DIVIDEND INCOME UP MORE THAN 30% FOR THIRD
QUARTER!
Given setbacks to personal earned income in the past few
months, I was pleased to see third quarter dividend income is
up more than 30% when compared to the first 2 months of the
second quarter! I don’t attribute such success to any special
investment skills on my part, it’s more a matter of sticking to
the plan. So far the plan has worked well and I don’t see that
changing anytime soon.
Paying off final medical bills from my heart attacks has been
painfully slow. Partly because there were so many of them and
partly because of my reduced earned income. However, there
is light at the end of the tunnel and my goal for September is to
pay off the next smallest bill. With a little luck, by December
I’ll be in a much better financial situation. I should have at
least 2 more bills paid off, bringing my total monthly payments
from 11 down to 9. During the first 6 months of 2015, I should
be able to pay off 2 more bills and reduce credit card debt
dramatically. With only 7 monthly payments, the remaining
credit card debt should drop rapidly starting in July of next
year. That may seem like a long way off, but I’ve found if you
plan for the year ahead, it’s much easier to keep things in
perspective. You don’t worry so much the day to day problems
and you keep focus on where you want to be. Staying focused
on future goals makes it much easier to get from where you are
to where you want to be.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
END OF MONTH, BIG 3 DIVIDENDS!
I'm down to the final 3 dividend payments for the month of August, each paying on the last day of the month, labor day. Not planning much for Labor day weekend, I'll be working my regular schedule Sunday and Monday. It's nice to know I can expect a big payment at the end of each month, since all three are monthly dividend payers (CRF, CLM, AOD). But what's even better, the very next day on the first of each month I collect all the beginning of the month dividends. So I get two big payments back to back each month. Didn't really plan it that way, but it's nice how it worked out. When I start taking payments instead of reinvesting all dividends, it will work out well for bill paying.
It's been a busy month. Had some luck, winning a Bose wave radio in a lottery second chance drawing. Picked up a little extra cash doing some odd jobs on the side and am planning on putting some items up for sale at my sister's next yard sale the first week of September. Also managed to pick up a few extra hours at work, so the money situation is improving.
Celebrated paying off another medical bill. Made my final payment to ER Physicians this week. One more down, 5 more to go. Also cancelled one of my credit cards. It was the only one that still charged me an annual fee and I don't really have any need for so many cards, so I cancelled it and saved myself the $100.
I'm liking my phone service with Virgin Mobile, been doing a lot more texting since it's included in my package. Just had one problem with items being billed to my account which I did not purchase. A couple of game charges from Gamestop for $6.99 each, but Virgin Mobile took care of it and reversed the charges when I called customer service. So it was no big deal. I'm loving getting my phone service for half of what I was paying AT&T. Big fan of AT&T, also a shareholder, but if they don't offer the best deal, have to move my service to another provider.
It's been a busy month. Had some luck, winning a Bose wave radio in a lottery second chance drawing. Picked up a little extra cash doing some odd jobs on the side and am planning on putting some items up for sale at my sister's next yard sale the first week of September. Also managed to pick up a few extra hours at work, so the money situation is improving.
Celebrated paying off another medical bill. Made my final payment to ER Physicians this week. One more down, 5 more to go. Also cancelled one of my credit cards. It was the only one that still charged me an annual fee and I don't really have any need for so many cards, so I cancelled it and saved myself the $100.
I'm liking my phone service with Virgin Mobile, been doing a lot more texting since it's included in my package. Just had one problem with items being billed to my account which I did not purchase. A couple of game charges from Gamestop for $6.99 each, but Virgin Mobile took care of it and reversed the charges when I called customer service. So it was no big deal. I'm loving getting my phone service for half of what I was paying AT&T. Big fan of AT&T, also a shareholder, but if they don't offer the best deal, have to move my service to another provider.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
160 EXTRA PAYDAYS PER YEAR!
The month of August kicked off with 5 dividend payments in
the first few days of the month. I like to think of dividend
payments as “extra paydays” only I don’t have to do any extra
work to get paid. Once the money is invested in shares of stock
or dividend paying funds, the paydays just keep coming. So
far I’m up to 160 days per year, or a payday every 2.28 days.
If you add in the 24 paydays I get from my job that brings my
total paydays to 184 per year, or a payday every 1.98 days.
Think about that for a minute. How long would it take to
accumulate a good deal of money when you get paid every 2
days? Of course the answer would depend on what you do
with the money when you get paid. For now I’m reinvesting
100% of the “paydays” from my investment account and I
continue to add additional cash to build my portfolio as rapidly
as possible. Honestly it’s been very tough for me the past few
years. I’ve lost a great deal of my life savings due to medical
bills from my heart attacks and heart surgery, haven’t been
able to find a good job and the job I have has cut hours to
avoid paying for Obamacare insurance. So I’ve had to adjust
my standard of living and look for ways to pay the bills and
make ends meet. Some months I’m barely able to keep my
head above water, but I don’t give up. I’ve been given a second
chance and I’ve come a long way. Still have some medical bills
to pay and there is never any money for luxury items. Some
weeks I have only $10 to buy food for the week, but I can see
the light at the end of the tunnel and I know that frugality and
perseverance will win out in the end.
