Rip the band-aid

Due to the national tax rules the most advantageous way for me to buy and sell securities is to do so in an endowment insurance.

Unfortunately, it took me about 2 years until I realized that I needed to change the form of savings.

During these 2 years, we lost more than $14,000 in foreign tax. The loss for the sale of the total shareholding must be added. We couldn't even buy back all the holdings because of new regulations.

I am glad we took the loss when we did, it never pays (usually not) to wait.

Once again I reacted on instinct

The stock price for DX fell today to $6 per share. Combined with a monthly return that yields  a return about 11.7%, is a good buy. At least in my world.

I take into account mainly five factors when I value a share. Stock price, yield, dollar rate,
ex-dividend date and if it's a monthly or quarterly pay date.

I got 3 out of 5 factors in this purchase, the only things working against me are the dollar rate och ex-Div date.

I left no money in the account this time.

Do not bite off more than you can chew

I need to keep my cool now. Since I believe that the market will fall in the near future, I have kept all my cash dividends. I even sold some shares in the hope price drop.

On the other hand, it hurts when the stock prices fall. No matter how thin you make a pancake, it always has two sides.

I really want them to start earning dividends, but the window is still open considering the record date.

I hope this strategy will pay off.

Basic mathematical skills

Yesterday my husband and I was out on our own. The offspring was at a party with a classmate.

During our lunch 2 teenage boys came and sat down at the table next to us.

From their discussion, I understood that it would be desirable if their school grades were significantly improved, at least from a parent's point of view.

When they got the bill they had difficulty sharing it in two parts, one of the boys had one side order so there were five products on the bill.

On top of this they had to calculate the tip, 10-15% extra. It ended with my husband borrowing them his phone so they could use the calculator.

In the future, my eleven year old will calculate the tips when we are out eating. As a son of a CEO and CFO, life can be difficult, but educational.

Guessing Nordea does it the old-fashioned way

Due to Nordea's excellent tax return service I transfer all my dividends to them.

It feels like they are using a wheelbarrow to move the money from one account to another within the building.

That is how long time it takes to transfer money within the bank. In other banks, the transfer is immediate. But not at Nordea. It takes hours, if not days...

I have to give them credit for always, sooner or later, always sort out everything.

Strange just "getting" money

I got 1/3 of all my January dividends last Friday.

I know that it is my money, I have worked hard for them and taken risks with investing them on the stock market. I deeply wish that I had started this in my twenties.

Nevertheless it's feel like a gift or like I have found a treasure everytime I get a larger amount money paid out to me.

Why all these abbreviations?

I can't keep in mind the explanations for all these abbreviations. So I'll do a page with them that I will update continuously.

Below is everything I can think of at the moment.

• FIRE Financial Independence Retirement Early
• ETF Exchange Traded Fund
• PFD Prefeered Stock
• EPS Earning per share
• REIT Real Estate Investment Trust
• GA Google Analytics

Nordea #openthinking

Their #openthinking ads couldn't have been more spot on, but maybe not in the sense they meant.

Before I log in to Nordea I always say to myself "assume nothing".

Take last night as an example. I logged on and intended to make purchases.

First of all, my holdings wasn't visible. The account was empty, again.

My balance was accurate so I was able to add a purchase order. Just as I had laid the order the screen became blank. No balance, no holdings and no orders.

Since this isn't the first time, I just logged off and continued to follow the stock price on Nasdaq. The price went up so I assumed I had missed the purchase.

I was very pleased this morning when I logged in and saw that I got the securities. My balance and holdings was back too.

Acted on instinct

As expected I just went with my temporary emotional state. I shopped!

This time the choice fell on SNH. My intention was to buy ARR but I changed my mind at the last second. Several variables contributed to the purchase, good yield and a dividend in the near future.

Unfortunately SNH pays their dividends quarterly.

Although I'm foremost a passive income investor I hope for increased share price on this one, a little icing on the cake.

I haven't placed the entire capital, trying to have the cake and eat it, too.

Not really knowing what I want

I am very confused right now.

I believe the stock market will fall (more) within a short future. At the same time I want to put the money to work ASAP, generate dividends.

As a female I embrace my right to change my mind every second for now.

