A smart choice for investors: The North West Company Inc. (NWC)

Lou Schizas recently review a stock that I own, The North West Company Inc. (NWC), and the review is quite positive. So if you are looking for a great company that pay a decent dividend, NWC could be the right pick for you.

I had been holding JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) in my portfolio since its early beginning and for this investment, I had decided to sell of some shares as soon as I hit on the $510 in profit. I had been able to successfully sell off some units at $510 one time since I had been holding JFS.UN. And I am patiently waiting for the second time. With the summer coming in a hurry, it would be nice to have a few hundreds extra to cover my expenses. I would be more in need of a 2k rather than just a $500, but hey, its how it goes. Currently, I am at $230 in profit with my JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) investment. It shouldn't be

I still have a $19 000 in TFSA contribution room left, which is a shame. I selected a few stocks that I hold inside my non-registered portfolio that I can use for a contribution in kind for my TFSA. They are: 

 Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI)

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)

TMX Group Inc. (X)

Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG)

Emera Inc. (EMA)

After that, I don't see any other investments that I could switch over to my TFSA - so I will be getting a break from contribution in kind. And maybe a break from investment. With summer coming in, my expenses went up - on all kind of stuff from clothes to sunscreen and so on. CIBC Visa had sent me a 0% percent credit card balance transfer offer - but there's a catch - a 1%. However, I don't want to increase my debt level and I plan to slow down on my expenses for a little while. After all those years of investment after investment and more and more stock purchases, I am no longer the extra efficient saver that I used to be. I guess Quebec corrupted me. But in a way, my purchases were most of them needed, t-shirts and just a few summer clothes. A new pair of running shoes because the old ones gave me blisters - I have the most sensible feet of the word. What else can I say? could I really say no to a new mascara? NO.

Anyway, my next big thing is to save a $1 000 in my banking account. I never leave any balance in there and for a change, I would like to leave a little something so my banking fee will be free. Its kind of funny to switch from investing to saving. I hold close to $150 000 in net worth, but this girl have nothing that stay in her banking account. Emergency fund is not my style either way, but it's fully needed. Its not because I hold a stock portfolio that I don't need an emergency fund. I would like even a $2 to $5 000 to cover myself in case of need. 

Its about all I need right now, a bit more cash for savings.

RBC Royal Bank: stay away from these idiots

A few days ago, I received a call from an RBC Royal Bank representative. It was regarding that letter I received from them, saying that they wanted to review my account with them. Three years ago, RBC decided - over no reason - to increase the interest rate on my credit lines. At that time, I had a small balance on the credit line. Bank of Canada did not increase its prime rate in the past probably 5 years if not more. But no matter what, RBC Royal Bank came with that idea to increase the interest rate on my credit line, and that being for no reason at all. I was always paying the credit line on time. 

Also at the time, I had several thousands invested in different RBC mutual funds. So why in the world RBC target me for an increased of a credit line that I had been holding for several years now? I try to get that decision reversed. I visit my RBC Royal Bank, I call RBC, but nothing move in my favor.

Oh yeah? Really? Treating my like a shit slave did not serve any of RBC Royal Bank interests because I had decided to stop using my RBC credit line - I pay it off as quickly as possible. As for the mutual funds invested, I sold them and got the money transferred at TD Waterhouse. That was my answer to RBC Royal Bank. You don't need to treat like shit an honest worker for no reason at all. Especially knowing that there's been no increase to the prime rate. This was only made so that their CEO can touch his millions in annual salary.

I was very very upset to received a call from RBC representative asking me to review my assets with them. I didn't close the credit line neither the credit card that I hold with them because that would had affected in a bad way my credit score. So I kept everything open, but don't ever expect me as a RBC Royal Bank customer EVER never again for the rest of my living life. There you go sexy bitch!

Its really important to fight on until your last breath and no let anyone take out your dignity. In other words, do it like a Dividend Girl and FIGHT on.

A good reason not to vote for Stephen Harper and his blue clowns: Omar Khadr persecution

I never been able to understand clearly what had happened to Omar Khadr. I read the big lines of the story, but I never understood how a child soldier could had been put away for so long and the most disturbing thing: how and why was Omar Khadr put in prison for so long. But today, everything been clear up and Omar was released, under strict conditions, but release, at least. And during all that time, Stephen Harper and his bunch of blue clowns had publicly fight against the liberation of Omar Khadr. And its specifically why I won't be voting for Stephen Harper at the next federal elections. Just like at the last elections, I will vote for NPD. 

Was it already 4 years ago - I don't know - but at the last federal elections, I also vote for NPD. At that time, my vote was a strategic vote to quick out Duceppe and his Bloc whatever Quebecois. And this time, my vote will be a politic vote. I have enough of Stephen Harper. He's too arrogant and doesn't have strong community values.

I hope Canadians will wake up. Its the only way to give to this country another turn, another strong leadership, a government that will act with dignity on behalf and for its citizens.

Omar Khadr now live with his lawyer and its been said at the news that he'd pass 13 years away. I never understood how a child soldier could had spent so many years away in prison, and I don't have anything left for Stephen Harper and his Tories.

Alex Colville, a Maritime proud is exposed at the National Gallery of Canada

We are now in May. Its unbelievable, but we are in May. And in May, we'll be celebrating an holiday: the birthday of the Queen! The timing is perfect. I haven't go to Ottawa in a while. There's something exceptional going on in Ottawa right now. There's always great art show at the National Gallery of Canada, but this time, you'll all going to be very excited as a true Maritime jewel is being exposed. He wasn't born in Nova Scotia, but did his studies in New Brunswick and spent most of his life in Nova Scotia.

Prepare to discover the enigmatic world of one the most marvelous Canadian painter: Alex Colville. His painting style is very unique, minimalist, pure. And his mise en scènes are totally mysterious, extraordinary, with a lot of character and greatly inspired by the Maritime. We had inspired a very great painter. On the art scene, there's no one like Alex Colville. You can only dream of being Mr. Colville. One of a few genius of art that died just a few years ago, at a venerable age, but couldn't be possible to push away the death arrow for the ones like that. I adore Alex Colville. So you'll understand that I am very excited. I am very curious about the exhibition and cannot wait to see it. This is going to be fun!

The great thing is that Ottawa its only at 2 hours away from Montreal. No need to spend money on an hotel room (budget stretching still on no matter what, you are going to understand why soon).

If my calculations are correct, my net worth is probably around $143 000 right now. So close to the 150k! I am really not missing much at all. I used to read a blog name Fabulously Broke. I do still read from time to time but it is not as much interesting as she doesn't personally write on her blog anymore. And she's not a fanatic of the stock market. She had 155k in net worth, 4 years ago. She was a consulting - so making way much money than be, but I am following. Its just all very logical. 50k, 100k, and after 150k, and 200k, 250k, 300k... I am lucky, I may be able to reach the $200 000 net work by the time I am 40, and even maybe 250k. I don't know how much can cost a painting of Alex Colville, but it must be pretty expensive.

Very recently, Lou Schizas had reviewed a stock on which I made a small fortune on. They're some stocks like that who are the rock on my portfolio, stocks that I bought at cheap price, but became massive! And years ago, under the suggestion of Jean-François Tardif who had gave a positive BUY for this baby, I had invested in Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH). Jean-François won an investing price from the Globe and Mail for that pick. When you really think about it, the goof pick, the best decisions had the power to make you a millionaire! I am smart enough to follow Tardif in his every moves and it only paid off so far. Lou review of PBH is pretty much all positive. I don't believe in any downturn anytime soon for PBH but my impulse is sometime wrong. In his next article, Lou is going to review another stock that I hold, another Maritime proud: The North West Company Inc. (NWC).

Other than that, beautiful day in Montreal, got to get ready and go outside.

Welcome in my TFSA portfolio Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners LP (BEP.UN)!

