I did some math concerning our ESP...

[yycflyguy]

KAG, if you are getting an average of 8% return, you can manage my portfolio.

[twinpratts]

KAG,just curious... you aiming for 8% return before, or after you take off inflation?
Thanks for the info, BTW.

PS Merry Christmas to you guys

[KAG]

That was before inflation.
My new plan involves dividends paying stocks, which corrects some for inflation. My new plan and numbers are a 5.5% dividend is my goal.
This is all theory right now, I'll keep this thread alive annually with an update.

[Jastapilot]

I made an Excel spreadsheet that calculates all this stuff, when you can retire, and accounts for inflation, cost of living, etc. I had it as a google spreadsheet open to everyone and all the YYZ porters got a link for it. Unfortunately, some people couldn't grasp the "don't change the fields" and I got tired of fixing it everyday.

I wanted to upload the spreadsheet to AvCanada, but it won't allow that extension. Any suggestions?

I have a suggestion. rename the file extenstion to one that is allowed and tell us what to rename it to after we download it!

[Bede]

Joe is supposed to upload it sometimes. (He's in S. America).

Sorry, I should know this, but how would I change the file name? I tried renaming it, but it comes up as retirement calculator.jpg.xls.

I even tried doing the old school cmd way.

[Jastapilot]

Unless something has changed it should be simple. When you view the files in the folder can you see the extension? if not, go into folder options(tools/folder options/view) and change the folder view settings by unchecking the box named "hide extensions for known file types".

That should make it an easy edit.

[Bede]

Thanks Jasta. OK, we'll try this. Change the extension to .xlsx

Some info on the spreadsheet. You can change all the bold fields at the top. All figures are given in 2011 (until May 2012) numbers. As the years increase, so does the cost of living, so inflation is captured that way.

If you see any screw ups, send me a PM.

[invertedattitude]

If you can realize 8% return on your investments with any sort of reliability, you probably shouldn't be spending your time in the pointy end of an airplane, at least not to make a living.

[KAG]

...that's the tough part, and only time will tell. Given what's going on in the markets I'm thinking 5% would be more realistic.
Happy new years:)

[The Raven]

Hi Kag,

So you're now 4 1/2 years into your plan (3 years since your last update). Care to tell us how it's going? I suspect you are doing pretty well. The stock market has been on a tear over the past 5 years. I would think you are pretty close to what you've anticipated, maybe even a little bit ahead.

The Raven

[aerobod]

I can say that the WestJet ESP shares in my RRSP have given me an average 13% return compounded over the last 8 years, although I have no expectation that this spectacular rate will continue.

[KAG]

Yeah, I can't stop dipping into it. So that plan never happened.
It sounds great on paper but life happens (2 kids since) and is only going to be this year as a cpt that I'll be able to not touch it. Ask me again in a few years. It's amazing how fast that account grows, but it's also staggering how fast you can go through your money and I don't live an extravagant lifestyle by any measure. It's kind of frustrating to be honest.

[single_swine_herder]

If I could offer just one piece of advice that you look into its to look into the info on www.daveramsey.com and listen to his radio show .... better yet, the podcast for a "best of the day's callers" compressed version.

http://www.daveramsey.com/show/radio/?snid=show.listen

[The Raven]

As we approach the end of 2015 I thought I would resurrect this thread. I am interested to know how everyone has made out with their investments this past year. It's not been a good year for the stock market. So far the TSX is down almost 10%. The S&P500 and the DJIA are both down about 3%.

I have been fairly lucky, my investment portfolio only lost 1%. That includes management fees. I am heavily invested in dividend paying stocks and corporate bonds. While my portfolio would certainly be considered conservative (and boring) it has saved me from losing very much during this turbulent year. If I was younger I might be attempted to invest more aggressively but at my age I am content to plod along at a slow and steady pace. Being conservative will limit my upside gains if the markets rebound next year, but I can live with that.

Anyway, how did the rest of you do? Hopefully some of you made a bit over the year. Also, if anyone has any suggestions regarding good financial planning books or websites please pass them along.

[complexintentions]

Well, my savings and portfolio are all in USD so this year has been kind to me if I were to liquidate and return it to Canada bucks. Seems like only a couple short years ago CAD was 1.05USD, now it's .72 and trending lower with no floor in sight. That's massive. I don't think most people even appreciate the power and influence forex has on their investments. Even while they're bitching about the price of everything imported...

The aggregate portfolio increase has been about 4.5%, not much above inflation but given the crazy year its been I'm fine with anything that holds the ground. Simple, passive balanced portfolio 60/40. But hardly any Canadian exposure.

My only investment tip would be to go long USDCAD and minimize Canadian investments. The TSX is the single worst performing index anywhere and I just don't see any good news for the Canadian economy in 2016 whatsoever. At the same time tons of risk with highest levels of debt ever, both personal and every level of government.

Good time to get and stay liquid.

[FICU]

I did 6% over the last year but bigger gains were clawed back over the last 4-5 months.

[brooks]

I am trying to stay optimistic but I think our 2014 options are going to need the 3 years before they will be useful. As for 2016 I think it is also a wash. Hunker down and don't sell unless you need to.

[mantogasrsrwy]

Grim times are coming under Prime Minister Zoolander.

[North Shore]

Or, 'Zoolander' is going to be the guy left holding the bag after 9 years of deficit budgets, and failure to diversify our economy beyond oil..
Or, the world economy does what it will, and Canada, as a bit player in it, coasts along in midstream, unable to influence events that much, nomatter which party is at the helm...