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An Inside Look At My Stock Portfolio

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My Stock Portfolio Market Investing

Battling back to zero debt

In May 2013, I declared war on debt. I wanted to eliminate it. I started Frugaling to catalogue the journey back to zero debt and make a side income. It worked. More than a year later, my monthly budget contains a surplus, the checking account actually has extra funds, and my student loans are nearly gone.

Done with loan payments — for now — I’ve had tremendous urges to buy new clothes and travel. I look in my closet and see the same stale outfits. Nothing excites me about wearing the same shirt today that’s been there for about four years. The clothes work, but I’m tired of the sameness. For lack of a better word, my closet is boring. As for travel, I desperately want to venture out into the world without a prescription or plan. I want to get out of the country for a while, but cannot, as work must take precedence because of my precarious budget. Both wants must take a back seat to current needs.

Invest, invest, and then invest some more

Instead of consuming and spending my newfound money — at the expense of my financial future — I’m investing and saving the money. The same rules I used to pay off my debt are working to save even more. When I had student loans, I made regular payments to lenders, which nearly emptied my bank accounts. It forced me to say “no” more often when I simply couldn’t afford to spend money. Now, I’m socking away massive amounts of funds in retirement accounts — protected by tax-deferred growth, offered investment credits during tax season, and prevented from withdrawing funds until retirement age. The squeeze of investing more than might be comfortable is pushing me to save rather than spend. While financially dangerous in some ways, I’m preventing myself from spending — the ultimate psychological prevention.

I want my money to work for me. I’m choosing to invest, rather than consume. Each investment feels like a purchase in my future and that company. Using basic principles from the “Oracle of Omaha,” Warren Buffett, I’ve invested in companies I know and love. Secondarily, I’m selecting index funds that benefit from overall market momentum and general growth.

Today, I want to share what investment decisions I’ve made and why. I do not offer this as advice, but share it to explain how I’m handling my new influx of cash. I have a lot of learning to do, and many of these positions are quite small. My only hope is that it encourages you to save as much as you can, too!

Here’s my stock portfolio

Most investment managers suggest investing in mutual funds and/or ETFs to become broadly diversified. They note that the market averages about 7-8% gains over time. Just investing in a broad group of stocks should provide that return. As a young man, with many years of investing potential, I decided to mix it up between individual stocks and index funds. The stocks I’ve chosen are from companies I know quite well and care about. I’d love to know what you think and what you’re investing in, as well!

Individual Stocks:

1. Apple (AAPL)
Shares: 7 | Cost basis: 614 | Market value: 636

Apple was one of the first stocks I ever purchased. I was in high school, and thought the company had the coolest products. The iPod had just come out. The stock was around $40-50 per share (pre-split; Apple recently split 7:1, which means 7 times more shares are on the market now and the price was 7 times current prices). Unfortunately, with little money to my name or experience investing, I sold around $90 per share. I missed hundreds of dollars in share growth, but that’s okay. Now that I have money again, I still love Apple. The products are second to none, I follow the company religiously, and have a passion for their design. I’m a believer in this company, and believe the 2% dividend yield makes it easy to wait.

2. AT&T (T)
Shares: 14 | Cost basis: 503 | Market value: 493

I’ve held AT&T for what seems to be nearly half a decade. This cost basis comes from my most recent investment in the company. While the share price has stagnated in recent years, the dividend yield, which is over 5%, makes me a patient man. AT&T is one of the leading telecommunications providers, and it seems like a safe business with a bright future. The company recently made a bid to buyout DirecTV, but they’ll have to go through a slew of governmental hearings before they’re allowed to swallow the cable company. If they are allowed to buy it, this will make AT&T a leader in cable delivery.

3. Google (GOOGL)
Shares: 2 | Cost basis: 1082 | Market value: 1170

This is hands down my favorite stock/company. I’ve recommended people invest in Google for years (without ever owning a position and missing hundreds in gains). Google is simple: they make money off of people clicking on and buying ad space. As more of the world gets access to Internet services and high-speed connections, more and more money will enter Google’s pockets. This constant revenue source is a powerful force for research and investment. Google actively uses this cash infusion to buy technology companies, startups, and start their own dream products. They founded Gmail, which is my one and only email provider. Their calendar service syncs to all my devices. And, they’re growing at a spectacular rate. I love Google!