If I would had enough money, I would had invested in both Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners LP (BEP.UN) and Northland Power Inc. (NPI). But since a choice need to be made, I selected BEP.UN. BEP.UN win over my simply way of selecting stocks.

Today, I also collect the money from my sell of my Sprott Canadian Equity Fund units.It wasn't a difficult choice, but it wasn't a fun one either way. In the sell process, I lost $3 609.15. I have collected a bit more than 3k from the sale. I had no idea what to do with that money, so I reinvested it all in the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN). It seem like a good option. I wasn't for sure going to invest in RBC Royal Bank (RY)! No way. Story short, I now hold JFS.UN in both my non-registered and RRSP portfolio.

I decided to say goodbye to Sprott Canadian Equity Fund inside my RRSP portfolio because since 2008, the fund had never been able to recover from the 2008 stock crash. Recently, the Sprott Energy Fund manage by Eric Nuttall featured in the Financial Post. I talked about this article previously, mostly because everything involving Sprott flash me straight in the eyes. I don't know if the author of the article was giving money by Sprott Asset Management because a wrong perception is being giving of the fund. Jonathan Ratner wrote an article that "sell" very well the Sprott Energy Fund. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Eric Sprott is buying journalists in order to promote himself and his businesses. But that is worthless because there will always be out there smart bloggers who are able to see after facts and give their own and honest opinion about what's going on.

The article of Jonathan Ratner start with this punch line: "Welcome in my TFSA portfolio Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners LP (BEP.UN)! Eric Nuttall’s Sprott Energy Fund has gained 16% this year, making it the sector’s top performer in Canada." Ok, well dummy, if you had invested in the Sprott Energy Fund before or way before the 2008 stock market crash, you wouldn't be sitting on a 16% gain, but on several thousands of money lost. 

Most financial journalists like Jonathan Ratner - if you can name that "journalist" - are really not deep thinker. Its a propaganda article. That poor Eric Nuttall might think of himself like he's doing a good job, but it is truly not the case.

Express investment portfolio Spring cleaning

The sky is grey in Montreal and its been like that for the past couple days. So while its not appealing to be outside, I stay inside, count my every single pennies and I try to figure out what I can to improve my situation in a way or another.

The first step was an easy: I needed to take advantage of the $20 000+ contribution room available inside my TFSA. I had called TD Waterhouse this past weekend but the broker couldn't take any orders for the TFSA. Anyway, I called today and I proceed with two contribution in kind. I had two investments hold inside my non-registered portfolio and got them transferred to my TFSA. Those investments are: Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB) and The North West Company Inc. (NWC).

I also proceed with a $1 120 cash contribution for my TFSA. This is for my next investment move. Yesterday, I announced that my next investment will be in Northland Power Inc. (NPI). I received a comment from a reader suggesting Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN) and  Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN) as investment. BEP.UN seem to be stronger than NPI and I have to say, BEP.UN appears a bit more appealing. I am still thinking as the money is getting transferred into my TFSA.

Another thing I did is to set up back a DRIP inside my non-registered and TFSA account. I never had a DRIP in my TFSA, but I had, back in the old days, a DRIP in my non-registered portfolio. What will be able to DRIP and reinvestment will be. EIF, PBH, JE and some other stocks will DRIP, some won't, because the amount earn in dividend is too low. I registered to a DRIP so that way, I will be more on a strict budget. I am spending too much these days and I came with this little trick to reduce the money I have at my disposal. I had a DRIP inside my RRSP since the start.

And finally but not the least, I had place a sell order for all of the units I hold of Sprott Canadian Equity Fund. I cannot wait to get ride of this investment. Every single investments I had been holding of Eric Sprott had turned into complete disaster. The money collect will be reinvested, probably in JFS.UN. I cannot wait.

His name is not Eric Sprott, but Eric Nuttall

In my investment life, Sprott Inc. (SII) was the first stock I ever bought. At that time, Eric Sprott was everywhere, Jean-François Tardif was shaking up the market with the hedge fund he was managing at Sprott Asset Management. With all that, the Dividend Girl couldn't do better than just go in and invest in everything that Eric Sprott was talking about.

And among those investments, I had invested, several years ago, in the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund. Back in the days, I couldn't invested in Jean-François Tardif hedge fund because the minimum required was $100 000. At the time, the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund was performing very well, it had a good history chart and well, so investing in the the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund inside my RRSP seemed to be the thing to do. Unfortunately, shortly after, the stock market crash deeply (2008) and the the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund haven't been able to fully recover the crash. In such market instability, the fund couldn't perfom and still can't.

I invested $7 000 in total inside the the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund and that invested currently worth $3 476.98, about half of its old value... It doesn't seem to me like the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund is going to be back on track anytime soon. Is there anything I can do to fix the situation?

These days, Eric, not Eric Sprott, but Eric Nuttall is stealing the show. Eric Nuttall manage the Sprott Energy Fund. Is being said that the fund he's managing gain 16% this year, but what the article is not sating is that year to date, just like the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund, the Sprott Energy Fund never been able to recover to its old days of glory. Both Sprott Canadian Equity Fund and Sprott Energy Fund never been able to reach back their value of BEFORE the 2008 stock crash.

What does this mean? BAD MANAGEMENT. My best advice: stay away from everything related to Eric Sprott and Sprott Asset Management. In front of volatile market, Sprott guys have no idea of what they are doing.

And option would be to sell of my investment in Sprott Canadian Equity Fund and reinvest the money in the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN). JFS.UN never disappointed me and I think my money could recover and I would be in a better financial position with Jean-François Tardif.

My next investment move: Northland Power Inc. (NPI)

I always knew that RBC Royal Bank was just too boring to actually be my next investment. Just recently, I received a letter from RBC asking me to call them and fix an appointment with an adviser so my situation could be reviewed regarding my credit line I have with them and my general situation. I don't understand the point of sending me such letter because that credit line is completely paid off and I do no hold any investment with them anymore.

Back in the days, when I was building my portfolio and was at a critical point, RBC sent me a letter saying that the interest rate on my credit line was getting increased. I try to get that reversed, but all of my interventions fail. Terribly insulted, in result, I sold out all of the investments I was holding with RBC Royal Bank and I quickly paid off that credit line. Now that I have a net worth closed to the 150k and no debt that can be view on my credit score, who look like a loser now? The fact that my margin account that I hold at TD Waterhouse doesn't show up on my credit score is a real turn on. All girls have their own little dirty secrets after all and I am no exception to the rule.

LOL.

Am I really going to hold the stock of one of my enemies in? Deep inside, the answer is NO.

 

RY is a grandpa stock - not an investment for a hot chick. So I keep looking around, looking, searching... Come on, I can do better! And its when that I suddenly remembered a stock that been review by Lou and I just couldn't find it. I didn't remember the company name, but I clearly remember that it was involved in wind energy. I like the clean energy sector, and that company - from what I remembered and it still the case - had a very good overall chart. The company completely recover from the 2008 stock market crash and pay a very good dividend, 6% yield, way to go.

Want to know for real what is the name of that fantastic stock? Well rock on and get very excited, RIGHT NOW, because the name of my new baby is: Northland Power Inc. (NPI). Currently at TD Waterhouse, the stock has an 8 buy rate note. However, I wouldn't recommend to invest massively in that stock, but investing just a bit in it could be a nice way to have a feet in the clean energy sector. And all decent investors should be investing in that sector.

Even if they are disgusting, I might invest one of these days in RBC. Its really sad, but that bank is very solid  and unfortunately, I need that kind of stocks in my portfolio.