To be honest, I will properly react to the future feeling when buying opportunity arises.

I feel like Ogre Magi "I'm ready! (I'm not ready.)"

Are Europe standing on the threshold to a recession

I'm afraid so. At least the country in northern Europe where I live.

A lot of investors recommend that you invest in gold during recessions.

I intend to see this prediction as a good thing. My 49th birthday is coming up next week.

I am going to wish for gold, and lots of it. I assume the investors mean gold bullions but I'm thinking more of bracelets, necklaces, rings and so on.

All I need know is to get the spouse onboard...

Time is relative

I have no problem waiting for things when they are weeks away in the future. As I get closer to the day the waiting can, depending on what I wait for, almost become unbearable.

January is my absolute best month of the year when it comes to dividends. However, I get more than 50% of the total sum around the 25-26th. Until now I have been very patient.

Once again I find myself being impatiently. Checking the accounts several times per day.

I am glad that I enjoy shopping stocks (almost) as much as shoes and bags.

I'm feeling dissatisfied

Because I sold off AMZA my projected dividend for 2019 has decreased compared to my forecast per 12.31.2018.

This makes me a bit stressed. The intension is that it should increase with each transaction.

My goal is to beat last year's dividends with 12%.

Best case scenario, the money will be invested in a bear market by Friday this week and my forecast is better than before the sale of AMZA.

Regretfully, we are not living in this ideal world.

Upcoming acquisition

At the end of this month it looks like I will hunt for ARR.

The quota isn't full and the securities suits us well. I intend to make the purchases in our joint portfolio.

I hope I'm not barking up the wrong tree considering my prediction about the upcoming bear market and I end up even more behind my husbands investments.

He who grabs a lot takes little...

Investing in stocks or the family

Before I had my son I was the master of living "tomorrow", but tomorrow never came. When we had the offspring I was forced to start living in the moment.

It's an indescribable feeling being happy a Tuesday evening justing hugging my child and husband.

However, we've only been home for 2 weeks and have a London trip booked next month when my better half starts talking about summer vacation.

This is a bit frustrating since I want to invest the money. These are the times I need to remind myself to live in the moment.

I'm very grateful to have such a wonderful husband who challenges me with this. You never know what tomorrow brings.

Date night

Other people get a babysitter and goes out to a nice restaurant for date nights.

Although I love that too, I prefer to have my hole family around me. I KNOW it's easier for us with only one child.

Date night for us means (mostly not always) sitting in the couch, lighting a fire in the tiled fireplace, having the most perfect child in the world building Lego at the floor, drinking a glas of champagne and browsing around looking for stocks or securities to buy.

If I find anything interesting it goes onto my list and when I think it's a good purchase I hit it.

Tonight is such a night and I'm longing already.

Today I obeyed my 2nd commandment

I am sorry to say that I sold of securities I will not be able to repurchase, AMZA.

However I have to do what I believe is right for me.

AMZA decreased their dividend and since I'm (due to regulations) not able to keep investing in the company I had to let them go. I would have preferred to been able to keep investing in AMZA.

On the upside this means that I will have more cash to move to Nordea. I really enjoy their fast foreign tax return.

All I have to do is "keep calm and carry on" for future investments in the coming, according to me, bear market.

It's easy to shop for other people money

I have an obsession with my Google Sheet. I love to see my (our) dividends increase every month. For that to happen I need to continue invest. As I wrote yesterday I intend to save (my) money.

I became a bit frustrated last night, wanting to have the cake and eat it too! Luckily I had an ace up my sleeve.

We have 4 portfolios, mine, Mr Dewlar's, young master Dewlar's and Family first's

The last mentioned is our joint. Last night I got my husband to invest in DX. In his portfolio!

I am waiting for the market to fall within the next 30 days. Hoping to catch up with his investments...

I have looked in my magic crystal ball

Being with my hubby for more than 24 years makes me a bit vulnerable. He knows me better than I know myself.

He is very aware of my strengths and weaknesses. This makes me think he has tricked me.

I am very competitive and all of a sudden I'm saving money during January. This has never happen before. I usually hit the sales like a mad woman.