4. Royal Bank of Canada (RY)
Shares: 7 | Cost basis: 489 | Market value: 493

I don’t have a strong affinity towards the banking sector. During the Great Recession of 2007-08, it became clear that banks were responsible for massive losses due to risky investment decisions. That led me to be cautious with any investments in the financial sector. The Royal Bank of Canada is different, though. By in large, Canadian banks missed much of the credit default swap crisis and made safe decisions with their consumer loans. Their smart, modest banks avoided getting swept up in the quick money and walked away from the crisis largely unscathed. My investment in the Royal Bank of Canada came from Michael Lewis’ new book, Flash Boys. In the book, Lewis explains that the Royal Bank is a largely ethical bank with tremendous leadership. With a solid, safe dividend and a great track record, I’m happy to be an investor.

Index Funds (ETFs):

The following are three index funds that are commission-free and low-royalty at Vanguard. I wont explain each of these, as the titles explain their contents. I highly recommend Vanguard and have found that their ETFs are some of the best on the market. For more information about selecting a broker for commission-free ETFs, check this out.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield (VYM)
Shares: 5 | Cost basis: 331 | Market value: 331

Vanguard Long-Term Bond Fund (BLV)
Shares: 2 | Cost basis: 177 | Market value: 179

Vanguard Value (VTV)
Shares: 1 | Cost basis: 81 | Market value: 81

Goodbye, Car. Hello, Sharing Economy.

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Goodbye, car. Hello, sharing economy.

I’m scared. Over the last two or three weeks, I’ve been biking everywhere — sort of as a test. I barely drove my car over the last three weeks, and most of the driving could’ve been avoided. It was clear: I needed to sell my car. Today, I say goodbye to “Blue Blazer.” Yes, my slick coupe is going into safe hands, but parting ways never feels easy.

See, even though I’m on this frugal journey, I feel frightened to say goodbye to my car. It’s a total extra and creature comfort in my city, but it’s hard letting go. A bunch of what if questions seep into my head. What if I need a car? What if I need to get somewhere fast? What if…?

Today, we part ways like old friends. Ol’ Blue brought me to Iowa safely when I moved. We saw a few girlfriends and took great road trips. There’s history between us. In a weird, consumeristic way, a car is comparable to a relationship. When you spend years with something, it’s hard not to feel attached (even if you cannot communicate with that inanimate object).

Well, in a couple hours, I hand over the keys. It’ll be bittersweet. Many good memories. I’ll miss the wild independence that comes with the possibility to jump in my car and drive off to… Wherever. The idea of a momentary craziness where I just drive off into the sunset must fade; at least, for a little while.

There’s a cliche that every goodbye is a new beginning. That’s helped me part ways with my car. See, selling my car opens me up to new opportunities. I’m officially joining the sharing economy.

Essentially, the sharing economy asserts that we no longer need to be burdened with individual ownership. Rather, people can come together and share what they have. Everyone won’t need a car, drill, ladder, or lawn mower. Everything from RelayRides, ZipCar, Airbnb, TaskRabbit, Craigslist, and CouchSurfing offer the ability to share with others. Everything is more affordable this way.

Without a car, I’ll be entering a new world where I’ll need to rely on the sharers — corporate or personal. But American society emphasizes a fierce independence and control — one without reliance on others. That always seems to be the end goal for wealth, too. Make enough money and you’ll never need to rely on another person — you can own whatever you need. Buy the house, fill the garage, park the two cars out front. That’s not going to be my life.

For all my concerns and worries, there’s an excitement for the unknown. I don’t know what it will feel like to be without a car — maybe a little naked at first. But I do know I’ll stay out of lengthy DMV lines, stop worrying about insurance, depreciation, and completely remove my gas expenditures.

As much as I worry about losing my freedom by not having a car, I’m now freed to save, travel, and stay out of debt.

I couldn’t be happier.

Outsourcing Corporate Responsibility And Taxation

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Henry Ford Corporate Responsibility
Mr and Mrs Henry Ford ride in the first Ford automobile

America and business: peanut butter and jelly

America has an illustrious, grand entrepreneurial spirit. Many generations of families started from humble beginnings to succeed. The United States was an incubator for business acumen. After the industrial revolution, we became the world leader. Amidst a growing infrastructure, companies and their entrepreneurs found success in the States.

