Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Milestone: Portfolio Value Reaches $90,000

Today my portfolio's value reached $90,000 for the very first time, closing at $90,823.42. It occurred as a result of another contribution to my Roth IRA, in preparation for another possible purchase this month. This milestone comes five months after reaching $80,000 in March. My secondary investing goal is to achieve a satisfactory total return on my investments, and a steadily increasing portfolio value is an indication of progress toward that goal. (Of course, the regular addition of new capital also helps!)

The next milestone is a big one: $100,000. Depending on how stocks perform over the next few months and the amount of new capital I am able to invest, I might be able to reach it by the end of the year. If not, then I should definitely get there in early 2014.

Edit: Here is the milestone history for portfolio value:
  • $50,000: March 2012
  • $60,000: September 2012
  • $70,000: January 2013
  • $80,000: March 2013
  • $90,000: August 2013

12 comments:

  1. DGM,

    Great job! Congratulations. :)

    I can't wait to see you hit that $100k milestone. I know I felt a bit of euphoria when I crossed that mark myself not too long ago. I was really proud. I don't focus on the portfolio value much, but there was just something almost tangible about hitting that kind of number.

    Keep up the great work. I'm sure you'll cross six-figures by year end.

    Best wishes!

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    1. DM: Thanks! I remember when you reached $100K. I look forward to joining you in the six-figure club!

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  2. Hi DGM,
    This is really good. Keeps us motivating as well to continue save invest.
    On a different note have you had a chance to look at the scottrade FRIP new flexible div reinvestment without commissions. Any thoughts or feedback on that
    Thanks

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    1. Anonymous: Thank you -- I'm glad my investing progress is motivating to others. Regarding Scottrade's FRIP, I am familiar with the details of the program but I have not enrolled in it. However, it is something I am considering for my Roth IRA in the future.

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  3. Great job! That is great news. I'm sure you're excited about the progress you're making, and 100K can't be very far behind. As Charlie Munger said, that first 100K is a b*tch.

    Keep up the great work.

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    1. BidAsk: Thanks! I'm pleased with my progress and I look forward to seeing what I can accomplish going forward, especially with the higher salary from my new job.

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  4. Congratulations DGM. It is a very beautiful number of dollars. And 100K is very near. But the most important thing I supposes is the dividends you are gaining because they get you the financial independence ;)

    Good luck with your next purchases and go to that 100k.

    P.D. My portfolio's value with spanish and american stocks has reached 20.000 € a few days ago. Step by step ;)

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    1. ClassicCo: Thank you! And you're right, the growing dividend stream is more important to me than my portfolio's value, but it's nice to see both increasing. Best wishes with your portfolio!

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  5. Wow that's some fast progress. I wish I had the income like most of the other DG investors that would allow me to see this kind of growth. Best of luck on hitting $100k !

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    1. Captain: Thanks! There is a considerable range in income among the dividend growth investors I follow; I know a few folks who have higher incomes and/or larger portfolios than me. What's most important is for each investor to make the best of his/her unique circumstances.

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  6. Congrats on your milestone. Is this your only portfolio you have or part of the entire financial empire of yours? I am asking to get myself into perspective and compare my achievements to yours to know whether I should start freaking out or not. I have a few accounts and all of them total in 74k, so I am either only 16k behind or doing terribly.

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    1. Martin: Thanks! To answer your question, my "financial empire" is divided into three parts:

      1. The portfolio you see here, which is valued around $90K.

      2. Two retirement plans (401k and 403b) with my former employer, which total around $20K. As mentioned in earlier posts, I plan to roll them over into my Roth IRA, but for various reasons that will not happen until September or October.

      3. My bank account, where I keep a minimum of $1K in checking and an "emergency fund" of $10K in savings.

      That adds up to a bit over $120K. However, I would not freak out or put any emphasis on comparisons between your investing progress and mine. Individual circumstances vary widely among dividend growth investors, which complicates comparisons. What is most important is that you tailor your investing and measure your progress with respect to your unique circumstances.

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