Out of the blue I am comparing my shareholdings and dividends with his, EVERYDAY. This has triggered me to save extra money.

I'm trying to take it coolly since I think the market will lose in value within the next 30 days or so.

At one's fingertips

Everything is so easily accessible nowadays.

When I was a child I had to go to the bank office on weekdays between 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. I also had to bring my bankbook so my balance could be updated.

Today every bank has a website were you logon and do your business yourself.

I have, due to this, become the child on road trips that almost immediately starts annoying its parents "are we there yet?"

Although I know my big payments are due at the end of the month I still logon two to three times per day hoping there might be some money.

I'm the kid nagging my parents (the bank) "is there any payouts yet?"

When did it happen?

When I was in my twenties I could party all night and (almost) go directly to work.

Today, when I go out I don't even have to drink to collapse in bed for 2 days with the hangover of the century.

Last week when I walked my son to school the park roads were all icy and slippery. I began to walk like an old woman, even the offspring noticed. I told him that we will take the pavement in the future until the ice is gone.

When did I get so old?

However, if I'm careful and cautious when it comes to my body I compensate that with my investments.

I take chances like it's a 100 years until my retirement.

Apparently I see myself as an old woman with an young mind whom will live forever!

Being a child to entrepreneurs PART 3

All you with children knows that children listens when they are not suppose to and contrary.

My husband and I try to not talk business at home, but as everybody else we fail from time to time.

Last night young master Dewlar seized the moment and asked his father for permission to have snacks at a time when saw that his dad was busy with a report.

My better half didn't answer our son whereupon he helped himself to snacks, a lot of it.

When his father paid attention to this my son very comfortable answered that quote "since you didn't answer me, I took it as a TACIT AGREEMENT!" unquote.

He learns thing he is not supposed to.

Money for nothing

The best month of the year is finally here, January.

Not only due to my birthday, more importantly the largest dividends of the year. January and especially the end of January bears fruit when it comes to dividends.

I have gotten some dividends already, only minor sums but still ready money.

I'm more than happy to say that this tax return is working. Just a few days after payment day I also receive the foreign tax. So right now it has been worth all the trouble, thank you Nordea.

The other two banks has contacted me wondering why I move out money. I told them how Nordea operate with the foreign taxes. I got the feeling that they are already very well aware of this.

Guessing they will follow in Nordea's footprint very soon.

It's an extremely big thing if I get the tax within 6 weeks or up to almost 3 years, depending of what time of the year I make the investments.

Still jet lagged

Life is tough for the moment. My body is still on Asian time, I'm living in European time and I making my investments at American time. 

Yesterday when I had put my son to sleep I dragged myself up from his cozy warm bed and onto the sofa. Next to my sleeping better half.

I managed to fire up the computer, log on to the bank and actually make an acquisition. I bought DX.

DX has changed from quarterly to monthly payouts, has a good yield and fair pricing.

I prefer to have payments every month. The sooner I can buy a stock or securities the faster I can get the next dividend and so on.  

The world is to small sometimes

Having the internet is not always a blessing.

I dislike to browse around for stocks or securities, finding something good and not being able to buy it, and due to circumstances you don't control.

Once again I found a securities I wanted to buy, HQH, but due to the EU regulations I am not allowed to buy it.

This stock is yielding 12% and are a strong buy, they have a proven track record (since 1998) and strongly outperformed the S&P500 index over the long run.

I can't be the only person in Europe affected by these regulations!

Ups and downs

I'm crazy jet lagged. We came home last Saturday and yesterday was my first workday. I have woken up at 2 a.m. every day since that. Often extremely hungry.

The upside of woken up at 2 a.m. is that you have a very loooong morning. I have already started a washing machine, emptied the dishwasher, packed young master Dewlar's lunchbox, taken a shower and now making a post. At 05:21 a.m.!

The downside is that I almost fall asleep before I get home. Since Europe is several hours before America the market is open during our evenings. I had planed to make some investments last night but after I had put the world's most perfect child to bed my better half and I feel asleep immediately.

My husband is off to a business trip today and tomorrow and since I don't like being away from him I am guessing I will have A LOT OF TIME to night to make my acquisitions, hopefully.