As you know, I reached 205k in investment value not long ago and I had to do something to celebrate! So I went and got my first gel manicure ever and of course, I picked a nice pink color. Going for a gel manicure is something I could get really addicted to, but I find that I have as good result doing it on my on. It stay on for about a week. And talking about money, my non-registered portfolio is currently at $139 186.65, which mean that my net worth is probably lightly exceeding the 140k. I never thought it was going to happen so quickly. My domain name is myfirst50000.com - and its not for nothing. I thought it would take me forever to even just reach the 50k. Surprise, making and loosing money on the stock market is SUPER easy after all. ;-)

The TFSA contribution is not doubling, but almost

With a contribution room of now $10 000, all of the yearly saving made can go straight to the TFSA. And voilà. I am just not sure if its effective now or just on January 2016. I don't think its effective now. Its a good news for both frugal and the riches. For once, Stephen Harper is fabulous. I still have 18k available as contribution room to my TFSA. Its a shame, but I am slowly getting organized and I am investing more and more inside my TFSA.

Today, the federal budget was announced, and today, I did my citizen duty, I got my 2014 tax declaration finally done and completed. I was surprised because I have lot less than expected to pay back. I only had to pay extra something like $80 to the federal and $260 to the provincial. My income exceed the 50k in 2014. Not enormous, but still good. Anywhere after 50k is quite good.

Now that I had so little to pay in taxes, I know I can do a new investment move. So I guess I will be doing my investment in RBC tomorrow or real soon, quite real sooner than expected.

Fresh Tories getting ready to double the TFSA contribution room - or not?

I am - for once - all excited about the federal budget that will be announced tomorrow. And what if the Tories are dumb enough to actually double the contribution room the the TFSA? Ahah! Why not? Stephen Harper and his bunch of clowns are certainly idiot enough to do such thing. And it will only benefit those who - like me and maybe you - have non-registered investment and other cash to invest in a TFSA. Its terrible politic, but hey, messy country that is Canada, the rich get it all and the poor barely get enough to cover their basic needs.

I think will see the TFSA contribution room doubling only because of the upcoming election. Its an easy way for Tories to give something to Canadians. The government of Stephen Harper haven't come with much in the recent years to help the population. It came with the idea of the TFSA a few years ago and a few years more, we are seeing the TFSA contribution room doubling.

I just keep thinking: is that really enough to prove the Tories are the government that Canadians need for 4 years? Do I want to vote for Justin Trudeau who is in favor of a dope show in Canada? NOPE. Do I want Muclair and NPD? HELL NO. Do I want Stephen Harper as Prime Minister? NO NO NO!

The problem that lovely Canadians are facing now is the lack of leadership inside the country. They're currently no good leaders in Canada to support our country and I find that very sad. It also explain the low level of participation to the election.

I am in Liberal at heart, but I really don't like Justin Trudeau. I don't like the guy at all. He's not the man fit for the job.

My net worth is now of $139 599.17

I was hoping to get there soon, I knew it was coming, and it seem like I am now sitting on a $205 871.46 portfolio. Yeah! It make my little heart beat a little bit faster. My net worth is of $139 599.17. At this time, its getting really exciting because I am really not missing much to hit on the 150k net worth. But the real excitement will be once I will be sitting on the 200k net worth. That's going to be quite something. In the meantime, my $139 000 is making me happy. It took me 8 years to have that money. At least, I have more than just the first $50 000 that I so wanted 8 years ago...

The stock market had been very good to me. I haven't done very well with a few investments - like my many investments in silver and gold, but I believe in resurrection and maybe those investments will get back on their feet and grow. I did some bad investment moves, but some other went very well. AGU, BNS, MX' ENF, CU, SJ and so many more. Another stock that I did very well on and that had been reviewed recently by Susan Brunner is AltaGas Ltd (ALA). There not much good stock adviser out there. But over the years, I had been able to quickly recognize the good from the bad ones.

I made a few thousands on Derek Foster and Susan Brunner back. And not to forget Jean-François Tardif. I made several thousands by investing in his Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH) - a stock for which he had positive review. And now, I am invested in JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN). I never believed in his retirement. Another hot guy that know what he is talking about is Lou Schizas. For amateur like myself, the ones you follow and trust will make a big positive difference in your wellness. But still, you need to have the flair. And my best advice will be to stay away from any financial advisers. I have many bad experience here in Montreal and I wouldn't like any of my readers to get ripped off. Here in Montreal, people are individualists - no matter what they say. There're so many homeless a bit everywhere in this city, its unbelievable. And there's many aboriginal people living in the street. Its like they are coming from the north, they have dark skin that make me believe that. Financial advisers are paid by commission, and sometime not only, but they have at heart their own profit, not yours. They may be good advisers out there, but they are extremely hard to find. And just check on my list. In 8 years of stock investment, I have 4 names that I follow. Not 20, not even 10. JUST 4. Be smart and stick to the best, you'll thank me later. There are just that not many people out there that you can trust.

That close to the 150k is giving me a new source of motivation to watch my expenses a bit more, but it look to me like I could get on the 150k worth soon without any other investment. In other words, I could just let it go, and do nothing more than what had been done so far. However, I doubt I will ever go that way, investing is a drug, an addiction and I cannot stay too long without doing anything at all, even if its only contribution in kind to my TFSA. My next investment move in RBC Royal Bank, I just keep thinking about it.

Not that I adore RBC Royal Bank. They had treated me like a piece of shit in the past. For no reason, they have increased the interest rate on my credit line. Since they didn't want to do nothing about it to help me, I have pay all of my debt and I have sell of the investment that I used to hold with RBC. Get that RBC! Now, the only reason why I want to invest in RBC is that I am in search of a "safe" investment, even if nothing is really 100% safe, its possible to invest in more conservative stocks and RBC is to me one of those stock. After all, if this baby is soon going to hit on the 200k net worth, I need to do something.

There's only 2 ways to see an increase in my net worth: to invest more or pay down my margin. At $66 272.29 of usage, I still have available a bit more than 20k available on it. Just to say that my 137k non-registered portfolio have a margin worth of $88 000 - a lot of sexy cash. But no problem, I won't pick on that $20 000 available, I promise. I am starting a new journey with this saving mood. I have a deep taste for makeup, skin care, anti wrinkle cream, clothes and so much more. And coffee, and tea. Beer and wine. So when you like that much of things, money can go fast. Its just a matter to switch to my old saving behavior.

In a few days from now, we'll know if our TFSA contribution will get double or not. That will be on April 21 and I cannot wait to hear about the good news that will come from that budget. Since we are in an federal election period, the timing is just perfect for the Tories to please Canadians and especially to please me.

My investment portfolio on date of April 18, 2015

Cash: $1 272.17

Non registered Investments:
Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Timminco (TIMNF): $0.49
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $7 245.70 
Blue Note Mining Inc. (BLNMF): $0.05
Hanwei Energy Services (HE): $24
Methanex Corporation (MX): $6 996.79
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $4 271.71
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $19 496.40
Just Energy Group Inc. (JE): $4 918.72
Pengrowth Energy Corporation (PGF): $966
Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF): $12 810.20
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 731.25
Davis + Henderson Corporation (DH): $9 026.64
Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH): $13 263.42
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $3 315.52
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 678.06
Horizons Gold Yield Fund (HGY): $1 188.18
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $1 556.28
Colabor Group Inc. (GCL): $151.98
TMX Group Inc. (X): $421.44
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $5 210
Westshore Terminals Invest Corp (WTE): $6 568.80
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $459.80
First Majestic Silver Corp (FR): $621
Kinross Gold Corp (K): $421.29
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 408.50
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $7 307.10
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $1 814.68
Agrium Inc. (AGU): $3 381.04
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 676.22
Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG): $712.14
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $2 163.99
Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI): $391.50
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1 034
Cineplex Inc. (CGX): $1 234.50
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $623.20
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 187.34
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $786.40
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 421.60
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 114.40
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 371.10
Loblaw Companies (L): $756.72
Lumenpulse Inc. (LMP): $725
Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB): $961.40
The North West Company Inc. (NWC): $1 254 
Glentel Inc. (GLN): $1 513.20 

TOTAL: $137 181.75

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Sprott Physical Silver Trust ET (PSLV): $993.81
Cash: $4.12

