New Year, New Investment Goals

Actually the goals are the same, just bigger.

But it won't be hard to improve on my 2011 portfolio performance, which was very average. 

Our annual dividend income stayed around the $51,000 mark (tax free) which was on target. My non-registered cap gains were on track to hit $61,000 but this one was a huge fail. Mid-year I took a $32,000 loss on stupid stupid stupid Yellow Media and BioExx.

Hmm. I take that back.

Yellow Media is not stupid, stupid, stupid. I am stupid, stupid, stupid for being naive and believing the constant Yellow management assurances that the company and the dividend were 'just fine'. Clearly I need to read Investing for Dummies. Also Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire for Dummies.

Our total cap gains for the year ended up at $28,560. Some investors try to minimize capital gains but we always shoot for the stars. They are a big deal in our portfolio since we earn very little employment income and hang out in a really low tax bracket.

Hoping to find some bargains in the new year I wanted some cash available, so...  I dumped Chorus Aviation for a small loss, sold Canexus for a small gain and sold our entire position of Just Energy for a really good cap gain, plus several months of dividends. I'll buy back into Just Energy in early 2012, when the price is right.

Yesterday was the final day of TSX trading for settlement in 2011 and here's where our non-registered account sits:

• biggest position is CASH, followed by
• Student Transportation
• Data Group Income Fund
• Alaris Royalty Corp.
• Inter Pipeline
• Avenex
• Pembina Pipeline
• BTB Reit

Back down to only 7 companies in the portfolio, with lots of cash on hand. I have no idea what will happen in the new year, but we've got a mitt full of loonies ready to go.

Goals for 2012:

• $55,000 dividend income
• $65,000 cap gains from non registered account

And world peace.

Or maybe we'll just adopt another rescue pup.

Feliz Navidad. And to all, a good night.

Comments

[Denis Gallagher]

Thank you for investing in our company for the past years. In your travels im sure you've experienced bumps along the road, weather, higher fuel costs etc. Well so have we and you know what, kids are still going to school. We have a great company that gives back to our shareholders. please visit our web site at www.ridesta.com and view some of our videos. I'm so glad I stumbled onto your blog. Its cool reading and a neat adventure. Continued good success on the road to excellence.
Denis Gallagher, Founder,CEO Student Transportation, Inc