Henry Ford was one of those genius businessman. He was responsible for designing the first moving assembly line, which greatly increased manufacturing and production time. Additionally, Ford instituted a $5-per-day income for his workers. The reasoning: He wanted his employees to be able to purchase the vehicles, decrease employee turnover, and increase the company’s bottom line, in turn.

Everybody won. He sold more cars, his employees saved and purchased more, and there was a pride in creation. This was an American company — fulfilling the American dream.

During World War II, production was reinstituted for a desperate military. An enemy stood to destroy entire races, religions, and peoples. The Allies came together to extinguish this enemy, but the pains were felt at home. Families rationed necessary foods for soldiers. People bought government bonds and women went to work. The U.S. needed its people, and they stepped up to defeat the Axis of evil. We were patriots.

Businesses were essential to a powerful rise in the middle class during the 50s and 60s. Taxation among executives and companies was high. This period is famous for 90 percent marginal tax rates in the highest income brackets. Despite the most social mobility and income equality ever, the system began to crumble.

Special interest groups, political power, and declines in average America

It all starts with special interest groups. Free market principles exalted an invisible hand that led to massive outsourcing. Much of the manufacturing industry disappeared as a consequence. We’ve lost nearly all customer service and basic technological leadership to Asian countries. It’s a rarity to find anything “Made in America.” Instead of stopping and correcting this course, America and its people have held steady — buying, consuming, and destroying as much as they can. Patriotism and pride in country be damned.

These economic principles, which largely took America by storm in the 80s, were lauded by the Reagan administration. Swift cuts to taxes were made for everyone, but they mostly benefited the richest of our population. Almost immediately, an increase in income inequality, social stratification, imprisonment, and use of tax havens increased.

Each time we’ve lost another layer of pride and power in America, corporate executives have argued that they are creating jobs, cutting inefficiencies, and raising shareholder value. We can’t fall for these tired logical fallacies. Jobs have been created elsewhere and people are paid less than ever. Wages are stagnating for most, as executives get rich. We’re stuck in the twilight zone of corporate disrespect, political power, lobbying groups, and massive outsourcing of everything. It’s dystopian in the powerlessness of average people. The last thing to go: corporate headquarters and revenue.

How to avoid taxation and book record profits

In the past, tax havens were simply “offshore,” Caribbean or Mediterranean islands. Rich doctors, businessmen, and criminals used these countries to store untraced funds. The money would be protected from extradition, taxation, and/or criminal prosecution. But as businesses grew with the new, global economy, tax practices changed in step.

Yet again, the start was in the 80s. Apple — yes, the iPhone and iPad maker — pioneered a strategy to avoid federal taxes “legally.” This gets complicated quickly. Essentially, Apple setup subsidiary corporations in other countries and booked intellectual property sales from those international locations. Income then sidestepped the higher-tax policies in America for lower-tax zones. This magical strategy is called, the “double Irish arrangement.”

Named for its home location, Apple set up a location in Ireland, where corporate taxes are 0%. Then, these new funds avoided billions of dollars in taxation and could still be reported as revenue and profit. This opened the floodgates for copycat companies to do the same (e.g., Facebook, General Electric, and Google).

By harnessing the power of this tax-dodging trick, some companies whittled down their tax liability to nothing. We’re talking about multibillion dollar profits — untaxed. More importantly, all of those loopholes lead to severe federal tax revenue shortages, despite record-breaking profits. Our people, infrastructure, and future are in the balance.

The regular American, a patriot

Warren Buffett is famous for saying that if you’re born as an American, you’ve already lucked out. This is still the land of opportunity. And frankly, I couldn’t agree more. The U.S. is still an incredible place. I have a lot of pride and feel humble for my opportunities. I couldn’t have done it without this place.

Over the last couple years, I’ve built a solid side income as a writer and entered a doctoral program. This is the life I want. I’ve carved out my niche. I feel fortunate for the privilege to be given room to explore and succeed. The financial successes also increased my tax burden.

