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Freedom Fund Update – December 2011

By 16 Comments

Well, the time has come to update the Freedom Fund once again as we start another month. The Freedom Fund is my portfolio, and I think it’s aptly named. My portfolio is my way to freedom; freedom from working at a job I don’t enjoy to purchase goods I don’t need to impress neighbors I don’t care about.

With the S&P experiencing a late year-end rally as Santa brings Wall Street cheer and joy, my portfolio has responded in kind. In the end, I’d actually prefer a flat market for the next 10 years as I am currently in accumulation mode; I’m a net buyer of stocks. I may be in the minority with my opinions, but a larger brokerage account only serves to make my net worth statement look better. When a market is up I can purchase less shares with my reinvested dividends and fresh capital. I’m hoping for a market downdraft before the end of the year!

I made a few changes to the Freedom Fund over the course of November. I made three purchases, and all were new positions for me. I initiated stakes in General Dynamics Corporation (GD), Medtronic, Inc. (MDT) and Vodafone Group PLC (VOD) (ADR). I’m excited about these new positions and the diversity and quality they bring to my portfolio. I think all three are strong businesses, and leaders in their respective industries.

The current market value of the Freedom Fund stands at $51,379.60. This is a nice increase since the last published value of $47,169.26. This increase is mostly due to my recent purchases.

I’m invested in 21 positions total. I have not sold any equities in the last month.

Overall, I’m excited to post this update and I’m looking forward to what the market will give us in 2012. I think my portfolio is really starting to take shape in terms of diversification and quality. I’m just giddy over the fact that I crossed the $50,000 mark before the end of 2011. I had a little goal in my head to cross the $50k mark before the end of the year, and with purchases coming up in December I’ll be well over that. Although the value of my portfolio doesn’t matter as much to my financial independence as the dividends and passive income do, it’s still nice to see myself building positions and expanding on my overall wealth.

This will be my last Freedom Fund update for 2011, as the purchases I make in December will be reflected on my next update in early 2012. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I thank everyone for their support!

I hope all my readers are experiencing progress with their individual portfolios. I wish you all continued success!

Full Disclosure: I’m long MDT, GD, VOD.

Thanks for reading.

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Filed Under: Freedom Fund Update

Comments

  1. MySavingStyle says

    December 2, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Congratulations! I had a similar feeling of joy when my 401k broke 6 figures. However I don’t actively manage that, as it’s through my company, is all funds and has broker fees, ugh!

    Now I’m working on my own dividend portfolio, slowly and surely.

    How do you feel about MCD? I see we both hold it, I just don’t know how high it can go. I appreciated your post about when to sell. I’m still uncertain at times.

    Happy end of year!

  2. Westphalian says

    December 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Great progress, DM!
    My dividend-machine is also running very well.
    It already paid tax, insurance and repairs for my car, so I have money left from my regular income to invest.
    I just wish I started dividend investing some years ago.

    Keep on blogging the way you do, I really enjoy reading your blog everyday.

    Greets from Germany!

  3. Henry says

    December 2, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    At this rate you’ll have $100k within the next 2 years. Keep up the great work!

  4. Dividend Mantra says

    December 3, 2011 at 12:00 am

    MySavingStyle,

    Thanks!

    Yeah, I can imagine how great it would feel to hit that 6-figure mark! Must be really incredible. I’m hoping to have the Freedom Fund cross that mark sometime late 2013.

    On MCD, I’m still holding and I don’t think it’s going to dip too low any time soon to buy more. This is one that just kept running away from me, similar to KO. You pay for quality, and that’s true for this exceptionally well-run company. I’m holding and will buy on dips.

    Best wishes!

  5. Dividend Mantra says

    December 3, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Westphalian,

    Great to hear from you. I’m glad to hear your dividend machine is still running strong and staying oiled! Also good to hear that it’s paying for major expenses. It feels good to keep humming along whenever life throws you a pothole, knowing that you can pay for that hole with dividends. Good stuff!

