788.40
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $557.88
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 609.80
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $914
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $4 673
Telus Corp (T): $1 958.50
Stantec Inc. (STN): $963.84
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $3 712.50
Cash: $397.70  



CIBC Dividend Growth Fund: $665.86
CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund: $430.95
CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $1 207.68

Energy and Base Metals Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $577.30
Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.45

GIC National Bank: $1 305.54

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 558.68
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 156.13
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 146.04
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 379.29
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 007.89

Other various: $6 249.15

TOTAL: $47 538.42

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35 Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$204 835.23

My vacations at Mercure Playa de Oro in Varadero, Cuba - Part 1

I came back from my trip in Varadero last week. Going back to work in the snow, rain and slush was quite rough and it seem like I saw nothing yet because a big snowstorm is about to hit Montreal tonight. My portfolio is doing better now than before I left. My non-registered portfolio is now at a good $130 024.33. I should definitively go to Cuba more often! I have to say, during my week in Varadero, I went to Havana one day and there touch the water from a so call magic water fountain next to a church. And I sadly wish it all about money... but it seem to be working!

Here' the fountain:

I was in a hurry, with a tour guide, and some pictures are... dancing. But its all very authentic.

Vising a communist country where people live poorly and have access to barely nothing was never in my plans, and I am still against the principle, but my mother really wanted to go to Cuba, and I was the only one who could go with her. By visiting massively Cuba, foreigners encourage the current system. Cuban people are just too nice and sweat to begin a revolution and fight against their poor living conditions. They don't know anything else, but they are perfectly aware of what they don't have and don't have access to. This being said, Varadero and Havana seem to me like being 2 very safe place to visit. Cuban are poor, but there's no sign of any aggressiveness in them. They are happy people, but they are struggling to survive and to make ends reach. Havana is very magical and despite everything, I think we should all visit Havana at least one time in our life. I visit once, but it wasn't enough. I would like to spend a 5 days in Havana, maybe for a next trip, now that my portfolio is doing better. 

The good thing about Cuba is that trips in all inclusive resort are cheap. For a 7 days at Mercure Playa the Oro with Air Transat, I pay $929 + an $80 for insurance. So this was quite cheap in my sense. If I would had book one week earlier, I could had pay only something like $850.

My father suffer from severe asthma, so I didn't push for him to go with us. I had no idea how he could react to a hot environment and sincerely, if you are not in perfect health, don't go to Cuba, Mexico or any south destination. Since the environment is not the same, someone who is more vulnerable physically may catch some other type of germs to which him or her could react badly in reason of an existing sensibility. One thing for sure if you go to Havana and anyplace else in Cuba: don't drink any water. Asked for drink with no ice. Eat moderately. Water can be easily replace by Crystal beer or any delicious alcohol at any time of the day while being at the resort. And bring a thermo cup, coffee cup or something similar to keep your drink free of any sand.

I stayed at Mercure Playa de Oro located in Varadero Cuba for one week. The hotel was nice. Our room was actually nicer than the one and a half apartment I have in Montreal. I was in the room 1237. No hotel room was a direct view to the sea, even if the sea is about 5 minutes walk from the hotel. When we enter in the room the first day, a strong humidity smell came out from the room. We quickly open the patio door. After what, I check the bathroom - everything was fine. Toilet and shower in very good conditions, like new. We had a safe in the room, which was descent. The door of the room closed perfectly. We had to leave a towel on the ground while taking out shower because water was going on the bathroom floor, no matter what. There was a lot of humidity. Nothing would dry. We left the patio door open during out stay. Also, probably because of the strong humidity, we had some very small insects on the bathroom sink, but on the bathroom sink only. Not very much, but still noticeable despite being very small, maybe 1 mm. So we never left our toothbrush or anything in the bathroom.

Here are some pictures of the room 1237 of Mercure Playa de Oro:

The safe that work with the room card.

We had a nice TV in our room, we had a US and one French Quebec TV channel. But of course, we didn't watch a lot of TV. We were there for the beach! The beach next to the Mercure Playa the Oro was very nice, very clean. And when we hit the beach, usually, there was one hotel employee who asked were we wanted our chairs and brought it where we wanted. A real princess treatment.

The beach was very beautiful and the sea was nice.

However, there must some days had some beach bugs or something because I had some irritation at some points and I got a few bites on my sexy thighs. I no longer suffer from irritations but my skin is quite dry. During our first few days, it was really windy, I couldn't even wear my cute little beach hat. The sea was quite violent too. At the end of our stay, the earth elements finally became more human.

Brian Gallant is stealing the show at Tout le Monde en Parle. Way to go Brian!

New Brunswick economy never been on a golden road, and it seem like now more than ever, my hometown province is suffering from the current financial environment. Its a fun game when you have to leave your province just to be able to have a job and earn some money. At least, a compensation is coming forward for your favorite Dividend Girl as I am soon going to fly to Cuba Varadero for a week of sun, sea and beach.

