August 2021 Update: Vacation, Birthday, soccer And of course dividends!

Dividend Income & Portfolio Update

Personal Highlights – August 2021

• What a month.  It didn’t rain basically all summer – until I took my holidays.  We spent the about 8 days up at the cabin, and although the weather didn’t cooperate fully – we still had a blast.  It was also my (38th) birthday so a couple of drinks may have been had as well 🙂
• We took the kids to a new petting zoo/farm just north of the cabin.  It was pretty cool – they had horses, ponies, chickens, goats, bunnies, Llamas a pig and more.  It was basically a big free for all and you could just walk up to and pet anything.  My daughter (5) loved it – my son (4) refused to touch a single animal..but he said he had fun….haha
• It’s been a hell of a month/Year for Canadian Soccer.  The Women are Olympic champions and the Men begin their World Cup Qualifying campaign this week (3 games in 8 days).  They play Honduras, USA & El Salvador in this window.  If I am feeling ambitious I may do a quick preview and/or recap of the games.  Needless to say this is BY FAR the most excited I’ve been for Canadian (mens) soccer in my entire lifetime.  We have a legit shot at qualifying for the World Cup and we have some absolute World Class players (finally)!
• It’s getting to that “busy parent” time of the year.  We just signed up both kids for soccer starting in 2 weeks, and have Holland’s Grade 1 orientation next week – while Isaac goes back to preschool next year.  With Holland going to school full time this year – and only part time daycare – one financial positive is it will save us $300+/month in daycare fees.  The plan* is to put it all directly into the TFSA.
  *In reality it will probably go to bourbon, wine, kids clothes and whatever is left MAY make it into the TFSA.
• My little man finally got a haircut (much needed).  Before & After pics below:
  

• I’ve decided to try and supersize my savings/retirement plans.  I’m not sure exactly how long I’ll be able to stick to this – but the goal is to continue all my bi-weekly contributions (maybe even up them slightly) PLUS add the full monthly child benefit AND the bi-weekly savings from daycare into the TFSA(s) as well.  We typically get a decent tax return as well – which I plan to dump almost the whole thing into the TFSA as well.  Although my TFSA value is sitting around 80k I still have contribution room left ($35-$40k) and the wife has a ton of room – so hoping to max mine out ASAP and then really focus on hers.  

• We’ve been eating pretty good lately (not healthy…just good) haha.  Steaks, Pasta, Pork Chops, Shrimp and lots of wine! I’ve been trying to experiment a bit more with cooking as it’s never been a strong suit of mine- but so far so good.    A few meals from the month(wife made the pasta):
  

Financial Highlights for August:

• Purchased an additional 101 shares of Manulife in TFSA bringing my total share count to 352.  At the current share price, this will allow me to drip 4 shares per quarter.
• Purchased another 119 shares of RBNK which is an ETF that holds the 6 major Canadian Banks and pays a monthly dividend.  I now have 483 shares and will probably continue to add here and there.
• Continued bi weekly payments into the spousal RRSP, and TFSA(s)
• Still sitting on about 20% cash in my RRSP.
• Got dividends from 6 companies and 2 funds.  Dripped an additional 24 shares/units.
• On pace to not have a single month under $500 in dividend income for the whole year. Assuming I deploy the cash in my RRSP by January 1st 2022, I am hoping next year I won’t have a single month under $1000.

Passive Income Update For August 2021.

TFSA’S:

Diversified Royalty Income: $25.21 (dripped 9 shares)

Artis Reit: $41.90 (dripped 3 shares)

European Residential Reit: $7.86 (dripped 1 share)

RBNK: $25.48 (dripped 1 share)

Interrent Reit: $4.50

Nexus Reit: $14.88 (dripped 1 share)

Canadian NET Reit: $9.40

TFSA’s Total: $129.23

RRSP:

Canadian Equity Income Distribution: $371.18 (dripped 9 shares)

RRSP Total: $371.18

Total Passive Income August 2021:  $500.41

Portfolio Update:

My portfolio (including cash position) stayed pretty steady at: $535,700.52.  I am still sitting on about 20% cash in my RRSP – which I plan on being patient with and waiting to see what happens over the coming months.  

Hope you had a great month.  If you aren’t already on the Canada Soccer Bandwagon…GET ON IT!  First game is Thursday vs Honduras!

Cheers!

 

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