Decided to sell my stake in Regency Energy Partners (RGNC) for a quick 24% gain. I mentioned in an earlier post that I would consider selling if the gain went over 20%, just didn't think it would happen so soon. This frees up quite a bit of cash, so I've decided to reinvest the money in shares of ConAgra (CAG) and British Petroleum (BP). I like the dividend payouts and the long term prospects of both companies. My positions in both stocks are for the long haul, as long as the dividends hold up.
I'm still holding shares in a couple of energy limited partnerships. The dividend payouts are good on both, albeit a bit questionable due to recent earnings. Am hoping to trade out of both with a small profit, we'll see how it goes. I see from the news on CNBC.com that Warren Buffett is reiterating his advice to "buy American." I can't help but agree, since I'm still seeing what I consider bargains in some great stocks. My biggest regret is that I don't have the money to take advantage of everything I find. But I know that opportunities will always reveal themselves to people who look for them. I'm always on the look out for a great investment opportunity.
Showing posts with label long term investment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label long term investment. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Adding to Long Term Holdings
With the big drop in the market on Monday, I'm taking advantage of the lower prices to pick up some extra shares in AT&T and General Electric. Both stocks are part of my long term holdings. AT&T for their great dividend payout and General Electric for their long term prospects. GE does pay a dividend, but not near the amount they used to pay. Still, I think they have great, long term prospects.
Now the government is talking about taxing health care benefits in the workplace. Hey, Obama! What happened to, "95% of Americans would see their taxes reduced."???? Did you mean South or Central Americans, because I'm just not seeing it. I'm seeing increased taxes and not much stimulus from the "stimulus package." First it was a massive tax increase on tobacco products, affecting mostly poor and middle class taxpayers, then the talk of taxing sugary products (again affecting mostly poor and middle class), now health care benefits???? Have the people in Washington taken complete leave of their senses? I'm beginning to believe so. I'll spell it out so even they can understand: Increasing taxes, in ANY FORM, hurts the economy, the recovery and the U.S. taxpayer.
On a brighter note, today's market is expected to go higher, after Monday's big sell-off. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm not expecting to see any more big moves with the market until the fall. We may have a few small rallies and some drops through the summer, but I'm not expecting anything big.
Now the government is talking about taxing health care benefits in the workplace. Hey, Obama! What happened to, "95% of Americans would see their taxes reduced."???? Did you mean South or Central Americans, because I'm just not seeing it. I'm seeing increased taxes and not much stimulus from the "stimulus package." First it was a massive tax increase on tobacco products, affecting mostly poor and middle class taxpayers, then the talk of taxing sugary products (again affecting mostly poor and middle class), now health care benefits???? Have the people in Washington taken complete leave of their senses? I'm beginning to believe so. I'll spell it out so even they can understand: Increasing taxes, in ANY FORM, hurts the economy, the recovery and the U.S. taxpayer.
On a brighter note, today's market is expected to go higher, after Monday's big sell-off. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm not expecting to see any more big moves with the market until the fall. We may have a few small rallies and some drops through the summer, but I'm not expecting anything big.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Payday Loans
It has always been my policy to stay away from payday loans. Until recently, even a cash advance on one of my credit cards would have been preferable to borrowing money from cash advance, title loan or payday loan companies. That being said, if a person has no other recourse and they are absolutely sure they can pay the money back, as agreed, then I could see using them, but only as a last resort.
Needless to say, not everyone agrees with me. Which really has worked out good for me in the sense that I've been able to make some tidy profits trading their company stocks. My most recent trade (AEA) netted me a near 100% gain in just a few short months. I've recently purchased more shares of AEA (Advance America Cash Advance Centers) on a pull back in price. Even if I don't make a quick gain like last time, they are paying an attractive dividend and from their earnings, it looks to be sustainable. So either way, short trade or long term investment, it should work out pretty well.
As a rule though, I would still advocate avoiding payday loans if at all possible.
Needless to say, not everyone agrees with me. Which really has worked out good for me in the sense that I've been able to make some tidy profits trading their company stocks. My most recent trade (AEA) netted me a near 100% gain in just a few short months. I've recently purchased more shares of AEA (Advance America Cash Advance Centers) on a pull back in price. Even if I don't make a quick gain like last time, they are paying an attractive dividend and from their earnings, it looks to be sustainable. So either way, short trade or long term investment, it should work out pretty well.
As a rule though, I would still advocate avoiding payday loans if at all possible.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Lackluster Friday, But Not a Bad Week
Not much news as far as the stock market goes today. None that really caught my interest anyway. The new jobless claims were lower than expected, but I'd really like to see overall unemployment numbers improving. Would like to see the economy improving to the point that employers were hiring again. Overall though, it hasn't been a bad week for me as far as my investments go. I made some trades that were quite profitable (the last half of my UVE stock I'm selling with a 101% gain) and I've identified some shares I'm buying in to that I believe will do well. See: http://thebluecollarinvestor.blogspot.com/2009/06/trading-for-some-quick-cash.html So it really hasn't been a bad week for me.
Last spring I did an experiment in trading equities. Although I prefer long term investment, along the lines of Warren Buffet's long term, I did quite well with trading small cap stocks. As an investor, the more you learn, the more you earn. I feel comfortable with my knowledge of the stock market and my stock picks at this point and feel that I'm ready to make short term trades for quick cash. I am limiting the amount I allocate for short term trading and will report on how it goes in future posts. I think the market is in for a rough ride throughout the rest of this year, but I believe there are always opportunities to make money. You just have to look for them.
Last spring I did an experiment in trading equities. Although I prefer long term investment, along the lines of Warren Buffet's long term, I did quite well with trading small cap stocks. As an investor, the more you learn, the more you earn. I feel comfortable with my knowledge of the stock market and my stock picks at this point and feel that I'm ready to make short term trades for quick cash. I am limiting the amount I allocate for short term trading and will report on how it goes in future posts. I think the market is in for a rough ride throughout the rest of this year, but I believe there are always opportunities to make money. You just have to look for them.
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