-$4,000

On September 28, 2020 I posted a photo on Instagram stating that my stock portfolio hit $100,000 CAD in value. 

Since then, I have purchased over $1,455 worth of stocks.

Now, as I write this on November 1, my stock portfolio is worth $97,395.13.

So did I lose $4,000 in the past month?

Since I didn't buy high and sell low, no, I didn't "lose" any money.

A loss is only realized when we sell our positions at a loss. That is, to sell the stocks that we purchased for less than we purchased them for, is the only true way to crystallize a loss. 

On October 14, I shared another photo on Instagram stating that my estimated inflow (meaning, my currently-known investment income) for 2021 would be $6,510.96.

Since then, thanks to my additional dividend-paying stock purchases, my currently-estimated inflow for 2021 is $6,587.60. 

So although my net worth did decrease, my inflow for next year increased. 

Stocks are volatile, especially during these "uncertain times". 

My goal as an investor is to become financially free by having my dividends and HISA interest cover all my monthly expenses. 

When stocks decrease in price, I see it as a buying opportunity to buy stocks that go on sale. Stocks from companies I believe will stand the test of time.

Burning money photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash