2024 December Dividends Report

December has consistently been a standout month for dividend growth, reflecting the portfolio's strategic diversification and compounding returns. This December  marked another milestone in dividend growth for the portfolio. With a total of $4,032.19 received, this represents a year-over-year increase of 8.14% and an impressive cumulative growth of 137.49% since 2020.

Surpassing $4,000 in December 2024 marks a pivotal milestone in this portfolio’s journey. This achievement not only reflects steady year-over-year growth but also underscores the compounding effect of strategic investments and reinvestments over the past five years.

Summary of Total December Dividends:

• 2020: $1,697.80

• 2021: $2,881.08

• 2022: $3,201.72

• 2023: $3,728.46

• 2024: $4,032.19

Growth Highlights:

1. Overall Growth: The total December dividends increased by 137.49% from 2020 to 2024, reflecting the portfolio’s strong strategic allocation and reinvestment strategy. This growth is a testament to the compounding returns over time.

2. Year-over-Year Trends:

   • 2020 to 2021: 69.74% increase due to significant additions to high-yield assets.

   • 2021 to 2022: 11.11% increase, showing steady portfolio maturation.

   • 2022 to 2023: 16.42% increase, driven by market recovery and dividend hikes in key stocks.

   • 2023 to 2024: 8.14% increase, highlighting consistent contributions from top-performing sectors and funds despite a more challenging economic environment.

Overview of December 2024 Dividends

In December 2024, several companies stood out with their impressive dividend distributions. Here are the highlights:

Symbol 2024 Dividend
AVGO $53.10
GILD $46.12
LMT $90.21
D $18.11
KTB $4.23
PRU $31.08
SHEL $46.69
ED $47.45
HSY $45.11
SCHD $41.58
FLO $24.75
UL $53.77
TGT $31.67
AGNC $10.28
LYB $46.06
AMGN $63.75
JNJ $69.97
HON $30.58
DFS $136.05
UPS $20.22
AFL $24.59
KR $8.38
WFC $41.64
VMCIX $357.74
HD $89.43
MMM $44.81
ADM $11.76
GILD $40.96
V $15.13
SO $30.82
CVX $51.14
MSFT $13.80
TGT $40.53
O $11.40
KO $15.12
UNP $70.70
TROW $85.68
FXAIX $170.20
Goog $4.00
VOO $9.10
VIIIX $720.00

Achieving the 2024 Goal

2024 was a pivotal year for dividends, with a year-to-date (YTD) dividend total of $19,271.66. The target goal for the year was $19,500. Though it fell short by a small margin, the overall growth reflects a strong investment strategy and disciplined financial management.

Standout Performers

1. Broadcom Inc. (AVGO): Broadcom ended the year with a robust dividend of $53.10, thanks to its continuous innovation and strategic acquisitions in the tech sector.

2. Lockheed Martin (LMT): With a dividend of $90.21, Lockheed Martin solidified its position in the defense industry, buoyed by key contracts and cutting-edge technology.

3. Discover Financial Services (DFS): DFS's significant dividend of $136.05 reflects its strategic expansion and robust financial management, making it a standout in the financial sector.

4. Hershey (HSY): A dividend of $45.11 highlighted Hershey's growth, driven by its innovative product lines and effective marketing strategies.

5. Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft, a stalwart in the tech industry, issued a reliable dividend of $13.80, underscoring its sustained growth through cloud services and software solutions.

Sector Trends

• Technology: Companies like AVGO and MSFT led the tech sector's dividend growth, driven by ongoing innovation and digital transformation.

• Financial Services: DFS and WFC showed remarkable dividend increases, thanks to their strategic expansions and solid financial health.

• Consumer Goods: HSY and UL were key performers, adapting effectively to market demands and consumer preferences.

• Energy: SHEL and CVX demonstrated strong dividends, supported by global energy demand and strategic investments in renewable energy.

Conclusion

The December 2024 dividends reflect the dynamic and resilient nature of the market across various sectors. While the YTD dividends fell slightly short of the ambitious goal, the overall growth and strong performances are a testament to strategic investments. As we step into 2025, these companies' continued innovation and strategic initiatives will be crucial to watch. Investors can take confidence in the robust performances and look forward to potential opportunities in the coming year.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this analysis or discuss your investment strategies for the future. Happy investing!

Options Trading: A Recap of My Recent Trades T,SOUN,HOOD

 Let's break down the options  trades for this week.

$T $23 Call (12/27)

I sold a call option for $T with a strike price of $23, expiring on 12/27. Although I got assigned, it was a calculated move. The share price was at $22.86, and I still managed to pocket a premium of $40. This trade highlighted the importance of being prepared for assignment and the value of collecting premiums along the way.I wanted to own ATT shares before the exdividend date.