    Stay in touch! Take care.

  6. Dividend Mantra says

    December 3, 2011 at 12:03 am

    Henry,

    Thanks!

    Yes, I think the Freedom Fund will cross the $100k mark before the end of 2013 if I can keep this pace up. I’m very excited to see where I end this year and hopefully 2012 brings me success.

    Best regards.

  7. Dividend Mantra says

    December 3, 2011 at 12:35 am

    $25000 Dividends,

    Thanks for your support. I’m anxious to see how both of our journeys transpire.

    It seems I am about a year ahead of you. I grew my portfolio by about $30k or so this year, so you’ll catch up!

    Keep it up. Best wishes!

  8. $25000 Dividends says

    December 2, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    Good call on Medtronic. I’m also initiating a position on Medtronic in January. I’m at about 25K so far and hope to inch closer to 50K by next December. Sounds like you are about 1 year ahead of me, keep up the good work!

  9. Dividends Warrior says

    December 4, 2011 at 5:28 am

    Hi DM,

    Great to see your portfolio cross the 50k mark. Wait till you cross the 100k mark. I remember I felt a huge sense of achievement and pride when I crossed the 100k line (in sing dollars) back in June.

    However, I started to feel a little “scared”. It was a weird feeling. I realized that I invested mainly in local Singapore stocks. My tiny country is very vulnerable to global macroeconomic conditions.

    So, my Singapore Portfolio kinda stagnate and I started buying US stocks last month. Now, I am looking forward to dividends from Johnson & Johnson and Coca Cola. Feeling pretty excited to be receiving dividends from companies which products I had purchased ever since I was a kid. I can still remember the classic Christmas TV commercials from Coca Cola. Luv the polar bears. ^^

  10. Dividend Mantra says

    December 4, 2011 at 6:45 am

    DW,

    Thanks for stopping by!

    Congratulations on that big achievement! You’re doing really great. Also, good move on expanding your holdings into global multinational companies like Coca-Cola and J&J. Excellent choices there.

    What’s your goal with your portfolio? Additional income? Retire early? Flexibility?

    Thanks for the encouragement. Keep up your great work!

  11. Dividend Paying Stocks says

    December 5, 2011 at 12:31 am

    Mantra,

    Holy cow! It just seems like yesterday you were crossing the $40k mark. Nicely done Mantra! My dividend portfolio has stagnated and I am not happy about it at all. I have $6k on the sidelines that I won’t be able to put to work in the market. $3k is for my Christmas Philippines vacation and the other $3k I am applying towards my auto loan. I’m so close to paying off that loan I can taste it. I will save interest by paying down my auto loan faster, so technically I did make some gains.

    I also did some heavy end-of-year adjusting to my portfolio. When I first started on my dividend journey, I got blinded by yield and took some unnecessary risks. I bought AGNC, a mortgage reit for the insane yield that didn’t fair well, but luckily the dividend payments helped me break even. I dumped all of my funds and am now picking individual stocks. I hate the control you lose when your in a fund, not to mention the management fees.

    I’m wishing you luck in 2012!

    DPS

  12. Dividend Mantra says

    December 5, 2011 at 12:42 am

    DPS,

    Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the encouragement and well wishes!

    I hear you on getting blinded by yield. So far, the only time I’ve really “chased yield” was with TEF. Although, that was before the euro zone crisis got out of hand and it also wasn’t yielding as high as it is now. So, it’s a bit of an accidental high-yielder in that regard.

    Good luck on paying off the auto loan. I know it felt great when I got rid of my auto loan and car earlier this year. Huge weight lifted from my shoulders.

    Have fun on your Philippines vacation. I know I’d love to visit SE Asia at some point to see if it’s a viable retirement destination for myself. Happy holidays!

    Best wishes.