My company, Frugaling, is based in America. I don’t have an LLC or formal corporation, but it’s my business. At the end of every year, I have to account for this revenue through a Schedule C form and self-employment taxes. Last week, I explained that I had begun to prepare for this accounting challenge, as self-employment taxes are about 30% of revenue. This is because medicare, medicaid, and social security aren’t withheld. But I’m happy to contribute and do my part.

I owe it to the place where I found success. I want others to have the opportunity to excel, as well. America is empty without a cyclical, contributing populace. What goes around comes around. I pay my taxes. Why don’t companies?

Warning! We’ve crossed the tipping point

Today, the largest corporation yet, Medtronic, filed to leave America. We’re talking about a pure formality that will make more tax revenue leave America. The medical device manufacturer just purchased another company — Covidien — that is incorporated in Ireland. Medtronic will switch to that legal address. BusinessWeek reported that this is becoming increasingly popular:

Minneapolis-based Medtronic joins some 44 American companies that have reincorporated abroad or struck plans to do so, including 14 in a recent wave of moves that began in 2012. Earlier this year, Pfizer Inc., the largest U.S. drugmaker, briefly proposed taking a U.K. address, a move that might have cut its tax bills by as much as $1 billion a year…Without a change in law, a congressional panel estimated last month, future deals will cost the U.S. $19.5 billion in tax revenue over the next 10 years.

For shareholders, this is wonderful news. Those tax savings can be directed to share buybacks, increased dividends, greater research pipelines, and better compensation for employees. But meanwhile, Americans will suffer. See, we are stakeholders in a way. We have a stake in what a company does or doesn’t do. Now that companies are fleeing the states in search for individual gain, at the cost of the whole, we must realize that the last pillar of corporate responsibility and patriotism is about to fall. As this disintegrates, and taxation revenue crumbles, so will our country.

10 Unexpected Benefits Of Buying A Bike

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Last week, I bought a bike. It’s the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Economical, healthy, simple, and everything in between, my bike is the embodiment of this website and my frugal journey. After two weeks of riding, I decided to write up the 10 unexpected benefits of buying a bike. Enjoy!

1. Feel like a kid again

OoooOoo
Somebody is happy!

The breeze is blowing through my helmet — cooling my scalp. Sometimes I let go of the handlebars and feel free; albeit, for shorter periods than when I was a kid. It’s been too long since I raced my self — pushing to reach the top of a hill faster or make that light.

Or, how about zooming down a hill, with your head tucked, and chest near the handlebars? That rush! Hands wrapped tight around the grips — holding on for dear life. It’s a physiological thrill that never gets old. My bike calls me to jump off a sidewalk or climb a hill. There isn’t one path, only your path. Just don’t forget your helmet, kid.

2. Save money on commutes

Bike Path
The bike path less traveled…

Last semester, when I had my car, I consistently missed the bus. This timing and planning error would always result in a simple, but costly decision to drive. Even though the commute to school was only about 4-5 miles each way, that adds up really quick.

The federal government suggests that driving costs on average about 50 cents per mile (after you account for insurance, gas, depreciation, etc.). At that rate, I was burning serious dough with my poor planning. Potentially, my commute would cost me about $5 round trip, and even more when including parking (at $1 per hour).

This was a leaky part of my budget, and buying a bike patched that right up. I don’t have an excuse to drive. I never worry about missing the bus. I just hop on my bike!

3. Save time on car or bus commutes

I plan on riding my bike far more often. Frankly, I’m actively avoiding the bus, which takes a circuitous, tedious route all throughout the western part of my city. All I have to do is snap on my helmet, hop on my bike, and 7-10 minutes later, I’m at school, work, etc.

Despite living about 4-5 miles from campus, my bus commute takes about 25 minutes. I’ve grown to like the route and bus, as it’s afforded me down time and an opportunity to read. But now I get the best of both worlds: the bike takes about 10 minutes at most — saving me 15 minutes in commute time — and offers meditative exercise. The extra time is now mine to enjoy.

4. Get healthy and feel more positive

Sweating bike commute healthy
Get this man a towel!

Despite living in the midwest (read: flat), my city is hilly. Biking to and from campus is a nice little workout. By the time I make it, I’ve got a nice sweat worked up.