New Brunwsick Prime Minister Brian Gallant was at Tout le Monde en Parle this evening - a popular French Quebec show. He was there to talk about Energy East project. He had an interesting talked. Oil need to travel in some ways. If its not pipeline, it will be by train. I know my home province is desperately in need of jobs, but I am not ready to accept Energy East project just because it will create jobs in New Brunswick. I cannot believe that we are still today rely so much on oil. No matter what, I am very proud of Brian Gallant, he did a nice job with that interview, New Brunswickers are being nicely represent. His job is so hard. New Brunswick has to deal with a lot of issues. Energy East is an easy solution for New Brunswick lack of economical prospect, but Brian Gallant needs to seek help somewhere else. There's no easy solution.

In the meantime, the TSX is not going through an easy time. I would just like to see a more stable stock market environment. It would make me feel less powerless. My non-registered portfolio is now at $124 348.94. Not too bad, I seen worst days.

I didn't have time to call back TD Direct to find out about JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) dividends that I never earned. Back in December 18, 2015, this was the announcement made for JFS.UN:

"For the Fund listed below (JFS.UN), the Estimated Special Distribution will be paid on or before January 15, 2016, to holders of record on December 31, 2015. The Estimated Special Distribution will be paid by the issuance of units of the Fund, and immediately thereafter, the issued and outstanding capital of the Fund will be consolidated such that the number of issued and outstanding units of the Fund does not change."

???

I understood from this that I was going to earned direct dividend. But it seem like I can only dream. It was too complicated for the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) to please its investors.

Again, JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) playing with my nerves

Sorry to begin this new post this way, but I still didn't received my JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) dividend. Tomorrow, I am going to call again TD Direct and this time, I am going to push over the use of my sweetest, sexiest kitten voice ever and BEG for my dividend. PLEASE SIR. PLEASE!

One thing for sure, I am not going to give up on my JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) dividend.

Another short post.

JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): where are my dividends from the January 15 special distribution???!!!

It was a released to see the TSX going back to almost 13 000 points. My non-registered portfolio almost closed at 125k. It actually closed at $123 656.42. The stock markets are playing with investor nerves. Its not a good financial environment. Its disgusting. And when I read articles like this one, it make me laugh. Life is getting more and more expensive, you can't never save ENOUGH money. It wasn't long ago when I saw cauliflower at $10 each... At that price, you better buy frozen ones. In my hometown in New Brunswick, grocery can get really expensive.

I am very very disappointed, I didn't received yet any dividend distribution for my JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) units. I should had received my dividend on January 15, $0.811 per units. I call TD Waterhouse to find out what was going on. As you know, I book a trip to Cuba and I especially need my money now. 

See, this is the reason why you always need to always check on EVERYTHING. I like to note in my agenda my upcoming distribution date. Because distribution date = fresh new cash to pay for my diet pills, makeup, anti-cellulite cream and so on. :-)

I just hang up the phone with TD Waterhouse - which is no longer TD Waterhouse, but I found that name much more elegant than just a boring TD Direct. The broker create a ticket and I need to call back in 2 business days to find out what's going on. This is the first time that I am not receiving expected payment. So I wonder if its not a problem going from JFS.UN, who suddenly decided to keep the money in their pockets. I had received some JFS.UN special distribution in the past, but not this year. I am upset. And all that for a bit more than $230... What can I say? I want my every pennies. That amount is actually paying a part of my Cuba trip, so sexy keep running for money wherever it can be found.

I will of course keep you update regarding the situation with JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN).

The only condition to received JFS.UN special distribution was to be holder of units since December 31, 2015.

You don't need Weight Watcher to lose wait, common sense is the key

My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $119 098.23 - which is way better than what I had been on lately. These days, I spend a lot of time at the gym and a lot less in from of my laptop. Its been announced that Weight Watchers stocks jumped after Oprah announced losing 26 pounds on the program. To lose weight, eat less, and go to the gym every single evening of the week. No need to enroll in an expensive problem like Jenny Craig or Weight Watcher. Keep your money for investment purposes, no Weight Watcher super junk weight loss program.

This post was short.

All in a bad day for the stock market

While the TSX kept losing points like crazy, I was at work, and following that, I hit the gym. As I was upset because the TSX went all down, I burned down 700 calories and went back home. At a point, I taught that the TSX was going to hit the 10 000 points, it was going all the way down, what a misery. The weather is quite cold in Montreal these days so I am quite happy to be able to move my booty at the gym rather than outside. Imagine, I train at the gym 2 hours everyday.

This being said, my non-registered closed this bad day at $114 245.91. I did not received yet any special dividend distribution from the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN), I am still waiting.

Thank you JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) for the special dividend distribution

Rough day on the stock market as the TSX closed today session under the 12 000 points. In result, my non-registered portfolio finished the day at $112 999. But I have at least a good news, the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) is about to pay a massive special dividend to its investor: $0.811 per unit. It may sound like its nothing at all, but its not. I hold some JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) units inside my non-registered portfolio, TFSA and RRSP. Only from my non-registered and TFSA, I will be earning $234.38. I just wonder if the distribution will DRIP or not - and I hope not because I need money!