  13. Earl says

    January 3, 2012 at 1:25 am

    Thanks for your blog. I’m just starting out in the investment game. I’ve bought: F, SLF, CNQ, AFL, PFE,KFT,and SNC. Looking forward for more advice

  14. Dividend Mantra says

    January 3, 2012 at 2:53 am

    Earl,

    Sounds like you’re off to a great start!

    Keep us updated.

    Best wishes!

  15. Dividend Mantra says

    October 11, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    Shopteacher,

    Glad you found the blog and I’m glad you find inspiration here. That’s really what it’s all about!

    I hope your journey is going well. Keep in touch!

    Best regards.

  16. Shopteacher says

    October 11, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    I continue to be inspired…thanks alot!

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      • Weekend Reading - October 18, 2013
      • Investing In Companies That Sell Products/Services That Are Ubiquitous
      • Investing In Companies That Sell Products/Services That Even Frugal People Use
      • Weekend Reading - October 12, 2013
      • The Frugalmobile
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For September 2013
      • Dividend Income Update - September 2013
      • Freedom Fund Update - October 2013
    • ► September 2013 (17)
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Sale
      • The Chasing Financial Freedom Podcast: Episode 5
      • Warren Buffett Isn't Excited About Buying Stocks Right Now, Should You Be?
      • Weekend Reading - September 21, 2013
      • The Car-Free Lifestyle (Coming To An End)
      • I Have An Extra Worker In The House Who Gives Me 100% Of Their Earnings
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Income/Expenses For August 2013
      • The Chasing Financial Freedom Podcast: Episode 4
      • Dividend Income Update - August 2013
      • Can You Really Retire Early - Interviewed By MoneyPlan SOS
      • Recent Buy
      • Vodafone Sells 45% Stake In Verizon Wireless Joint Venture For $130 Billion
      • Freedom Fund Update - September 2013
      • Recent Buy
    • ► August 2013 (17)
      • The Chasing Financial Freedom Podcast: Episodes 1-3
      • Interview With Derek Foster, The "Idiot Millionaire"
      • If Your Life Were A Movie...
      • Two Reasonably Valued Blue Chips
      • Weekend Reading - August 24, 2013
      • Why I Hold 100% Of My Equity Investments In A Taxable Account
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Buy
      • A Guaranteed Millionaire
      • Income/Expenses For July 2013
      • Dividend Income Update - July 2013
      • What Does Early Retirement Look Like?
      • Interview With Tom At Long Term Investments
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Weekend Reading - August 3, 2013
      • Freedom Fund Update - August 2013
    • ► July 2013 (13)
      • My Watch List For August
      • A Tale Of Two Stocks - One Headwind, One Tailwind
      • Financial Independence Is Both A Journey And A Destination
      • My Brand New Minty Fresh Dental Plan
      • Caution Warranted
      • Mid-Year Goals Review
      • Which Is Riskier - 1 Paycheck Or 50 Paychecks?
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Income/Expenses For June 2013
      • Dividend Income Update - June 2013
      • Weekend Reading - July 6, 2013
      • Recent Buy
      • Freedom Fund Update - July 2013
    • ► June 2013 (15)
      • Scottrade FRIP And Diversifying Brokerage Firms
      • My Watch List For July
      • Delaying Gratification? What's Gratifying To You?
      • Weekend Reading - June 23, 2013
      • Recent Buy
      • I'm Not Buying Stocks, I'm Buying Ownership In High Quality Companies
      • Why This Blog Exists
      • Three High Quality Dividend Growth Stocks On My Radar
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For May 2013
      • Weekend Reading - June 8, 2013
      • Dividend Income Update - May 2013
      • Recent Buy
      • Freedom Fund Update - June 2013
      • Recent Buy
    • ► May 2013 (12)
      • Dividend Growth Investing And The Joy Of Doing Nothing
      • Equities: Unlimited Upside With Limited Downside
      • Meet Kraig From Young Cheap Living