$SOUN $17.5 Put (12/27)

I sold a put option for $SOUN with a strike price of $17.5, also expiring on 12/27. The best part? It expired worthless. This meant I didn't have to buy the shares, and I kept the entire premium of $45. This trade reaffirmed the potential of selling put options in a bullish market.

$SOUN $18.5 Put (12/27)

Similarly, I sold another put option for $SOUN with a strike price of $18.5, expiring on 12/27. Once again, it expired worthless, allowing me to keep the premium of $68. Consistency is key in options trading, and this trade was a testament to that.

$HOOD $36 Put (12/27)

The last trade in this series was a put option for $HOOD with a strike price of $36, expiring on 12/27. It expired worthless too, and I kept the premium of $46. This trade reinforced the strategy of selling puts when the market sentiment aligns.

Conclusion

These trades demonstrated the potential benefits of selling options and highlighted the importance of timing and market sentiment. By carefully selecting strike prices and expiration dates, I managed to earn premiums and minimize risk. As with any trading strategy, it's crucial to stay informed and adapt to market conditions.

Happy trading!

Turning $29 into $520: My Profitable GOOGL Call Trade

Recently, I made a profitable  trade on the GOOGL $190 Call (exp. 12/20/2024). Here's the breakdown:

• Entry: On 11/25/2024, I purchased 1 contract for $0.29 ($29 total).
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• Exit: On 12/16/2024, I sold the contract for $5.20 ($520 total).
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This resulted in a net profit of $490.94, an impressive return of ~1600% in under three weeks.

Why It Worked

1. Strategic Entry: I entered the trade at a low premium, capitalizing on favorable market conditions.
2. Momentum Timing: As GOOGL's price moved closer to the strike, the contract’s value soared, allowing me to sell at the peak.
3. Disciplined Exit: Instead of holding for even more potential gains, I locked in profits, staying true to my risk management strategy.

Lessons Learned

• Small investments can yield significant returns if you identify the right opportunities.
• Timing matters, but having a clear exit strategy is crucial for maximizing profits.
• Always manage risk—profit is only realized when you close the trade.

This trade exemplifies the potential of options trading when you combine research, strategy, and discipline. Looking ahead, I’m eager to find similar opportunities.

What trades have you recently closed with success? Let’s share and grow together in the comments!

Weekly Dividend Recap (Dec 12-16, 2024) – $409.46 in Passive Income

 

ntroduction

Another solid week of dividends rolled in between December 12th and December 16th. From consistent dividend powerhouses like SCHD and Home Depot (HD) to utilities and consumer staples, this week’s passive income is proof that steady investing delivers results. Let’s break down the dividends received, key insights, and how this week fits into my broader financial journey.

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1. Weekly Dividend Breakdown (Dec 12-16)

Date	Stock	Dividends Received
12-Dec	HD	$89.43
12-Dec	ADM	$11.76
12-Dec	MMM	$44.81
13-Dec	FLO	$40.22
16-Dec	SCHD	$126.67
16-Dec	HSY	$45.11
16-Dec	ED	$47.45
16-Dec	GOOG	$4.01

Total Dividends (Dec 12-16): $409.46

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2. Key Highlights

1. SCHD Leads the Charge

   • With a payout of $126.67, SCHD remains the MVP this week.
   • This ETF blends strong dividend yield and growth, making it a key holding in my portfolio.

2. Home Depot (HD): Solid Returns

   • HD contributed $89.43 this week, reaffirming its place as a reliable dividend grower.
   • Investing in quality businesses with increasing dividends ensures sustainable income.

3. Utility & Consumer Staples Strength

   • ED (Consolidated Edison): $47.45 – Utility dividends provide consistent stability.
   • HSY (Hershey): $45.11 – Consumer staples continue to deliver sweet payouts.
   • FLO (Flowers Foods): $40.22 – A great example of smaller, consistent payers that add up.

4. A Tech Dividend Surprise

   • GOOG paid out $4.01 – a small, but notable dividend from big tech. This is a sign of changing shareholder priorities as tech giants explore dividends.

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3. Key Takeaways

• Weekly Passive Income Works: Receiving $409.46 in just one week highlights the benefits of a well-diversified dividend strategy.
• Sector Diversification: This week’s dividends came from ETFs, consumer staples, utilities, industrials, and even tech. Diversification reduces risk and smoothens income.
• Consistency is Key: Smaller payouts like ADM ($11.76) and GOOG ($4.01) may seem minor, but they contribute to the bigger picture.