Yeah, I probably need to apply more deodorant now, but I’m feeling exceptionally healthy by biking. In a way, biking to and from work offers me a period of time to get in the zone and let loose before undetermined periods of inactivity. The benefits extend far beyond anything physical, visual. Biking has honed my mind, and I feel better focused at work.

5. Put extra funds into retirement accounts

Saving Money Buying A Bike

It turns out that the secret to securing the rich, leisurely social life depicted in car ads is to not own a car. –Sydney Morning Herald

Every day I ride my bike is more money in my pocket. Between car loan payments ($196), insurance ($42), and gas (about $35-40) each month, I suddenly have a tremendous budgetary surplus. I’m shocked that as a meager graduate student, I’ll begin saving about $300 per month.

Building a savings and surplus is wonderful, but what I do with the money is essential. I can’t just start spending more on eating out, vacations, and discretionary goods. Over the last couple months I’ve restructured my retirement accounts to benefit from increased income, but also to prepare for a significant end-of-year self-employment tax.

With about $300 per month, I’ll be using commission-free ETFs within a traditional IRA to maximize my 2014 tax refund, while minimizing trading costs on small trades. As the budget settles, I’ll make the payments and trades automatic to benefit from regular, compounded interest — finally!

This is all possible because I downgraded to a bike. But suddenly, it doesn’t feel like a downgrade at all.

6. Slow down your pace of life

Unlike driving or taking a bus, my pace and speed is my own. The independence is empowering. Oftentimes, I use it to slow down and become more mindful of the world around me. I appreciate every moment much more.

Even if I’m commuting to work, the bike ride is a break from it all. There’s a peace as the wind passes over my ears. I guess I didn’t realize how calming it would be — nor did I realize how relaxed I’d feel after a long adventure. Life slows down ever so slightly when phones aren’t checked and the watch is left at home.

7. Develop an environmental awareness

It’s a cliche of biking and green communities, but I definitely feel like I’m helping the environment by opting for a bike. The carbon emissions produced from riding and maintaining a bike are miniscule compared to a car. I’m contributing to a positive change: reduced impact.

After reading countless articles about climate change, I felt compelled to make a serious individual change. It motivated me to sell my car and change my spending habits. Buying a bike is one of the final steps.

The world would look very different if everyone just rode bikes, but our economy is not designed for this singular transportation method. Nonetheless, I realized that the city I live in would allow for this switch. I jumped at the opportunity to change my lifestyle.

8. Join a community of cyclists

In my first two weeks of ownership, I’ve already gone on two longer bike rides with friends. I wasn’t doing this with my car. It costs nothing to bike around the city with friends.

There’s a friendly respect between bikers — from the head nod, wave, or “hello.” This doesn’t happen in cars (see point 10). Vehicles are impersonal by nature, and bikes are open. Your face can be seen.

In a way, biking links you to a community of riders without ever formally signing up. The personal nature helps connect the group and you can trust that if something went wrong, fellow bikers would likely pull over to help you.

9. Your body is the fuel — treat it right

Batman Commute GIF Bike

No more trips to gas stations! Gas prices on an individual level are no longer important (yes, they are still important on a macro level as they affect food prices). I’m not spending time squeezing the handle of a pump for a few minutes every couple weeks. I’m done going out of my way to find a station or check for the cheapest prices.

More than fossil fuel savings is the greater joy of realizing that my body is being used. Afterall, we are incredibly complex, biological machines. Producing energy from our food intake is necessary for a long life. My muscles activate when I bike. It’s a simple realization: I need to take care of my body — it’s the only fuel source I have. Better treat it well.

10. Build an empathy for others on the road

This is a positive and negative point. Sharing the road with cars is inevitable, but it’s almost always a horrible experience. Cars don’t give you enough room, trail too close behind, and stories of road-ragers hating bikers are scary. Sitting in your two-ton vehicle, riding a bikers ass is a terrible assault. Whenever I feel that pressure, I feel like slowing down even further.

It’s been a while since I was on a bike this much. By joining the ranks, I’ve quickly developed an empathy for the many people who share the road. We’ve all got to make it work. If only the horrible drivers decided to bike more often, maybe they’d realize what it’s like to be on roads with rain gutters, potholes, and drivers crowding the shared road.

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