      • Two Reasonably Appealing Stock Ideas
      • One Year Older, One Year Closer
      • Do You Have A Dream?
      • Current Difficulties In Allocating Capital
      • Income/Expenses For April 2013
      • I Just Bought A Time Machine
      • Dividend Income Update - April 2013
      • Weekend Reading - May 3, 2013
      • Freedom Fund Update - May 2013
    • ► April 2013 (15)
      • Early Retirement Is Impossible Because Of Health Insurance Costs...Not!
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Dividend Investing For Beginners
      • Why I Love Dividend Growth Investing
      • Weekend Reading - April 19, 2013
      • Recent Buy
      • LBYM
      • Recent Buy
      • Dividend Mantra On The Today Show!
      • Why I Vastly Prefer Dividend Growth Investing To Index Investing
      • Income/Expenses For March 2013
      • Interview With Dividend Monk
      • Recent Buy
      • Dividend Income Update - March 2013
      • Freedom Fund Update - April 2013
    • ► March 2013 (12)
      • Pardon The Dust - New Look!
      • As Featured In USA Today!
      • What Are You Buying?
      • The Three P's of Life - Patience, Persistence, Perseverance
      • Recent Buy
      • Weekend Reading - March 16, 2013
      • DGI Case Study - $5K to $100K In Three Years
      • Income/Expenses For February 2013
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Sale
      • Dividend Income Update - February 2013
      • Freedom Fund Update - March 2013
    • ► February 2013 (12)
      • Recent Buy
      • Three Canadian Stocks On My Watchlist
      • Weekdend Reading - February 22, 2013
      • The Big Three
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For January 2013
      • Recent Buy
      • Who Are You?
      • Dividend Income Update - January 2013
      • Freedom Fund Update - February 2013
    • ► January 2013 (10)
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Sale
      • Dividend Growth Investing In A Bull Market
      • Reconsidering Abbott Labs (ABT) And AbbVie (ABBV)
      • I'm Dying And So Are You
      • My Goals For 2013
      • 2012 Goals Reviewed
      • Income/Expenses For December 2012
      • Dividend Income Update - December 2012
      • Freedom Fund Update - January 2013
  • ► 2012 (112)
    • ► December 2012 (10)
      • Recent Buy
      • Happy Holidays!
      • Holding Vs. Deploying Cash
      • The Fiscal Cliff...Opportunity Or Doomsday?
      • If You Must Value The Market
      • Time: It's Everything
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For November 2012
      • Dividend Income Update - November 2012
      • Freedom Fund Update - December 2012
    • ► November 2012 (13)
      • What Are You Buying?
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
      • Walking The Path
      • Scooter Redux
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For October 2012
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Guest Post: What If You Could Not Sell Your Stocks?
      • Ignore The Noise
      • Dividend Income Update - October 2012
      • Freedom Fund Update - November 2012
    • ► October 2012 (13)
      • Is It Worth It?
      • Warren Buffett's Wise Words
      • What Are You Buying?
      • Fear And Uncertainty Creates Opportunity
      • Saving Money Is Like Losing Weight
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Sale
      • Dividend Growth Index Update - Q3 2012
      • Income/Expenses For September 2012
      • Dividend Income Update - September 2012
      • 2012 Stock Picking Contest - Q3 Results
      • Freedom Fund Update - October 2012
    • ► September 2012 (12)
      • Your Savings Rate Trumps Your Investment Returns
      • Weekend Reading - September 23, 2012
      • Recent Buy
      • YOLO
      • Recent Buy
      • Two Great Gym-Free And Equipment-Free Exercises
      • Beautiful Day
      • Trading Vs. Investing
      • Income/Expenses For August 2012
      • Recent Buy
      • Dividend Income Update - August 2012
      • Freedom Fund Update - September 2012
    • ► August 2012 (10)
      • What Are You Buying?
      • The Dividend Toolkit: Review
      • Weekend Reading - August 25, 2012
