Once in a while, writing a post takes an insurmountable effort.
This was the case for the past week, as I was obsessed with the PlayStation 3 which I had always wanted to get my hands on. A typical night would see me playing FIFA 14 till the wee hours before the World Cup kickoff time. I would then catch up on sleep till noon.
A utopia I had when I was in Sec 3 thus came true. =p
But there were consequences as my circadian cycle was disrupted and I had little energy for anything else, which included blogging. Therefore, I am thankful for these monthly updates which I have been doing for the best part of a year. Compared to most of the other posts, they take less effort to draft and having them meant a minimum of two articles a month, keeping me active on this blogosphere. =)
On a more relevant note, as mentioned in the previous month’s update, the portfolio has finally breached the $250,000 mark.
And no, it’s not because of some astronomical gain (although Vicom’s relentless and continuous appreciation has been nothing short of spectacular) but more of adding in most of our cash position. We managed to achieve the full 3% bonus interest from the OCBC 360 account in June. Even though the benefits are maxed out at $50,000, the passive income is still pretty significant, which sort of justifies its inclusion.
Closing some other accounts and channeling the funds towards this account should enable us to reach the ceiling by July/Aug. So, in case you’re wondering, what you’re seeing below is really close to at least 90% of our entire assets. =)
And since it’s the end of another quarter, I have also updated the dividends of my holdings.
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Dividends received in June 14: $582.80
Low Keng Huat: $300
OCBC: $170
PLife Reit: $112.80
Dividends received YTD: $3152.70
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Details of my updated portfolio are shown below.
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Stocks (As at 16th July 2014)
| Stock | Share Amt | Share Price | Valuation | Dividend | Est. Income |
| Vicom | 4,000 | $6.650 | $26,600 | $0.2250 | $900.00 |
| Boustead | 9,000 | $1.900 | $17,100 | $0.0700 | $630.00 |
| Spindex | 24,000 | $0.540 | $12,960 | $0.0180 | $432.00 |
| Wilmar | 4,000 | $3.200 | $12,800 | $0.0800 | $320.00 |
| Semb Corp | 2,000 | $5.450 | $10,900 | $0.1700 | $340.00 |
| MTQ | 6,000 | $1.770 | $10,620 | $0.0400 | $240.00 |
| SIA Eng | 2,000 | $5.140 | $10,280 | $0.2500 | $500.00 |
| First Reit | 8,000 | $1.230 | $9,840 | $0.0752 | $601.60 |
| PLife Reit | 4,000 | $2.440 | $9,760 | $0.1128 | $451.20 |
| OCBC | 1,000 | $9.580 | $9,580 | $0.3400 | $340.00 |
| Kingsmen | 10,000 | $0.910 | $9,100 | $0.0400 | $400.00 |
| Challenger | 16,500 | $0.505 | $8,333 | $0.0225 | $371.25 |
| Singtel | 2,000 | $3.940 | $7,880 | $0.1680 | $336.00 |
| ST Engg | 2,000 | $3.760 | $7,520 | $0.1500 | $300.00 |
| SGX | 1,000 | $6.950 | $6,950 | $0.2800 | $280.00 |
| LKH | 10,000 | $0.675 | $6,750 | $0.0300 | $300.00 |
| Super | 4,000 | $1.475 | $5,900 | $0.0900 | $180.00 |
| Total | $182,873 | $6,922.05 |
Others (As at 16th July 2014)
| Asset | Valuation | Est. Income |
| OCBC 360 Account | $35,000 | $1,050 |
| Philip Sharebuilder | $28,854 | $650 |
| CIMB Star Saver | $14,080 | $110 |
| Total | $77,934 | $1,810 |
Total Valuation = $260,807
Total Est. Annual Income = $8,732.05
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Do refer to my first monthly update if you would like some additional background to most of my purchases and here for previous updates.
Hi 15hww
It seems that you are doing very well in the midst of enjoying financial independence (even if short term) at the moment.
And the surge in Vicom definitely helps as well 😉
Hi B,
Hah! Doing well as in having fun? LOL!