I currently hold $262.84 in cash inside my TFSA. With that extra $234.38 coming it, its about half of my Cuba trip that will be paid off. Recent reviews on Tripadvisors.ca of the resort I book continue to be so-so. I bought a little first aid kit as well as stuff against the mosquitoes - just in case. I also brought some Imodium (!!!) and Benadryl pills, and Advil as well. I don't want anything bad to happen, but at a point, there's nothing much I can do.

While the TSX seem going all the way down, I continue to train daily at the gym. I can do more than 2 hours without any pain now, which wasn't the case last week. I like the gym machines because they show how much calories are burn. This evening was a good 700 calories burn. While burning calories, I don't think of all the money I lost, had lost, or will lost on the stock market. I walk/run, walk/run and I sweat a lot, but I don't get to think a lot. Its the beauty of training. After work, if you train let say like me 2 and a half hour, following that, you won't have much time left to see how bad is going your portfolio and trust me, it might be better this way.

Personally, I would like to invest again in one of my longtime favorite, CNR.

These days, the stock market doesn't deserve any attention

This past Friday, my non-registered portfolio closed the session at a horrible $115 282.07. 

If I don't write a lot lately, its because I am very busy. Its busy at work, but I try to leave as soon 5 pm arrived so I can hit the gym and burn some calories before hitting to... Varadero Cuba. 

I registered to my local Econofitness and I had been working out every single day ever since, at the exception of today, because the gym is closed on Sundays. Working out is like a drug., but a good one. Its easy to get in the rhythm of work-gym-bed time. I really like working out.

I am expecting to continue even following my Cuba trip - if I ever come back lol.

The stock market is very disturb. In the meantime, I prefer to put my energies someplace else other than watching the tragedy taking place. I barely pay attention to what is going on right now, believe it or not. My portfolio can go as low as it wanted too, as long I can cover my margin account, I will have the rest of my life to recover. 

Things are extremely shacked up because, among other, the drop in the value of oil. CNR, RY, could worth right now the investment. It take a lot of resilience to invest in those down markets. Its when the markets are down that we need to invest - try to remember that.

I am getting my suitcase for Cuba ready.

How to deal with yourself when the stock market becomes frightening: investors don't panic

These days, the stock market is a rough place to be. My non-registered portfolio closed the session at $117 577.57. Its better than the 116k I was on not too long ago. During those hard time, its important to stay a bit detach. Of course, we all follow our stock, but it shouldn't be of a great concern when the markets are down. Its not anytime soon that the markets are going to recover. I never saw such terrible financial conditions since I started investing. Its frightening and its ugly.

While dealing with problems that never seem to come to an end, its important to stay focus on other things, if not, its going to be ugly. We all take at heart our finance, but there's when nothing much can be done. As for myself, I decided to let it go. I let my portfolio take whatever direction it want. Despite my detachment, I can feel your pain, I can feel my pain. And its quite of a maybe too hard symbolic to learn that someone like David Bowie died recently. He must have been a good fellow. What a voice and what an enigmatic star.

Now is the perfect time to invest your time and energy in all kind of activities. Now more than ever, its a good time to do it like a Dividend Girl:

-plan a cheap trip (like in Cuba, like I am doing now).

-do an in deep cleaning of your house/apartment (I did so the weekend ago).

-sort your clothes and give away things you don't wear anymore (done!) 

-registered to a gym and train (I registered this evening after work to Econofitness, tomorrow will be my first ever gym session!)

-read a good book

-start a blog (like me!)

 

 As you know, I book a week at a Varadero, Cuba resort and ever since, I am checking the reviews on TripAdvisor. Most of the reviews are good, but in the last one or two, its been said that some rooms got in fire following a storm and left tourists without electricity. True or not? Its barely possible to know. I gave a call to Air Transat, and from their ends, everything is ok with that resort... So I really don't know, but I am bringing a little flashlight with me in my backpack, who knows, I might need it. 

I have more than one month still left before leaving for Varadero, but I am already preparing my stuff. Once I will be back, you'll know where I had been. I will do a full completed post on my experience. Until that time, I am getting ready.

Regarding the currency, its better to bring in Canadian cash rather than US one. The money bills need to be in good shape - like new - so that way, they won't be refused. According to Air Transat, the best place to exchange the money is at the hotel (CADECA?), where they have a place there to exchange money - their rate is lower than the one at the airport - but that is difficult to know.

Yesterday evening, I was at the Trudeau airport - my brother was taking a plane to go to New Brunswick. As I left him so he could take his plane, I stopped by Currency Exchange ICE and just for fun, I asked about CUC Pesos. Its coming, soon they will offer it. The rate is $1.60 for 1 CUC - which is very expensive. Currently, $1,42 = 1 CUC.

That is for Cuba news for now.