TOTAL: $997.93

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
EnerCare Inc. (ECI): $45.21
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $48.79
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $1 579.28
Sprott Strategic Fixed Income Fund (SFI.UN): $287.50
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $1 027.60
Precious Metals and Mining Trust (MMP.UN): $360
Sprott Inc. (SII): $2 685.80
Data Group Inc. (DGI): $509.54
AltaGas Ltd (ALA): $1 249.20
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 256
National Bank of Canada (NA): $1 123.78
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $3 247.60
Glentel Inc. (GLN): $2 269.80 
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $4 791.64  Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC): $484
 
Cash: $155.60

TOTAL: $21 121.34

RSP investment portfolio:
Sprott Canadian Equity Fund: $3 476.98
iShares Gold Bullion Fund (CGL): $3 619.98
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $9 926.40
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 689.64
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $526.43
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 671.60
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $779
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $3 932
Telus Corp (T): $2 103.50
Stantec Inc. (STN): $1 017.60
Cash: $196.36

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund: $747.66
CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund: $362.88
CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $1 297.09 

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

GIC National Bank: $1 293.77

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 133.15
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 217.32
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 322.91  
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 506.06
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 021.92

Great-West – various: $2 498.71
Various other mutual funds: $1 413.97
Other: $1 428.59

TOTAL: $45 263.27

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

$205 871.46

My debt situation on date of April 18, 2015

$66 272.29 at 4.25% (margin money coming from my broker account) = 

$2 816.57 in annual interest

*For a complete update regarding my debt, click on the label "Debt situation" located at the right column of this blog.

Hello Théodore Chouinard-Pellerin! ;-)

I finally went for my tax declaration and on my way, I saw a Quebec "TV star", Théodore Chouinard-Pellerin of 30 Vies. In Montreal, I saw other different stars quite often. Michel Tremblay, Daniel Bélanger, Denis Coderre (if you consider ah ah), Yann Perreau, Herby Moreau, Gabriel of Radio Radio. And also Geneviève Borne, but only once on Ste-Catherine. The most exciting part is to see a star when its less expected and tonight was less expected, like I was going for my tax declaration... lol. If I wouldn't be busy on my way to go somewhere I would probably turn around and follow the poor Théodore. I guess he was meeting some friends to watch the hockey game. I did follow once Michel Tremblay and I followed him until he made it to the library. That was a few years ago already. I usually see Michel Tremblay every year at different spot on the Plateau Mont-Royal. Another time, Herby Moreau was doing bicycle with his son in the Old Montreal. And I also saw once Denis Gagnon on bicycle near his store. Its about all of the star excitement I got from Montreal. But I have to admit, tonight was a good one. And I spot Sammy right away. Exciting revelations: Théodore is quite tall white guy and look exactly the same as on TV LOL.

My non-registered portfolio closed at $137 659.27, which is a nice jump compare to the 134k-135k where it usually stand. I guess I I may be the Dividend Girl of course, but I haven't update my dividend income since the beginning of the new year. There's no specific reason, if not that I am not blogging as frequently as before. But so far for this month, my dividend income had been great. 

Currently, with a non-registered close to the 140k, I only have one concern. I had bought Glentel Inc. (GLN) several months ago, in the hope that it will get acquired by BCE, but nothing happen yet and I have to say that I cannot wait to get rid of that stock that I both hold in my TFSA and non-registered. In my non-registered, the money will go to pay down my margin and in my TFSA, it will help me to finally do my move in RBC.

Many problems had stopped me from investing lately. I am spending too much. I had to pay for my tax declaration and really soon, I will probably have to pay around $500 to $700 extra in taxes from my estimate.

Unless to see some "stars" from time to time, the live in Montreal doesn't worth it. In Quebec, salaries are outrageously tax. There's no access to health care. Education system is really poor and super expensive. I am only in Montreal by necessity, its not a choice. I forgot among the way my goals. I need to move to my old way of doing things. I used to be the most fabulous money saver of all. But no matter what, my net worth is probably around $135 000 right now. Since the beginning of the year, its not only my dividend income that I didn't update, but also my investment portfolio page. Updating my portfolio page is terribly long. Too many investments and too much money to be count. However, the exercise is always pleasant, especially when the net worth more than the expected. But will it be?

So stay tune to find out and to read again even more because its the only thing you can do to make me happy.

Another upcoming contribution in kind for my TFSA

This year, Spring had come after Easter. It felt good this weekend to but away the winter coat and boots. The weather finally changed for the best in Montreal and tomorrow is going to be even better. And during that time, trust me, I am not blogging. I just have to remember to do my tax declaration sometime.

The TSX continue to hit on the 15 000 points and it has good effect on my portfolio. My non-registered portfolio closed this past Friday session on the $136 272.57, leaving me with $19 087.87 on my margin. Usually, when it happen that I have a lot like this on my margin, I do 2 things: I invest in new stuff using that money left on my margin or I do contribution in kind from my non-registered to my TFSA portfolio.

With a portfolio and a new worth exceeding the 100k, strangely, I no longer get excited with the idea of investing using my margin money. It wasn't too long ago that I had a student loan and other debt on my back. It was a pain to pay off everything, so no way that I will go up on my margin account. Currently, I am using $66 564.32 of my margin. I am not necessary looking to pay it down, but I don't want to used more of my margin cash.

The second choice is what I usually do these days, I do contribution in kind to my TFSA. My Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB) is the investment currently in my radar that I am looking forward to switch this one over to my TFSA. I still have in mind to invest in Royal Bank once I will be ready, but no other new investment ideas have cross my mind.

Real soon, we are going to learn if the government of Stephen Harper will double the TFSA contribution amount. I think it will get double since we are in an election period.

It sad, but I am very far from loving Justin Trudeau - he doesn't have a good leadership and I don't like the individual. Not that I like more Stephen Harper, but I really don't feel it when it come to Trudeau. And forget about NPD. Its sad, but Stephen Harper is probably going to remain in power, not that I like it.

Celebrating my first million pageview!

I just came back from a quick vacation in New Brunswick. Once home, I quickly unpack my suitcase and I open my laptop to check on my precious stocks because I had no clue of what was going on with the market and for a few days, I just totally forgot that I had so much invested. The stock market didn't mean a thing. But now that I am unfortunately back in Montreal with the ugly snow, trust me, I was glad to see the TSX exceeding the 15 000 points because that mean for me a great deal of money in my portfolio.

Next best part being that I just hit the million pageviews of my blog, I am now at 1 002 027 pageviews. It quite nice that it had happened after my vacations.

So stay tune for more great news.

Getting rich is easy with DH Corp (DH)

I didn't blog in a little while, I had been busy at living stuff, but its not because I am posting nothing that I am not watching the stock market shit. Yesterday, I got scared, my non-registered portfolio was down to $124 000. What???? But that's only because there was a hold apply to my DH Corp (DH) stocks. I had purchased my DH stocks many years ago and since that time, the stock grow like crazy, showing up to the world how damn good I am. Years may pass by, but good stuff are here to stay FOREVER.

;-)

According to some analysts, DH could hit on the $45 per share... Can you imagine!!

Today, my non-registered closed on a $133 502.73, which is where it should be. I have left $16 573.03, which is very good knowing that I try to stay around 13k but the higher is the better. I am no longer investing on margin and I try to do my best not to go pick on the 16k left. $67 087.12 is what I hold in debt. I don't expect to really pay it down because the amount is too huge and I already sacrifice enough by paying my student loan and all the other debt I used to hold in my trouble past. Don't ask me where I am going, but I can say for sure that I will no longer get into debt more that I have now.

I am going on a vacation and after that, I will be doing my tax declaration and after that, I will do my best to invest in something new for my portfolio, probably RBC stocks like announced previously.