The past week was really ‘unproductive’ but I am already slowly getting out of the funk. =)
Vicom takes up a big percentage of our portfolios and deserve some scrutiny. Actually I am not sure if rising prices really help, unless you are intending to cash out soon?
Your assets put mine to shame. Baring any unforeseen circumstances, you are well on your way to financial freedom. The money in Philip sharebuilder can remain for now, and be ready to deploy in the event of a stock market crash, what do you think? The local finance blogosphere is getting very interesting, with so many in their late 20s spending prudently and saving up a big chunk of their wealth with the correct knowledge and mindset to grow their money, 20 years down the road, it will be amazing indeed.
Hi TLTP,
“It is not about crossing the finishing line first, but by making sure that we all cross the line.”
Taken from your blog with pride. =p
I was just lucky that I learnt to appreciate frugality and investing at a young age and even so, there’s still dozens more who are doing better than me?
Besides being more vocal and not afraid to share, I think some members of the new generation could be disillusioned with the default lifestyle and some of the trappings of ‘success’. Guess that explains why there are some like me with these types of blogs. 😉
Hi 15hww,
That’s impressive. Your portfolio is definitely well planned out with growth stocks, dividend stocks, ETF and cash which earns a decent higher interest.
Good life you’re having watching and playing soccer. Haha.
Hi SGYI,
I never planned to have such a portfolio at the beginning. Just slowly add stock by stock and product by product and even we are surprised at the results sometimes. =)
Need to enjoy life once in a while, but like I said this lifestyle isn’t sustainable in the long run. =p
Impressive ah! The power of compounding doing its good work for you now! 🙂
Hi PIB,
Hopefully, the portfolio can continue to compound at a real return of >5%. =)
When you’re not in the daily grind of work, you’ll find that you tend to overcompensate for the ‘suffering’. I guess that’s what you’re doing now. Don’t feel too guilty though. I think it’s just a passing phase. I go through this kind of cycle every single year (during my quieter months) for the past 10 yrs, so I understand.
When you had enough play and fun, you might want to sit down, go to a place where there’s nobody that you know (nope, not even your wife) and quietly sit down and reflect on what you are going to do in the near future. It’s during the quietest period of the year that I reflect and strategise for the future. It’s an impt exercise that serves me well since I started it. I think you’ll benefit from it too.
And read widely. I offer you a challenge of reading a book (regardless of length) per week. Challenge accepted?
Hi LP,
Thanks for your kind advice. =)
Actually I was really “productive” during the first few weeks of my unemployment.
Besides reading books, I was doing housework and started some long put-off projects. Too bad I got the PS3 from my wife’s nephew (he’s preparing for PSLE)
So maybe I ain’t overcompensating? Or maybe I am, but subconsciously…
With regards to the future, I am pending a reply after a job interview a couple of weeks ago. If I get a rejection, then maybe I really need to sit down quietly to map out a new path.
I realise I haven’t been doing book reviews for the past few months. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t reading. =p
Nonetheless, challenge accepted! A book review every 2 weeks will be the evidence.
No offence but you should start to look for job and not depend on passive incomes. Guys in thirties must have career and active income to be an effective wealth builder.
Regards,
SG Wealth Builder
http://www.sgwealthbuilder.com
Hi Gerald,
Thanks for your kind concern and trust me, I am not offended. =)
I have little intention to retire fully in my forties, not to mention thirties or even twenties (28 this year). But semi-retirement…. yes! Although that will only be a good option for us if our passive income breaches $20,000 a year. Meanwhile, I have actually applied for a job but if things don’t pan out, I will likely turn to self-employment.
Hi Gerald,
I agree with the sentiments but who are we to judge how one should live their lives?
It’s right that he should look for job to build wealth from your perspective. From 15HWW perspective, it could be his desire to take a break from full-time work.
I do not see any problem with that.
Don’t feed the troll.
Realised Gerald just leaves controversial comments to get people to visit his blog. Too bad his blog has not exploded yet (i sense jealousy)…
JW
Bo Jio. I also want to play FIFA
Hi Alvin,
My house is open for you if you want to come and play. =p
Really ah… onz. Will liaise with you 🙂