The “paydays” get bigger each month and the bills get smaller
and that’s the way to dig yourself out of a financial hole. Just
have to stay the course and everything will work out fine.
the first few days of the month. I like to think of dividend
payments as “extra paydays” only I don’t have to do any extra
work to get paid. Once the money is invested in shares of stock
or dividend paying funds, the paydays just keep coming. So
far I’m up to 160 days per year, or a payday every 2.28 days.
If you add in the 24 paydays I get from my job that brings my
total paydays to 184 per year, or a payday every 1.98 days.
Think about that for a minute. How long would it take to
accumulate a good deal of money when you get paid every 2
days? Of course the answer would depend on what you do
with the money when you get paid. For now I’m reinvesting
100% of the “paydays” from my investment account and I
continue to add additional cash to build my portfolio as rapidly
as possible. Honestly it’s been very tough for me the past few
years. I’ve lost a great deal of my life savings due to medical
bills from my heart attacks and heart surgery, haven’t been
able to find a good job and the job I have has cut hours to
avoid paying for Obamacare insurance. So I’ve had to adjust
my standard of living and look for ways to pay the bills and
make ends meet. Some months I’m barely able to keep my
head above water, but I don’t give up. I’ve been given a second
chance and I’ve come a long way. Still have some medical bills
to pay and there is never any money for luxury items. Some
weeks I have only $10 to buy food for the week, but I can see
the light at the end of the tunnel and I know that frugality and
perseverance will win out in the end.
The “paydays” get bigger each month and the bills get smaller
and that’s the way to dig yourself out of a financial hole. Just
have to stay the course and everything will work out fine.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
ALPINE TOTAL DYNAMIC DIVIDEND FUND
Just finished reading the 2014 semi-annual report from Alpine
Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD). I have to say it’s one of
the most informative and well written reports I’ve ever read.
While it does highlight the funds’ success, it also provides the
needed information for investors as to the general direction of
the fund while not painting an overly rosy picture of future
prospects. What I did discover is that the fund is well
positioned, relative to some of my other fund investments for
continued growth of NAV and dividend distributions to
shareholders. My investment in monthly dividend paying
funds was primarily geared toward boosting monthly cash
flow. However, I believe there is a good possibility of growth
with AOD along with decent current income. I was so
impressed with their report and investment portfolio, I’ll be
reviewing other Alpine funds to see if they are suitable
replacements for stocks I sold recently.
I first learned of AOD through one of my other funds. It is one
of their top ten holdings. I thought it would be a good idea to
look over the top ten holdings for stocks or funds I might want
to invest in outside of the fund. AOD was one of the standouts
so I bought some shares and now I’m really glad I did. I’ve
enjoyed having their monthly dividends add to my cash flow,
but most of all I’m very happy with what I’ve seen in their
report. The strategy of reviewing mutual fund top ten holdings
may be a great way of finding good investments to build my
portfolio. I’ll definitely be keeping and eye on future reports.
In the mean time I’ll be looking to invest in additional Alpine
funds. I like being informed on my investments and their
reports are some of the most informative I’ve ever read. Since
I’ve read every annual report of every company I’ve ever
invested in, that’s saying a lot.
Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD). I have to say it’s one of
the most informative and well written reports I’ve ever read.
While it does highlight the funds’ success, it also provides the
needed information for investors as to the general direction of
the fund while not painting an overly rosy picture of future
prospects. What I did discover is that the fund is well
positioned, relative to some of my other fund investments for
continued growth of NAV and dividend distributions to
shareholders. My investment in monthly dividend paying
funds was primarily geared toward boosting monthly cash
flow. However, I believe there is a good possibility of growth
with AOD along with decent current income. I was so
impressed with their report and investment portfolio, I’ll be
reviewing other Alpine funds to see if they are suitable
replacements for stocks I sold recently.
I first learned of AOD through one of my other funds. It is one
of their top ten holdings. I thought it would be a good idea to
look over the top ten holdings for stocks or funds I might want
to invest in outside of the fund. AOD was one of the standouts
so I bought some shares and now I’m really glad I did. I’ve
enjoyed having their monthly dividends add to my cash flow,
but most of all I’m very happy with what I’ve seen in their
report. The strategy of reviewing mutual fund top ten holdings
may be a great way of finding good investments to build my
portfolio. I’ll definitely be keeping and eye on future reports.
In the mean time I’ll be looking to invest in additional Alpine
funds. I like being informed on my investments and their
reports are some of the most informative I’ve ever read. Since
I’ve read every annual report of every company I’ve ever
invested in, that’s saying a lot.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
DIVIDEND INCOME FOR JULY UP 110% OVER 2013!