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4. Looking Ahead

This week’s dividends are reinvested to fuel further growth. Weekly payouts like these remind me why I focus on dividend growth investing: consistency, stability, and a growing passive income stream.

As I head into the final weeks of December, the snowball keeps rolling stronger!

Deep Dive into My November and December 2024 Investments

 

Introduction

In November and December 2024, my investment journey has been characterized by consistent dollar-cost averaging (DCA), strategic reinvestments, and diversification into high-quality assets. From NVIDIA (NVDA) to Texas Pacific Land (TPL) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD), my portfolio reflects a commitment to growth and stability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my approach, transactions, and the key takeaways.

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1. Dollar-Cost Averaging with NVIDIA (NVDA)

Over the past two months, I made 26 recurring purchases of NVIDIA, showcasing a disciplined DCA strategy. These investments ranged from $25 to $40 per transaction, enabling me to consistently accumulate shares regardless of market fluctuations.

• Average Purchase Price: Around $142.50 per share
• Total Spent on NVIDIA: Approximately $1,000
• Shares Accumulated: ~7 shares

Why NVIDIA? As a leader in AI, gaming, and data centers, NVIDIA continues to be a cornerstone in the tech industry. DCAing into such a high-growth stock aligns with my long-term growth strategy.

Insight: The consistent small investments have minimized risk while maximizing the potential upside in a volatile sector.

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2. Dividend Reinvestment and Stability with SCHD and TPL

Apart from growth, my portfolio emphasizes dividend reinvestment for compounding returns.

• SCHD (Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF):
  A single transaction of $22.91 bought 0.79 shares at $28.96 per share. SCHD offers a balanced dividend yield and exposure to blue-chip companies.

• TPL (Texas Pacific Land):
  Two transactions totaling $91.24 added 0.058 shares of this high-value stock. TPL aligns with my interest in energy and land management, a sector that benefits from rising commodity prices.

Insight: These investments fortify my portfolio with stable cash flow and diversification across sectors.

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3. Small Allocations for Diversification

While NVIDIA took center stage, I also diversified into:

• Robinhood Markets (HOOD): A small buy of $3.24 at $23.84 per share.
• Verizon (VZ): Dividend reinvestment of $88.63 into 2.14 shares at $41.34.

Insight: These small, strategic buys enhance portfolio balance and capitalize on income reinvestments.

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4. Key Lessons from November and December Investments

1. The Power of DCA: Recurring buys in NVIDIA reduced the emotional bias of timing the market.
2. Balancing Growth and Stability: Combining tech giants like NVIDIA with dividend-focused assets like SCHD and TPL ensures a resilient portfolio.
3. Reinvesting Dividends Works: Reinvesting in Verizon and SCHD underscores the compounding effect that drives long-term wealth.

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Conclusion

November and December 2024 have been transformative months for my portfolio. By staying consistent with DCA, reinvesting dividends, and diversifying smartly, I’ve strengthened both the growth and income aspects of my investments.

Whether it’s NVIDIA’s cutting-edge AI advancements or SCHD’s reliable dividends, every transaction reflects my overarching goal: achieving financial independence through disciplined investing.

Options Trading Recap: November to Early December 2024

 The past few weeks have been active in the options market as I navigated opportunities across covered calls, puts, and speculative trades. Here’s a breakdown of my trades and strategies spanning November and early December 2024.

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Options Trading Summary: November to Early December

Date	Action	Details	Premium ($)	Notes
11/7/2024	Sell SMCI $21 Put (11/22)	Rolled from SMCI $20 Put (11/15)	87	Adjusted strike for higher premium.
11/11/2024	Sell VZ $41 Call (11/15)	Shares called away	15	Profited from covered call assignment.
11/11/2024	Sell T $23 Call (11/22)	Shares called away	8	Boosted income with this covered call.
11/11/2024	Sell HOOD $31.5 Put (11/22)	Rolled into HOOD $31.5 Put (12/6)	63	Leveraged volatility for additional gains.
11/18/2024	Sell HOOD $31.5 Put (12/6)	Rolled into HOOD $34 Put (12/13)	71	Targeted a higher strike for more premium.
11/22/2024	Sell HOOD $34 Put (12/13)	—	97	Benefiting from ongoing volatility.
11/25/2024	Bought GOOG $195 Call (12/27)	Speculative play	-30	Aiming to capitalize on upside momentum.
11/27/2024	Sell VZ $42 Put (3/21/25)	Rolled from VZ $42 Put (1/17/25)	80	Captured premium while extending duration.
12/2/2024	Sell ACHR $6.5 Put (12/6)	Expired worthless	40	Collected full premium without assignment.
12/3/2024	Sell ACHR $6.5 Put (12/6)	Expired worthless	35	Repeated success with ACHR.
12/3/2024	Sell ACHR $7 Put (12/6)	Expired worthless	40	Another premium collected with no risk.
12/3/2024	Sell ACHR $7.5 Put (12/6)	Expired worthless	45	Maximized premiums in ACHR.
11/25/2024	Sell T $23 Call (12/27)	—	40	Stable income from T’s price stability.