The JFT Strategies Fund is doing quite well and I am just looking to sell off a few units to get my hands on some cash, but that will not be for now. My invisible rule is to sell off each time I get a $500 in profit. I had been holding JFT in my portfolio since its initial public offering and since that time, I had made a one time $500 profit - it happen once. I hope it will happen a second time. Free cash for the summer would be fun.

Save and easy investment: Royal Bank of Canada (RY)

With the cold wither weather, my hair turn dry and when I went for an hair cut, I have them cut shorter than usual and I have problem to get use to it. It's not super short either way, but I miss my longer hair. Winter had been really rough this year, making it impossible to enjoy the weather at some points. I just started taking again some walks and stuff. Its been crazy and not a very enjoyable time.

I have a few vacation days plan ahead and I am going to happily leave this Quebec province behind for at least a few days. Life is too hard.

While Derek Foster is at home doing home schooling to his many children and writing a newsletter about it and publishing it, I for my part, I haven't invested in something new in quite a while. And since Spring is in the air, I am in the mood for new investments for my portfolio!

The idea is not new, I had my eyes on Royal Bank of Canada (RY) for quite a while. Its still on the $76 and I just have one idea, its to buy a few shares of RY while the price is still right. As always, the stock market is all mess up with a bunch of up and down. But good thing is, its a great time to buy stock for the long run. And again, it should be done inside a TFSA.

Royal Bank of Canada (RY) is an easy and simple choice. At this point, the yield is 4%. Do you know a lot of investment that pay out a 4% guarantee? Its really the way to see it. At this point, I am really amaze because I thing I have my chances to reach the $140 000 in net worth by the end of 2015. I believe in the chances. It make quite a bunch of cash.

For new investment, I also had my eyes on Progressive Waste or something like it, a Canadian stock, but Susan Brunner had a bad experience with it. Let say that its not a killer stock. I also had my eyes on Dorel, but I am very happy to not be invested in Dorel because of it current situation. One stock that I mention before and that I still have interest on today is Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

I had bought a new lipstick at La Baie today, Baiser Velours Nude Kiss by Lise Watier and I love the shade.

(Sorry for ending being off topic but it cannot be worst than a millionaire writing about home schooling instead of stocks. 

Cannot get enough of M. Derek Foster).

Two contributions in kind to my TFSA at TD Waterhouse

A few days ago, Derek Foster finally gave sign of life and wrote a newsletter about the TFSA, and that we should all contribute to it, that too much people do not invest inside their TFSA. Well, it happen that I am one of these people. 

To start the year 2015, I had $23 738.83 contribution room left for my TFSA.

I even have more contribution room inside my RRSP, but I no longer want to invest inside a RRSP. First of all, RRSP is complete bullshit. You get a tax credit for the year you invest in the RRSP, but 30 years later, bad surprise, heavy tax come once its being touched, so there's no real gain. And anyway, I don't want to benefit from my money when I will be old and grey and that my whole sexy body will be hurt because of gravity. I want to benefit from my money now while my body is still fresh and shining. And for that, the TFSA is the perfect tool.

We never know when a bad luck can happen, job loss, or health problem, or whatever else. And when those things happen, we need money NOW. Not later. That's one of the biggest reason why I am against the idea of investing inside a RRSP. I do invest in the RRSP with my current job, but that's all.

So today, I listen to Derek Foster and I decided to invest inside my TFSA. I did a contribution in kind of my current investments in Exchange Income Corporation (EIF) and Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC) that I hold inside my non-registered account.

To make a contribution in kind - that mean to take existing investments that are from a non-registered portfolio and make them transferred to a TFSA - is really easy. You just need to call your broker, tell which stock you want to transferred, give your order and in a day or two, the investment will be inside the TFSA. The broker will ask a funky question: do you want to place the transferred for the stock at its highest or lowest level value of the day? To that, I suggest to always answer the lowest because the lowest you go, the more you have left in contribution room for the TFSA. Also, if you currently experience a capital gain on the investment you want to get transferred over the TFSA, you'll pay tax on that - that's another reason why to always answer the lowest value of the day.

With EIF, I was experiencing just a few dollars gain and for FC, it was a small capital loss.

EIF had a margin value loan of more than 1k. If you have a non-registered account with a margin, you need to make sure to have enough in cash reserve inside the non-registered portfolio to take the place of that 1k value that will be soon gone.

A contribution in kind is free of charge at TD Waterhouse.

While holding a margin link to a non-registered, stuff are always complicated, but things will go smoothly if you enjoy dealing with stress and if you are good dealing with market shit.

I guess everything had been said. lol

I had applied to a job. So far, I got a phone interview. And I also did a test. No answer yet, but I believe in my chances because I prayed God to help me.

Stéphanie Grammond and Rob Carrick: two losers in war against the TFSA

Lately, so call "financial journalists" of the name of Stéphanie Grammond of La Presse and Rob Carrick of The Globe and Mail had decided to come forward and testify against the raise of the TFSA contribution limit.

I love my country because its possible, even while earning very little to hit big on the stock market. Proof is, I my non-registered portfolio is now EXCEEDING the 140k. My non-registered portfolio is now at $141 156.13. Which mean that yeah, any sexy girl and boy can make huge $$$ on our very dear Canadian market. Knowing that we have the best stock market in the world, we should take advantage of every tools available at our disposal. 

I stop caring about the RRSP long ago. At 34, I need my money now, and I need to have my money working for me now, so that SOON (not not in 31 years from oh no) I can enjoy myself and be free of any kind of salvation. And for that, the TFSA is the perfect tool. We currently can invest $5 500 per year in a TFSA. That's great. But imagine that the Tories - yeah! Stephen Haper - want to DOUBLE the amount admissible in a TFSA when our federal deficit will be paid off. It mean $11 000 per year that can be invest in a tax free way! AMAZING.

But those two losers that are Stéphanie "flop" Queen Grammond and Rob "I know it all" Carrick go public about being against the idea, saying that it will only benefit a minority, only tot he rich. Well, to that, I say,you are wrong, bad journalists!

I am a middle class Dividend Girl and I am far from being rich. However, I can very easily save 10k per year - even more. I earn thousands in dividend per year and I plan to earn many thousands more. And I am far from being rich. I guess it might be hard for a Quebecker like Stéphanie Grammond to understand this, but Canada is the land of opportunities. In Canada, its easy to save money, its easy to make money. And in Canada, we should have all of the tools available to push it.

So hell yeah, in Canada, there're too much losers in the public scene.

Dieting with Oasis NutriSolution meal replacement of Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A)

The month of March is slowly coming by and with it a better weather. This weekend temperature in Montreal allow some activities outside. With the cold weather we have this winter, I stay in more and I haven't walk as much as I regular do. So no surprise, I gain a few pounds.  There's a free public swimming pool close to where I live, but in the cold weather, I really don't feel like going swimming. I also taught of going to a gym, but I am on a budget and I really dislike the idea of spending a few hundred dollars on a gym membership - I am way smarter than that.

I used meal replacements to lose weight in the past and it work pretty well for me. I went for a walk downtown this afternoon and in my way back home, I stop by a Jean Coutu. I taught of buying some meal replacements to help me lose a few pounds while waiting for Spring to hit on. And I made an interesting discovery.

Some meal replacements taste like shit - let say it. You might not be very appeal by them. The no name brand of Shopper Drug Mart work well for me, but the taste is not very extra good, but its not disgusting. However, I discover a new meal replacement: Oasis NutriSolution. Its made with fruit juice and a few savors are available. I went with a 6 packs of wild berry at $11.99. It might feel expensive, but the product seem to be of good quality: there's no artificial flavour or colour, its gluten free and no sugar added. Each bottle of the wild berry flavor contains 230 calories - exactly what I am looking for.

When I dieting on meal replacement, I eat a normal breakfast like usual, most of the time two slice of brown bread with peanut butter. It help me stay full until 11 h. In the morning, I like to take one glass of juice to get my vitamin c for the day. And I also take a one capsule of multivitamin. 

