APRIL 2023 DIVIDEND INCOME AND EXPENSES

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Hey y’all, how’s everyone doing?

For myself, I’m relieved that April is done. There were far too many things going on at once, including the house search, the kids’ activities, vehicle troubles, and the frequent trips to New York City. On the plus side, it’s the wife’s birthday month, which makes it a month I always look forward to.

Hence, the reasons listed above should explain why I haven’t been writing as frequently. However, it hasn’t prevented me from closely monitoring the markets and earnings reports. Having said that, my emergency fund has been a huge support, thus I decided not to change any of my investment strategies.

I’m aware that once we buy the house, everything will change. The first year, according to some, will be the adjustable financial year. Everything will line up on its own once it is under control.

Do you think that is accurate, homeowners?

I’m pretty confident it will be for the best. I’m looking forward to it (I think).

Let’s look at the numbers for this month, shall we?

Dividends for April 2023

I received $35.59 for the month of April. That’s $9.54 from the same time last year. I barely increase my stock positions from the individual companies. These increases come from reinvesting the dividends.

Twice a month, I religiously invest in my two ETFs, $SPY and $VTI. I’m looking forward to add two or three more ETFs to my portfolio because I don’t have time to thoroughly analyze individual companies.

April 2023 Expenses

I know, I know, I know… Last month I said I was going to bring my spending down unfortunately that’s not what happened. I actually spent $500 more.

Automotive

After a three-hour journey the previous morning, my car decided it would not start. But if jumped, it functions perfectly. I mistakenly believed that the Intelligence Battery System (IBS) sensor malfunctioned and drained the battery.After a three-hour journey the previous morning, my car decided it would not start. But if jumped, it functions perfectly. I mistakenly believed that the Intelligence Battery System (IBS) sensor malfunctioned and drained the battery.

So I made the decision to purchase a new (IBS) sensor. Still won’t crank. Once again, it will start if jumped. This time, I said “eff it” and purchased a new BMW battery. To my astonishment, it continued to refuse to start. I was on the verge of ditching my car, much like MoneyMustache did in his response to one of his readers.

The only thing that makes my car different from a gas guzzler is that it is more efficient.

What’s stopping me?

It takes 2.5 hours to get to my parents. If I need to make a quick run to the city, I don’t want to be dependent on the wife’s vehicle. If not for that, I would have parked it, returned the license plates, and taken the insurance off.

The car is currently in the shop and should receive a repair estimate any time soon.

Summary

2023’s first quarter is now complete. I’m pleased with how my dividend portfolio is doing overall. My spending is still above average, which is not what I want. There is still work for me to do. Thanks to Empower, I’m learning more about where my money is going each month, which inspires me to take better control of my money and prevent any surprises.

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