      • Dividends Are My Fruit
      • The Best Thing About Financial Independence: Choice
      • My Biggest Financial Mistake
      • Recent Dividend Increases
      • Recent Buy
      • Finding Value In This Market
      • I'll Be Back
    • ► June 2012 (1)
      • Taking A Break
    • ► May 2012 (9)
      • My Scooter And Me
      • Early Retirement Isn't For Everyone
      • Recent Buy
      • Guest Post: How Frugality Has Forever Changed My Life For The Better
      • I've Turned 30!
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For April 2012
      • Dividend Income Update - April 2012
      • Freedom Fund Update - May 2012
    • ► April 2012 (10)
      • Three Solid Stocks To Purchase On Weakness
      • Do You Own Or Rent?
      • Five Awesome Things You Can Do When You're Financially Independent
      • Income/Expenses For March 2012
      • Recent Buy
      • Dividend Income Update - March 2012
      • Weekend Reading - April 7, 2012
      • Dividend Growth Index Update Q1 2012
      • 2012 Best Dividend Stocks Q1 Results
      • Freedom Fund Update - April 2012
    • ► March 2012 (13)
      • 5 Awesome Things About Living Car-Free
      • What Are You Buying?
      • Guest Post: Confessions Of A Dividend Junkie
      • Were You Worth More As A Baby?
      • Recent Buy
      • Weekend Reading - March 17, 2012
      • The Poor Rich Need Dividends?
      • My New Ride - Part III
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For February 2012
      • Dividend Increase - Harris Corporation (HRS)
      • Dividend Income Update - February 2012
      • Freedom Fund Update - March 2012
    • ► February 2012 (10)
      • Recent Buy
      • Weekend Reading - February 26, 2012
      • Recent Sale
      • Stick To Your Plan
      • Recent Buy
      • Frugality Vs. Quality Of Life
      • What's Your Crossover?
      • Income/Expenses For January 2012
      • Dividend Income Update - January 2012
      • Freedom Fund Update - February 2012
    • ► January 2012 (11)
      • Opportunity In Philip Morris International (PM)
      • Recent Buy
      • Ever Consider Semi-Early Retirement?
      • My New Ride - Part II
      • My Goals For 2012
      • 2011 Goals Reviewed
      • Income/Expenses For December 2011
      • Start Off Your New Year Right
      • Dividend Growth Index Update - Q4 2011
      • 2012 Best Dividend Stocks
      • Freedom Fund Update - January 2012
  • ► 2011 (150)
    • ► December 2011 (17)
      • Happy New Year!
      • Dividend Income Update - December 2011
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Guest Post At Mr. Money Mustache
      • Time: A Dividend Growth Investor's Greatest Ally
      • Free Your Chains
      • Weekend Reading - December, 17, 2011
      • What Is An Economic Moat?
      • Recent Buy
      • Recent Sale
      • Weekend Reading - December 10, 2011
      • Cheap Stock With A Recent Dividend Hike
      • Income/Expenses For November 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - November 2011
      • Weekend Reading - December 3, 2011
      • Freedom Fund Update - December 2011
      • When To Sell A Dividend Growth Stock
    • ► November 2011 (14)
      • Why I Cancelled My Gym Membership
      • What Are You Buying?
      • My Second Job Isn't A Job At All
      • Considering The Downside To Early Retirement
      • My Food Budget Demystified
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For October 2011
      • Weekend Reading - November 12, 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - October 2011
      • Recent Buy
      • Using Reward Programs To Your Advantage
      • Weekend Reading - November 5, 2011
      • Low Yield, High Growth
      • Freedom Fund Update - November 2011
    • ► October 2011 (18)
      • What Are You Buying?
      • My $100 Phone Call
      • Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Is Splitting
      • Perspective
      • Weekend Reading - October 22, 2011
      • Two Industrials Catching My Eye
      • Recent Buy
      • My Thoughts On An Emergency Fund
      • Weekend Reading - October, 15, 2011
      • Consumer Stocks: Safety In A Volatile Market