I sometimes makes it harder than it has to be

I wish I didn't have so strong principles when it comes to taxes. But living in a country with top 5 highest taxes in the world has made me like this.

From time to time my principles makes my life harder than it has to be.

As I have written earlier I have accounts at two internet banks and one more traditional bank. The last one, Nordea, is a gigant when it comes to banking.

The two internet banks is smaller and much more modern. They have challenged Nordea among other traditional banks with comments like: they are a big old gigants with high fees and outdated thinking etcetera.

This has made Nordea competitive, they have lowered their fee and pays out foreign tax immediately. These actions has made Nordea a very sharp competitor.

Personally Nordea had me with the tax thing.

I still have holdings at the former two banks that I am unable to move due to different reasons. What I do have a problem with is that EVERY time I log on to any of these accounts I get remindful of how good these banks are at internet banking. It's like living in the dark ages when you have banking with Nordea.

Why don't people double check their replies

I have received a lot dividends at one of my internet banks.

Eager as I am to invest them I have tried to transfer them for 2 days now. All of a sudden I got a message saying "no funds are available to transfer".

Since I have transfered all my dividends to Nordea (due to faster tax return) halfway thru 2018 this confused me.

I e-mailed the bank and asked why I got this message. Used to handle with banks I gave them all the information they needed. Or that was what I thought.

One day later I got a reply were they confirmed the sum of my account and didn't understand why I couldn't transfer my money. But "I was very welcome to get back to them if I had any more questions".

I got back to them and asked the same question again. This time I got a reply saying "We have now looked more closely into your inquiry..."

Why not do that from the start? They still haven't given my all the answers, so this old bat is giving them a most unwelcome phone call at Monday morning.

Despite all this I'm very pleased with myself when I logged on and saw that my conquerer paid off.

I bought ARR the night before we left Bangkok, 2% under yesterday closing market price.  On top of this I make the dividend for January.

I kept myself awake with caffein

I had every intention to make up for the failure for last night.

To keep myself awake not only until the market opens, but also until I had make sure the purchases had gone thru I used caffein. More precisely Coca-Cola, however since I'm more or less addicted to Coke the sacrifice wasn't so tough.

Due to Nordea's terrible user interfaces it's almost impossible to make a buy. By the time you have finally made the purchase order the share price has increased so your order is dead and you have to do it all over again.

This night I had an other reason to keep me awake. I need to check-in us in the flights tomorrow.

Believe it or not, but I prevailed on both accounts. Victory tastes good, even if you drink Coke!

Business as usual

I know that January is the best month of the year for me when it comes to dividends but cashing in at the first business day of the year is almost ridiculous.

Things were different when my husband and I met a hundred years ago and began to travel. There was no smartphones, apps and stuff. We were lucky to find a computer with a 16.4 modem.

Nowadays I laying by the pool checking my accounts on the phone whilst facetiming with my parents. I know this is an everyday thing for the youths but I'm still grateful for this technical development.

It's a great feeling being on vacation, laying by the pool making money. In the good all days I only spent money on my vacation. That's why I call it my money factory.

The hunt for ARR continues

A bullish market makes the hunt more challenging. I (we) aimed for ARR in all our 4 portfolios yesterday but only managed to make purchases in two of them.

In the other two I limited the price to low. The stock market opens local time 9:30 p.m. since we still are in Thailand. I wanted to give the market a couple of hours before I adjusted the price. Unfortunately I feel asleep.

If you are an old and evening tired woman do not be cheap. A few cents will not kill you, the chafing in the back of your head of a lost buy will do the trick.

Tonight is our last night in Thailand, we are going back home tomorrow. I hope I will have some time during packing to go hunting tonight again.

Bull or bear

Last year portfolio ended up bearish, properly not a surprise for anyone.

The stock/securities that are my biggest loser is
SNR (percentage)
BDCL (dollars & cents)

In short-term a bull market is much more fun than a bear market.

However, since I am a dividends investor my main concern isn't the share price, it is the yield and dividend. I have 3-4 more years until I have reached my goal.

If the stock market goes down and my securities keeps up their yield and dividend I will be a winner.

I just have to have the mental strength to watch the value of my portfolio decrease the coming years or so.