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Total Premiums Earned (Nov–Dec 2024)

• November Premiums: $461
• December Premiums (so far): $200
• Net Premiums (after costs): $631

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Key Takeaways

1. Profiting From Rolling:
   Rolling positions like SMCI and HOOD puts enabled me to capture additional premiums while staying ahead of market movements.

2. ACHR Success:
   Selling puts on ACHR proved highly profitable, with all trades expiring worthless and no capital tied up in assignments.

3. Balancing Speculation and Stability:
   The speculative GOOG call adds a layer of risk, but stable income from covered calls on VZ and T balances the portfolio.

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Goals Moving Forward

As December unfolds, I’m focusing on year-end opportunities to optimize premiums and manage risk for 2025. The objective is to continue leveraging volatility and executing strategic rolls while preserving capital for fresh opportunities.

Building a Bitcoin Portfolio: A Journey Through Strategic Accumulation

 Bitcoin, the pioneer of cryptocurrencies, has firmly established itself as a key player in the world of alternative investments. As adoption continues to grow globally, its resilience and scarcity have made it an increasingly popular choice for both seasoned investors and newcomers. Let’s delve into a recent example of strategic Bitcoin accumulation and what it means for long-term growth.

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The Investment Timeline

1. August 27, 2024
The journey began with a purchase of 0.00168448 BTC at $59,364.01, totaling $100.00. This investment came during a period of market consolidation, offering an attractive entry point.

2. November 14, 2024
The next step involved acquiring 0.00114254 BTC at $87,443.93 for $99.91, accompanied by a bonus of 0.00000114 BTC. Despite the higher price, the consistency of investment demonstrates a commitment to dollar-cost averaging (DCA).

3. November 18, 2024
A smaller purchase of 0.00083223 BTC at $92,567.14 for $77.04, with an added bonus of 0.00000083 BTC, shows flexibility and dedication to capturing value over time.

4. November 19, 2024 (Morning)
Two separate purchases were made on this day:

• 0.00267853 BTC at $92,428.19 for $247.58, with a bonus of 0.00000267 BTC.
• 0.01051122 BTC at $94,205.88 for $990.22, with a bonus of 0.00001053 BTC.

These transactions reflect a mix of small and significant investments, capitalizing on Bitcoin's recent momentum.

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The Power of Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

The consistent Bitcoin purchases showcase the effectiveness of dollar-cost averaging, a strategy where fixed dollar amounts are invested periodically, regardless of market conditions. This approach has several advantages:

1. Risk Mitigation: By spreading investments over time, DCA reduces the impact of short-term market volatility.
2. Emotional Discipline: Regular investments prevent impulsive decisions driven by market fluctuations.
3. Portfolio Growth: Over time, this strategy builds a significant position, especially in an asset with long-term appreciation potential.

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Cumulative Impact and Bonuses

In addition to regular purchases, Bitcoin bonuses from specific platforms added extra value to the portfolio. While seemingly small (ranging from 0.00000083 BTC to 0.00001053 BTC), these bonuses compound over time, further enhancing returns.

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Why Bitcoin?

Bitcoin’s appeal lies in its limited supply of 21 million coins, decentralized network, and growing institutional acceptance. As a hedge against inflation and traditional financial systems, it continues to attract attention:

• Scarcity: Similar to gold, Bitcoin's finite nature supports its long-term value proposition.
• Global Adoption: Increased use in remittances, payments, and decentralized finance drives demand.
• Resilience: Despite market corrections, Bitcoin consistently rebounds stronger.

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Looking Ahead

As of now, the portfolio reflects a disciplined and strategic approach to accumulating Bitcoin. While volatility is inevitable, the long-term outlook for Bitcoin remains optimistic, with analysts predicting continued growth as adoption rises.

For investors, this case study underscores the importance of consistency and a focus on the bigger picture. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced investor, the key takeaway is clear: Start small, stay consistent, and let the power of time and discipline work in your favor.

What’s your Bitcoin strategy? Share your journey in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.