Not All Investments Are About Making Money

Some investments are about quality of life — and they often cost more than you expect.

Both the world’s most perfect husband and I have always believed in buying quality over quantity. In the long run, it’s usually the cheaper option.

Many years ago we bought a beautiful curved Howard sofa. It has served us incredibly well… until now. After years of faithful service, it has finally worn out and needs to be replaced.

I knew sofa prices had gone up. I just didn’t know they had gone that far up. A larger, good-quality sofa now costs well over $10,000.

I guess I’m officially old now. Because when I see prices like that, my first thought is still: “That can’t be right…”

March 2026 Dividend Update – Reality Check

We have now received all dividends for March 2026.

As expected, it wasn’t quite as strong as my original forecast. We sold some of our dividend holdings to make room for growth stocks in the long term, which naturally affected this month’s payout.

That said, it could have been a lot worse, and overall I’m reasonably satisfied with the result.

Looking at the chart below, the difference between actual dividends received (where the green bar represents executed ordinary dividends and the red bar represents executed extra dividends) and my original forecast (blue bar) is unfortunately very clear.

Our only realistic chance of getting these two bars closer to the same height is if our holdings pay out significantly more special dividends than I currently expect, and if the US dollar strengthens substantially against the SEK in the near future.

This needs to happen soon if we want any hope of closing the gap this year.

Click to enlarge

March 2026 Dividend Update

We have now received all dividends for March 2026.

As expected, it wasn’t quite as strong as my original forecast. We sold some of our dividend holdings during the transition to add more growth stocks for the long term. That naturally had an impact this month.

That said, it could have been a lot worse, and overall I’m quite satisfied with the result.Unfortunately, the rest of 2026 will look significantly weaker compared to 2025. The shift away from pure dividend stocks means we will see lower dividend income for the remainder of the year.

I’ll share the charts comparing actual dividends vs. the original forecast below.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

From Personality Tests to Portfolio Changes – And My Husband Wants to Start Swing Trading

A number of years ago, I took an extensive leadership training course. I was skeptical when they handed out personality tests and took them under silent protest.

In hindsight, those tests taught me more than almost anything else.

I’ve learned why I react differently in different situations, and I’ve become better at understanding which of my traits is most useful at any given moment. Sometimes I even allow myself to use the “wrong” quality if it leads to the best outcome.

One of my strongest traits is that I dislike change. I’m extremely conservative by nature.

Our portfolio has been 100% dividend stocks for many years — with good results. But the world doesn’t stand still. My husband, who loves change far more than I do, and I have decided to evolve our strategy and add growth stocks as well. Although both strategies are long-term, I needed time to adjust. That adjustment period was barely over when he casually mentioned something about swing trading.

We’ve barely begun with growth stocks, and he’s already looking at the next step. Before I know it, he’ll probably suggest day trading too.

The fact that he hasn’t traded me in for a new wife after 32 years is honestly beyond me. I must have more personalities than I realize.

AI-generated image with Grok

My Husband Turned Off the Heat… and I Love Him Anyway

We live in a beautiful old building from 1870 in Stockholm with thick, beautiful walls. They keep us cool in the summer, but right now — after this long, cold winter — they’re still holding onto the chill.

Last night, the world's most perfect husband decided it was time to turn off the heating in the bedroom. This has nothing to do with money — our heating cost is fixed anyway. It’s purely a him issue. Apparently he’s starting to feel 'a bit warm' at night."

I, on the other hand, woke up at 3:45 a.m. freezing cold. The room was so chilly I could almost see my breath. Since then I’ve been lying on the sofa wrapped in a bedspread and two blankets.

I sleep with one winter duvet. My dear husband sleeps with two — because of course he does.

I love this man more than anything, but right now I’m seriously considering reminding him who the highest authority in this household really is. Happy wife, happy life.

If he wants his freezing wife back in the bedroom, the heat needs to go back on. Compromise is key in marriage… preferably one that doesn’t involve hypothermia.

AI-generated image with Grok