For my day at work, I like to cut 2 apples - strangely, I don't eat apples unless they are cut in slices. I also add white mushrooms, radish all together, but I don't add any salad sauce. I also bring a one small 0% yogurt (individual portions). When I begin to feel hungry, I eat my yogurt. Later on, I will drink my meal replacement. I will eat my slices apple in the afternoon. I also like pineapple, they really help to stop the craving. I usually eat pineapple by the end of the day, to make sure I don't feel hungry while leaving work. Once home, I try not to get a heavy meal. I usually get cereal or again toasts. I walk to go to work and on my way back home. And I try to walk again in the evening. If not, I don't lose weight at all... There's unfortunately no magic trick.

And REALLY important, is to drink at least 1,5 L of water during the day - that one is hard because I am not naturally tempt to drink that much... My trick is that I make myself tea at my arrival to work and by noon, again some tea and again in the afternoon... but if I do it at least 2 times during the day, its because I tried hard.

I think the worst thing to do is not to bring lunch at work. Because than, you eat at the food court and there's plenty of salt in the food that restaurant are serving. And plenty of junk too! I am getting back on track and we'll see how it goes. I was quite please by my finding. Oasis NutriSolution is made by Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A), a company that I own inside my portfolio.

More on the JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN)

These days, my non-registered account is performing well these days. I closed the day at $140 687. I now have closed to $190 000 investment at TD Waterhouse. It begin to make a lot of money invested in the same spot. For that reason, I think I will apply to a RBC trading account.

Currently, RBC have that promotion, 22 free trades - or something like it - for a year. Its a great promotion. Not that I don't trust TD Waterhouse no more, its just a matter of not having too much at the same spot, in case some problems happen, like any kind of problem you can imagine of. Fraud or really anything else. 

Because if something happen at TD Waterhouse let say, and that all of my investments are made there, well, it would be quite of a stressful situation. I really think that having more than one broker account is a good precaution to have. So far, nothing happen to me at TD Waterhouse, but seeing my going slowly going up to the $200 000, its like gees, how that happen? The amount begin to be outrageously big and I don't like that.

I am probably going to open a broking account at RBC, but with that one, I won't open a margin account because we all know what happen when a girl have too much money.

Jean-François Tardif is really quiet these days so I am going to speak for him. The JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) is doing as well as my portfolio these days :-) Good job Tardif.

I am now debt free

Or almost... I had paid off my CIBC Visa and BMO MasterCard. I no longer have any student debt or any credit card debt what so ever... The only debt I have is invisible. It doesn't appear on my credit score. So what is that debt? Its my margin. Even if I have a margin debt of $68 282.49, it doesn't appear ANYWHERE. And banks just keep sending credit card balance offer over and over again. It took me such a long time to pay off my debt, its not anytime soon that will enroll in a loan or any kind of debt.

Eventually, I would like to see my margin usage go under the 60k. I hold Glentel Inc. (GLN) inside my TFSA and non-registered account. Since BCE acquisition of Glentel had been approved, very soon, I should have some new cash flow.

At less than $80 per share, Royal Bank of Canada (RY) look pretty attractive. I am surprise to see that even with a TSX at 15 000 points up, RY still trade way below the $80 per share.

I am watching my expenses, like I watch movies here instead of paying $12.99 to go and I didn't purchase new clothes in a little while. And I am trying not to spend too much. My non-registered portfolio close the day at $139 904.77. Can I make it at $140 000 by the end of the week? I hope so.

Canadian National Railway Company (CNR) is paying a treat to investors

That's quite nice, Canadian National Railway Company (CNR) had increased its dividend by 25%.

And its not the only fantastic news. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $139 408.14. I could barely believe. I hold CNR in both my TFSA and non-registered portfolio and watch out the fantastic gain. Back in October 2014, I had invested in CNR and since that time, I made more than $300 in capital gain, a 10% gain.

I was disappointed to see my precious Exchange Income Corporation (EIF) down, but its part of the game. This one is a bit more volatile. The TSX gain a few points, but no matter what, Royal Bank of Canada (RY) is also down. At this point, RY appears to be attracting.

I find it quite hilarious to read over the Internet that a household that make $120 000 is being considered "middle" class. That is certainly not a middle class history... If would make 120k a year, I would be rich, not part of the middle class. But that's where we stand. Under the Tories of Stephen Harper, a Canadian middle class salary is $120 000. Really? Will I really have to vote for Justin Trudeau for Prime Minister? Hell no.

Shake up Tories, don't make me vote for a damn Quebecker. PLEASE.

Good profit on the TSX, but for how long

Once again, its terribly cold in Montreal and New York, Boston and part of the Maritime are soon getting a heavy storm. 

My non-registered portfolio closed today session on a nice $139 515.04. I even have a left-over of $16 550.19 on my margin. I was quite surprise to have my non-registered value so high. I guess Bank of Canada rate cut of 0.25%  might play in something.

I had came with a little money plan and by the end of February, I will have my CIBC Visa and BMO MasterCard paid off. I only have left $720.85 balance on my CIBC Visa and a $1 087.39 on my BMO. Not huge amount, but it's required me a lot of effort to pay it all down. But by the end of February, it will be thing done. And by the end of March, I will have something I haven't have in a very very long time: money in the bank! I plan to leave in a 1k in my bank account to cover, at least, my monthly banking fee.

With a rate cut and multiple promotional credit card balance flying by to me, it would be quite tempting to do the exact opposite. In time like now, we could thing its the best time ever to borrow to invest, but I don't think so. There's too many people loosing their jobs. Target is closing, Mexx no longer exist (I got my hands on a Mexx purse as a souvenir...), Jacob had closed most of its store, Sony is about to close its few stores... I always found that Target was too much in the landscape. There's just too many stores out there and all those closing all came up naturally. I went to Target a few times, but it never became my favorite shopping spot. Its just sad because thousands are going to lose their jobs and I doubt that there're going to all be relocated to... Sears...

We live in a strange word were we combat terrorist by saying we defend the freedom of speech. All of the I am Charlie is all bullshit. We never live in a more depress, individualist word. A newspaper as Charlie Hebdo who published very disgusting cartoons against not only Mahomet, but Christianity  - in the name of freedom of speech - well, you know what? I am not Charlie and at the end, those journalists had what they deserved. Anyone who make fun of religion should prepare to die in horrible ways. That's is my freedom of speech. I am certainly not a Charlie asshole. I am the Dividend Girl.

RBC Visa is offering 1.99% credit card balance transfert to the Dividend Girl

Isn't funny? Just at the time that I am very desperately trying to pay off my CIBC Visa, RBC Visa had just come up with that promotion to me, 1.99% interest rate + a one time fee of 1% and that's good until October 2015. So really people. I begin to think that the providence doesn't want me to pay down my debt at all!

The timing was perfect RBC Visa, but I will pass on that one. But I have to admit, the promotion is pretty dirty attractive. But no worries, I am now really turning into that perfect sexy girl and I am really slowing down on debt. And I no longer get excited when I received a credit card balance promotional offer. OR almost.

Not to long ago, I had a 6k on a CIBC Visa at 0%. My 0% interest rate is valid until March, but that come is a hurry... I now only have a $1 500 balance on that same CIBC Visa. I found it very difficult to pay off that debt. Among the way, I even sold a stock I no longer wanted to hold inside my non-registered portfolio, Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (CFX).

I had another huge surprise today. Even now that I no longer hold CFX, my non-registered portfolio closed today session at $136 741.33, which is pretty good knowing all the yo-yo going on the stock market and the oil crash.

No matter what, I am a pretty sexy good investor.

And thank you for reading.