Dividend income for the first month of the third quarter is up a
whopping 270% over the first month of the first quarter! That
in itself is a great accomplishment, especially considering I
recently sold some shares and lost dividends associated with
those shares. When compared to July of last year, dividends
for July 2014 will be up 110% over 2013! Which means my
investment plan is right on track. Even if I don’t invest any
additional cash for the rest of the year, reinvested dividends
would more than double total dividend income from 2013. I’m
working out a plan now to double dividend income again in
2015. Reinvested dividends increase income by 1% per month,
so a 12% increase for next year is already in the bag. My real
goal is to increase dividends by 88% or above next year.
My sister sent me a great book for my Kindle Fire through
Amazon. It basically synopsises 50 of the greatest investment
books ever written. Several of the books I’ve read, several I
haven’t read and was surprised by some of the great ideas I’ve
gotten by reviewing familiar material and being exposed to
some new ideas. One of the greatest things to come from
reading the book was a renewed optimism for life overall. The
power of positive thinking, not just to improve earnings
potential or to attract money, but to improve all areas of your
life. Health, friendships, family, love interests and finances all
benefit from looking for and being greatful for the positive
things in life. While I’m not sure about the whole metaphysical
type of thinking on the laws of attraction, even the Bible says
that those who have will have more added to them and those
who do not have, even what they have will be taken away. All
good things begin with good thoughts leading to good actions
which in turn, tend to attract good things into your life. So
think positive, it can’t hurt.
whopping 270% over the first month of the first quarter! That
in itself is a great accomplishment, especially considering I
recently sold some shares and lost dividends associated with
those shares. When compared to July of last year, dividends
for July 2014 will be up 110% over 2013! Which means my
investment plan is right on track. Even if I don’t invest any
additional cash for the rest of the year, reinvested dividends
would more than double total dividend income from 2013. I’m
working out a plan now to double dividend income again in
2015. Reinvested dividends increase income by 1% per month,
so a 12% increase for next year is already in the bag. My real
goal is to increase dividends by 88% or above next year.
My sister sent me a great book for my Kindle Fire through
Amazon. It basically synopsises 50 of the greatest investment
books ever written. Several of the books I’ve read, several I
haven’t read and was surprised by some of the great ideas I’ve
gotten by reviewing familiar material and being exposed to
some new ideas. One of the greatest things to come from
reading the book was a renewed optimism for life overall. The
power of positive thinking, not just to improve earnings
potential or to attract money, but to improve all areas of your
life. Health, friendships, family, love interests and finances all
benefit from looking for and being greatful for the positive
things in life. While I’m not sure about the whole metaphysical
type of thinking on the laws of attraction, even the Bible says
that those who have will have more added to them and those
who do not have, even what they have will be taken away. All
good things begin with good thoughts leading to good actions
which in turn, tend to attract good things into your life. So
think positive, it can’t hurt.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
HAWTHORN BANK PAYS ADDITIONAL STOCK DIVIDEND!
Was happy to see Hawthorn Bank pay an additional stock dividend for the month of July, just as they did last year. HWBK is one of my long term investments and although the cash dividend yield is small, I anticipate good things from this stock going forward. I've witnessed first hand improvements they've made to their operations locally and have had nothing but positive interactions with all business dealings I've had with them. I also like their recent add campaign aimed at increasing business. What's good for Hawthorn is good for me. I currently do not have any personal accounts with the bank, but I'm thinking of opening an account in the near future, since their location is much better suited to where I live than my current main bank.
Didn't go out for the 4th, was tired from work and decided to have a quiet evening at home. Turned out to be not so quiet since the neighbors put on their own fireworks show after the featured show downtown. But I did enjoy their fireworks display, so it wasn't a bad thing. My little dog Pickles ran and hid under the bed. He doesn't like loud noises, but he was content to sit in my lap afterwords and watch Perry Mason and Twilight Zone reruns with me.
With the additional stock dividend this month, monthly cash flow should be near or exceed that of last month, which was the highest since I started my new portfolio. I expect next month to be a bit lower since there will be less dividend payments and I don't expect to make any additional cash investments between now and then. However, total shares in my portfolio are growing quite nicely from reinvested dividends and monthly cash flow continues to grow along with it.
Didn't go out for the 4th, was tired from work and decided to have a quiet evening at home. Turned out to be not so quiet since the neighbors put on their own fireworks show after the featured show downtown. But I did enjoy their fireworks display, so it wasn't a bad thing. My little dog Pickles ran and hid under the bed. He doesn't like loud noises, but he was content to sit in my lap afterwords and watch Perry Mason and Twilight Zone reruns with me.
With the additional stock dividend this month, monthly cash flow should be near or exceed that of last month, which was the highest since I started my new portfolio. I expect next month to be a bit lower since there will be less dividend payments and I don't expect to make any additional cash investments between now and then. However, total shares in my portfolio are growing quite nicely from reinvested dividends and monthly cash flow continues to grow along with it.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
HAPPY 4th OF JULY!
The month of July has started off with a bang, with 6 dividend payments on the first day of the month! Good to see money coming in and new shares being added after the setback last month. Setbacks are only temporary and are meant to be overcome, so I'm looking forward to a great month.
Want to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!
Want to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!
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