      • Income/Expenses For September 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - September 2011
      • What Are You Buying?
      • Weekend Reading - October 8, 2011
      • Recent Buy
      • Dividend Growth Index - My Picks Explained
      • Freedom Fund Update - October 2011
      • Weekend Reading - October 1, 2011
    • ► September 2011 (16)
      • 10-Year Treasury Yield? Double It!
      • Introducing The Dividend Growth Index
      • When Saving Money Costs You More
      • Philip Morris International - Dividend Increase
      • Why A Low Payout Ratio Is Important
      • What If You Could Buy Time?
      • Weekend Reading - September 17, 2011
      • Gold As An Investment
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses For August 2011
      • Weekend Reading - September 10, 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - August 2011
      • What Are You Buying?
      • Freedom Fund Update - September 2011
      • Weekend Reading - September 3, 2011
      • Recent Buy
    • ► August 2011 (16)
      • Retiring Overseas
      • Frugal Fatigue?
      • Why I Average Down
      • Moving Day
      • 7 Links Project
      • Weekend Reading - August 21, 2011
      • 5 Stocks On Sale
      • Income/Expenses For July 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - July 2011
      • Weekend Reading - August 14, 2011
      • 5 Steps To Retire In 12 Years
      • Recent Buy
      • Weekend Reading - August 6, 2011
      • Freedom Fund Update - August 2011
      • Opportunity?
      • Recent Buy
    • ► July 2011 (14)
      • Weekend Reading - July 30, 2011
      • Ensure Your Dividends With These Insurance Stocks
      • Late To Work
      • Weekend Reading - July 23, 2011
      • Do You DRIP?
      • Recent Buy
      • Weekend Reading - July 17, 2011
      • Five Core Dividend Stocks
      • Income/Expenses For June 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - June 2011
      • Weekend Reading - July 9, 2011
      • Philip Morris: A Solid International Tobacco Play
      • Freedom Fund Update - July 2011
      • Weekend Reading - July 2, 2011
    • ► June 2011 (14)
      • What Is A Dividend?
      • What Are Your Dividends For?
      • Weekend Reading - June 25, 2011
      • Saving A Mint By Budgeting
      • Defense Stocks On Sale?
      • Weekend Reading - June 19, 2011
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses for May 2011
      • Weekend Reading - June 10, 2011
      • Two Stocks On My Watchlist
      • Free Vacation!
      • Weekend Reading - June 5, 2011
      • Freedom Fund Update - June 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - May 2011
    • ► May 2011 (16)
      • Weekend Reading - May 29, 2011
      • Goals Page Updated
      • My New Ride!
      • Weekend Reading - May 22, 2011
      • Why I'm Buying Wal-Mart
      • Recent Buy
      • I Have Been Added To The Div-Net
      • Weekend Reading - May 15, 2011
      • My Birthday...And One Year In
      • Why Dividends?
      • Income/Expenses for April 2011
      • Weekend Reading - May 7, 2011
      • My Entry Criteria
      • Dividend Income Update - April 2011
      • Freedom Fund Update - May 2011
      • Weekend Reading - May 1, 2011
    • ► April 2011 (13)
      • New Page: Dividend Income
      • Kimberly-Clark: Is It A Solid Pick?
      • Weekend Reading - April 24, 2011
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses for March 2011
      • Weekend Reading - April 16, 2011
      • Procter and Gamble Raises Dividend 9%
      • Diversification
      • Weekend Reading - April 9, 2011
      • Dividend Income Update - March 2011
      • Freedom Fund Update
      • Weekend Reading - April 2, 2011
      • Recent Buy
    • ► March 2011 (12)
      • My VOIP Cell Phone
      • Weekend Reading - March 26, 2011
      • Three High Yield Stocks On My Radar
      • Paradise
      • Weekend Reading - March 19, 2011
      • Why I love PepsiCo
      • Cut Cable
      • Weekend Reading - March 12, 2011
      • McDonald's - A Wonderful Company
      • Dividend Income Update-January/February 2011
      • Recent Buy
      • Income/Expenses for February 2011

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