Getting debt free is so terribly hard

Once my payments will be process, I will only have left $1 522.85 on my CIBC Visa. The biggest part of the 6k had now be paid. And following what, I will do my best to keep me on the good road, I will do my best not to crack on 0% credit card balance transfer. But you don't have to worry, because I no longer feel tempt. Paying off my debt had been a very long painful process. I used to have an RRSP loan - remember that one? I also used to have a student loan, that's now gone too. I used to have an American Express at 0% a long time ago too... But now all those things are gone. And once my CIBC Visa will finally be paid off, I will only have left my margin as debt.

And the deal on the margin is that 67k is way too much to be paid back - or I am going to turn crazy. So deal is, no pay back on the margin never ever TD Waterhouse can kiss me.

I don't have any money left at the bank so I would eventually get a 1 to 2k there. Also, I would like to hide away something like $200 that I would hide not to say my mattress or close just in case of an emergency situation. I would like to put down around 10k on my margin to keep it safe so that I don't have to worry while I am away in places where I dn't have access to the Internet - like in somewhere like New Brunswick for example. Those of the type of things I plan to do with my money once my CIBC Visa will be paid off.

All of those things are really great, I am quickly getting rid of that 6k debt on my CIBC Visa which is currently at 0% interest rate for now. BUT, fact is, I am currently a heavy spender too. My BMO MasterCard is showing up a balance of $986.89. I pay my daily expenses using my BMO. If I buy a coffee, I buy it with my BMO MasterCard, etc. My cell phone and Internet payments also go on that card. I am pretty close to the 1k in expenses of all sort and the month of January is not even over yet...

I review my budget and stuff and my living cost shouldn't exceed the $500. That amount doesn't take in consideration my rent, cell phone and Internet bills. My overall budget is $1 210. Knowing everything I need to do with my money, I need to slim down my expenses. And that is not easy, especially while living in Montreal. I drink a lot here, I buy a lot of coffees, I eat out too often and I buy all sort of makeup and skin and hair products. Oh and nail polish. I never used completely one full nail polish bottle of my life, I just pick different colors from different brands whenever I go by a drugstore... I had been addict to nail polish my whole adult life - confession from your Dividend Girl.

Great, but if I continue to carry over my credit card, I will continue to spend like this - I know myself. So from now, I am getting a cash diet. I am giving myself $50 for the last week of January and after that, it will be a $500 every month in cash. That's what is waiting for me starting tomorrow.

At least, I got my hair and coloration done today so I will be looking good at least to begin this cash journey - just like I use to be in the old days. I was so penny wise, I can get back to my old else even if my hair are different now.

Saying goodbye to Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (CFX)

I recently note that Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (CFX) was hitting on the $14.75 mark, so at the first occasion, I jumped in - with the help of an automatic sell act - and I sell of the shares I hold of CFX at exactly the ask price, $14.75. Not that I don't believe in CFX, but currently, I only have my TD Waterhouse margin and a $6 008.85 at 0% for 6 months which will come to an end sometime in March. Right now, I really want to pay off that 6k debt as soon as possible. So I did it, I sell my Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (CFX) shares today at $14.75. All of them.

The plan to pay off my 6k CIBC Visa card is quite simple. I currently have $2 049 in my banking account. I will use 1k from my sell of CFX. I have earned $94.08 in dividend inside my TFSA. I also earned a little bonus of $813.45 at work. And I earned $530.54 in dividend inside my non-registered account. That make a total of $4 487.43, with only left $1 512.57 to pay off. But good news, with the upcoming pay check next week, I should only have left to pay, in minimum, $840.57... I really hope to get rid of that 6k debt as soon as possible. And following what, party time will be on the place! 

I will be able to invest all of my savings inside my TFSA. I will only have a margin as debt and I plan to carry on forever because $67 000 is too much money to be completely paid off.

I currently have more than $23 000 available in contribution room for that TSFA. So 2015 will be the year of the TFSA.

 

Next money move need to be decided

Its terribly cold in Montreal these days and the stock market is all rock and roll! One doesn't go without the other. And in conclusion, my non-registered hit on the 135k mark. Oil is still down, but no matter what, the TSX is still strong and exceed the 14 000 points. I stop a long time ago to try understanding the stock market. I mean how can the TSX be that high when the oil value is so low? In Canada, we depend so terribly much of our energy sector. The current situation with oil doesn't seem to have that much effect on the TSX, and that is something I really cannot understand. Its just so crazy.

But of course, its a good thing that the TSX remains independent of the oil, if not, I will be crying right now. I was stress today because I have absolutely no time to check on the market during the day. I had no clue if I could hit on Horizons BetaPro NYMEX Crude Oil Bear Plus ETF (HOD). Its busy at work and I had to do some overtime. But this is good because it cover my taxi cost rides. I hate this very cold winter, its pretty rough. You know, when you only want to go out on a Sunday afternoon but you have to stay inside because of the rain changing in ice...  than you can say it, life suck!

Personally, I was attracted to Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc. (WB), but I now have about 2k that will be available for investment, and I am more tempted to invest that money in Royal Bank of Canada (RY) for different reasons. First, its a money problem. If I would had like 4k to invest, I would invest in both RY and WB, but its not the case at this time. I need to be extra careful with my money right now. A part of my portfolio took an in deep hit because of a failure in oil and silver. I am actually quite surprise and amaze that my non-registered is at 135k. My next investment moves need to be made carefully. With RY, its boring, but the yield is almost at 4%. And they're good chances that RY could be a good investment that will gain in capital value in the years to come.

Other than RY, I maybe invest inside my RRSP by the end of March. I exceed the 50k in income this year again and investing inside my RRSP could help reduced my taxes. The really true reason why I need to invest inside my RRSP is because I had lost a LOT a LOT of money on the Sprott Canadian Equity Fund and I am looking to cover up the gap. And I am seriously thinking about investing that 2k inside my RRSP. The Sprott Canadian Equity Fund is quite disappointed and its really not a good investment. Jean-François Tardif with his JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN) is doing much better.

The last for not the least, I have to pay off my CIBC Visa by the end of March... $6 000. 

I won't be able to do it all, time will only tell what my next money will be.

In mood for some day trading? Try Horizons BetaPro NYMEX Crude Oil Bear Plus ETF (HOD)

Since oil is still going down, that is very good for the Horizons BetaPro NYMEX Crude Oil Bear Plus ETF (HOD) because it reproduce, in the opposite direction, the value of oil. So since the oil is all the way down and only seem to go lower, it could be a fantastic move to buy-and-sell HOD in a sexy hurry, in a good hit and round old fashion move. Especially if you believe, like me, that oil could go as low as $35...

Can oil go any lower? YES, YES, YES!

A Money Wise Tip: The Best Place for Cheap Grocery Shopping in Montreal is Segal’s Market

I was all ready to go out for a walk but than, it start raining. My timing was wrong. The rain didn't last too long, so I decided to go out anyway, but as I step outside, I saw the ice, the mix of rain and snow. I step out on the sidewalk, but I could see unfortunately that it wasn't really safe for walking... But outside my window at least, it was gorgeous...

See that ice? We can clearly see it on the tree facing the single window of my one and half apartment... Tomorrow, its going to be ugly on the sidewalks, that's for sure. If I see that nothing had been put on the sidewalk, I will just take a taxi to go to work. I live close to my workplace, which is the reason I live in a small apartment. I am traveling in bus enough all year round to go visit my family in New Brunswick. I want my everyday life to me as simple as possible and that include a no need to take the bus and the metro each day. Its a luxury I have for now at least.

One thing - at least :-) - that is great about living in Montreal, is that grocery shopping is much cheaper than in New Brunswick. Grocery costs are something 40% higher in New Brunswick. I already mention this grocery spot somewhere in my blog - remember its there that I spot the very pure idiot that is Amir Khadir. Story short, starting Monday, for the entire 2015, I will do my very best to cut on my expenses as much possible. And for that, I need cheap grocery.

