Yes, it is true, 2012 is not over. However, I feel fairly safe in adding up the dividends I’ve earned for this year. It falls far short of the goal I set here, but when you leave a job that allows you to invest 5k a month and take six months off it’s going to throw your projections off a bit 🙂
Even with the changes I was able to double my dividend total from last year. 2012 brought in $2462.64 in dividends. 2011 I had a little over $1200 in dividends. That is progress.
So, what will 2013 look like? Good question. I’m still working on what I would like to accomplish next year. New capital will not be as plentiful as it once was and the goal of the portfolio may change a bit more towards growth. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not abandoning my dividend growth roots, more like nurturing the growth branches. I believe one can pursue both dividends as well as growth, but valuation becomes even more important. I’m looking forward to seeing how I navigate these new investing challenges.
The Stoic Investor 
Wow! Doubling dividend income in a year is fabulous! Growth is probably more important than dividends for investors with a longer time horizon to needing the predictable income. The world of growth opens your mind to companies that have very low or zero dividend yields. There are some great opportunities out there. The toughest thing to do is try to keep the same time horizon for this type of investing. I know I used to trade too much around my non-dividend paying positions because it felt good to cash in on winners…then watch the stock move 20-50% higher! Sad, sad…I’ve learned to have a 1-3 year time horizon regardless of dividend yield. Only sell when the story changes or the stock hits your target price. Good luck in 2013! (And the rest of 2012 🙂 ! )
I think it is imperative that an investor have a time horizon of between 3-5 yrs. I did more selling in the last couple of months than I ever have, but it was for reasons that had nothing to do with what the markes was doing. I needed to free up cash for a real estate investment that didn’t work out. I have not abandoned real estate, but it will probably be a little longer before I’m ready to make a purchase. Now, I have to find ways of reinvesting that cash. The post election drop opened a few doors, but now we are back where we started…
Congrats on doubling your dividend income year-over-year! I haven’t doubled mine, but it has increased from last year. The best part – you’ll be getting more dividends each year even if you don’t add new capital! 🙂
Yep, and I like that fact Leigh!
Great job for 2012 with the dividends and it sets you up perfectly for 2013!
Thanks IRF
Stoic,
Great job, my friend. You’re earning a pretty solid tally of dividends on your portfolio value. Good stuff!
I’m anxious to hear more about the possible new direction in the way of more growth.
Best wishes!
Thanks DM!!