Sunday, May 03, 2015

Thinking, planning and implementing

Things at work has made me seriously consider about leaving at the end of this contract. Granted I need to renew my PR-ship, hence the job is necessary. With stricter immigration rules, a jobless state would be too risky. With work just into 3 weeks and I was working almost non-stop till the end of the day, I was really glad to have a break, this long weekend to take a breather.

Until then, I shall also plan and implement certain ideas and plans. This year, I am actively managing my portfolio after reading up several books about being a trader, investment, Reits, portfolio mgt during my Spring break. I am trying to apply a few concepts and trying to increase my gains. The past few years, my portfolio has stagnated from being left alone,
generating little gains. As little as just $1k - $5k in the past 3 years. While it's still better than interest rates bit at my reduced pay, it meant it wasn't generating enough extra to cover. I had some oppts but being busy or letting greed or fear take over, common mistakes  made, hence the returns weren't as significant as my earlier years. Market was also moving sideways in this period.

I am glad that I started to apply some concepts and made better 'sell' decisions. My 'buy' decisions are still ok but my 'sell' decisions weren't. Greedy, hesitant and etc. So recently, with trepidation, I tried a punt (bet) and sold off some of my shares for profits. So far I have already got my 2nd investment target. Hope to hit even higher and more, remiscent of the $25k (5th target) in the year I left Moe. In current terms, $25k isn't a lot. Others have income way higher than this but as extra funds to tide me for the job change, definitely welcomed.

In my portfolio, I still have 3 Malaysian counters with big losses. Still holding onto them despite the convention of letting them go and restart afresh. That is something I still struggle to apply. Hope to clear them off when a chance arises. So active portfolio management is needed.

I seek to reinvest the gains when there's a good price. So relatively I am good do far. Identified a few new counters to monitor, 1-2 small punt counters, funds freed up from selling and still have stocks on hand. If market goes up, wait and sell. If market falls, wait and buy. If sideways, earn dividend and some reits distribution. Feels better that this aspect of my life is in my control.

Others would be managing my health, continuing KM (partly for health sake), save for and plan a trip to Japan, learning to drive again and possibly learn Malay if my money, time and energy permits.