If like me you are living in Montreal and are on a diet budget, the Segal’s Market located on 4001 St-Laurent blvd is going to save your life. Yesterday, I bough two full bad of groceries for only $26.96. From the outside, only a little sign give a notice that there's actually a grocery store in there, but its the only sign... And once your in, you'll get an in deep smell of some dry fish that Portuguese people love but I guess they are the only one because it smell really bad. I never actually saw someone picking up one of those dry fish. 

Otherwise, the spot is very great for vegetables. The grocery store supply is really diversify. Example, I got radish at $1.49, celery also at $1.49. For less than $2 a peace, I got cauliflowers. For $1/lbs I got clementines. Also for $1, I had yogurt. I guess you agree, with those prices, Segal's is the cheapest place for grocery shopping. The only thing is that they don't really sell meat. And also, bring your own grocery bags because they don't have any.If you prefer, its possible to have a grocery delivery for something like 4 bucks.

If you do the biggest of your grocery shopping there, its possible to live on $50 grocery bill per week, if not even a bit less. And this is perfect for me because 2015 will be the year that I go back to my old saving routine like it was in my early beginning investment adventures.

Happy 2015 New Year Investors!

A good way to start a new year is by doing an in deep cleaning of your stuff. I had many many papers of all sort, old magazines, etc. so I cleaned and once I was done I had like 5 garbage bags full to the top. I had some old stuff in my fridge freezer too, so I clean it up. I am now pretty much all done with cleaning and I will be good for a little while.

I went for grocery shopping earlier this afternoon. The weather is cold in Montreal, but its a good cold weather and it began to snow and it was a pretty snow. All the side of my apartment that is facing the street is quite cold. I am adding a bit of heat but otherwise, its not too bad.

Other than cleaning shit, I had been updating my portfolio and my debt. For my debt, I am looking forward to pay off that 6k I own on a 0% credit card balance transfer by March. Most horrible part is that its only in 3 months from now!

Back in 2013, my non-registered was at $133 789.88, and I closed this year at $138 078.72. Overall, I closed the year at $196 680.76. I hold $73 874.31 in debt. I am closing 2014 with a net worth of $122 806.45. Not too bad, but I found tat 2014 was a rocky year with a lot of ups and downs, extremely hard to follow and to understand. But now that gold, silver and oil are all the way down, I mean, 2015 can only go smoother... at least I hope. According to my blog, back on January 1th 2014, I had a net worth of $101 172.99. If I calculate correctly, that's a growth of close to 18%, excluding my dividend income. 2014 had been a very good year overall, but in term of investment only, I didn't enjoy the year 2014. Its been too much of misery for me watching the stock market going upside down. Its been crazy. The most devastating event of all is certainly the fall in the oil price. I still don't understand why it happen. And it seem to be there to remain.

I never been a fan of oil investment, but like any investors, I am unfortunately expose to the oil sector, more or less directly, but it had an effect on my portfolio. Earlier in 2014, my non-registered portfolio hit on somewhere in the $145 000... At $138k, I am close to the old value but still. The volatility of the stock market is very shocking. It take a good stomach to be on the stock market. Its not easy to be an investor these days, I can tell you that.

What I like about stock investment is that it expose me to all sort of industries, all sort of activities. I recently read an interesting article in the Globe and Mail. Forget about investing in RY, I found a way better, sexier stock. The name of my new marvelous? Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc. (WB). WB dividend yield is close to the 5% - that's very good because I NEED MONEY BABY. The stock is about a sky resort in Whistler. You got to check on Whistler - its paradise out there, in winter like in the summer. Very gorgeous landscape, AMAZING PLACE. Its the biggest sky resort in North America and it had won a price recently, number 1 sky resort for 2014.

I quickly came to this conclusion: resort in a beautiful place in summer AND winter = a pretty safe bet for my money. And its much more exciting than holding a boring bank stock! And it have a better yield too! I had update my projective dividend income for 2015. Excluding my RRSP, I will be earning $5 917.88 in dividend for the year 2015. Its still a good amount of money, enough to pay off a few trips, depending of where I want to go.

For 2015, I won't be making any resolution, but I won't like something easier as year. PLEASE.

My investment portfolio on date of December 31, 2014

On date of December 31, 2014:

Cash: $800

Non registered Investments:
Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Timminco (TIMNF): $0.46
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $7 294.10
Blue Note Mining Inc. (BNT.H): $0.46
Hanwei Energy Services (HE): $28.50
Methanex Corporation (MX): $5 472.39
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $4 245.55
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $19 533.36
Just Energy Group Inc. (JE): $4 902.54
Pengrowth Energy Corporation (PGF): $830.30
Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF): $13 577.46
Corby Distilleries Limited (CSW.A): $2 628.90
Davis + Henderson Corporation (DH): $7 896.96
Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (PBH): $10 764.90
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $3 348.80
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2 467.08
Horizons Gold Yield Fund (HGY): $1 204.74
Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (CFX): $1 551.96
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $1 447.20
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $5 014
Colabor Group Inc. (GCL): $339.66
TMX Group Inc. (X): $402
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $4 581
Westshore Terminals Invest Corp (WTE): $6 452.52
WesternOne Inc. (WEQ): $1 174.20
First Majestic Silver Corp (FR): $583
Kinross Gold Corp (K): $490.75
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1 421.50
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $7 200
Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corporation (FC): $496
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $1 668.52
Agrium Inc. (AGU): $2 857.40
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1 718.22
Crescent Point Energy Corp (CPG): $591.36
JFT Strategies Fund (JFS.UN): $1 993.86
Black Diamond Group Ltd (BDI): $317
Emera Inc. (EMA): $965.50
Cineplex Inc. (CGX): $1 118.75
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $499.20
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1 170.84
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $650.20
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1 395.20
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 110
Lassonde Inc. (LAS.A): $1 300
Loblaw Companies (L): $745.08
Lumenpulse Inc. (LMP): $820
Laurentian Bank of Canada (LB): $995.80
The North West Company Inc. (NWC): $1 305.50 
Glentel Inc. (GLN): $1 506

TOTAL: $138 078.72

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Sprott Physical Silver Trust ET (PSLV): $942
Cash: $4.12

TOTAL: $946.12

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
EnerCare Inc. (ECI): $43.23
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $20.09
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $1 421.68
Sprott Strategic Fixed Income Fund (SFI.UN): $367.50
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (REI.UN): $925.05
Precious Metals and Mining Trust (MMP.UN): $338.40
Sprott Inc. (SII): $2 489.53
Data Group Inc. (DGI): $317.59
AltaGas Ltd (ALA): $1 298.70
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1 220
National Bank of Canada (NA): $1 134.36 
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $3 200
Glentel Inc. (GLN): $2 259 
Cash: $87.97

TOTAL: $15 035.13

RSP investment portfolio:
Sprott Canadian Equity Fund: $2 912.31
iShares Gold Bullion Fund (CGL): $3 552.38
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $9 191.56
EnCana Corporation (ECA): $1 706.60
Sprott Physical Silver Trust UTS (PHS.U): $473.89
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1 665
Barrick Gold Corp (ABX): $624
Stella Jones Inc. (SJ): $3 251
Telus Corp (T): $2 093.50
Cash: $102.81 

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund: $724.08
CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund: $320.41
CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $1 254.73

Energy and Base Metals Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $577.30
Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.06

GIC National Bank: $1 289.70

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $1 017.54
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 135.47
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 255.26 
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 427.92
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $901.42

Great-West – various: $2 539.73
Various other mutual funds: $1 355.54
Other: $987.63

TOTAL: $41 780.79

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $40 Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$196 680.76

My debt situation on date of December 31, 2014

$67 865.46 at 4.25% (margin money coming from my broker account) = 

$2 884.28 in annual interest

$6 008.85 at 0% (credit card at 0% for 6 months, expired in March)

TOTAL: $73 874.31

TOTAL in annual interest: $2 884.28

[In date of December 31, 2014]