Top Investments and Financial Gains: A Personal Journey

In the world of personal finance, identifying and sustaining top investments can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. This journey is deeply personal, with varied factors influencing decisions and outcomes. This article delves into my top investments and the financial gains they have provided, along with insights that might inspire and inform your own investment strategies.

Personal Investments and Returns

My collection of top investments spans various sectors and time periods, reflecting a diverse portfolio that has offered substantial growth over the years. These investments include tangible assets such as a condominium and intangible assets like loyalty to certain companies and advisors. Here, I detail the key elements that form the foundation of my investment strategy and share some of the most significant returns.

Strategic Investments

My top investments are intricately connected to my lifestyle, career, and long-term financial goals. For instance, my dog, husband, and my career have played pivotal roles in my financial stability and personal happiness. However, when considering financial returns, tangible investments have shown remarkable growth. Here are the highlights:

Financial Instruments and Their Returns

GOOG and FB at IPO: These tech giants, Google (GOOG) and Facebook (FB), both publicly traded at their initial public offerings (IPOs). While both are still in my portfolio, their IPO returns are a part of my financial history, showcasing early-stage market opportunities. ERI at 11: A reference to East Coast Realty Inc., which I purchased at a price of $11. This investment has been a steady source of returns, reflecting the value of real estate investments over an extended period. AMZN in Sep 2016 at 773: Amazon, purchased when the stock was trading at $773, has been a significant holding. Despite market fluctuations, the strong fundamentals and consistent growth of Amazon have kept it as a core asset in my portfolio. Condo in Downtown Austin, 2010: My condominium in downtown Austin, which was purchased in 2010 at a rate of $285 per square foot, has shown the most significant return. Real estate continues to be a dependable and potentially lucrative investment.

Recent Financial Insights

In terms of recent performance, several investments have shown notable gains since their purchase. Here are the key players and their corresponding returns:

Stocks with Recent Gains

Bank of America: Purchased immediately before the election, this stock has seen a significant upsurge of 135%. Boeing: Acquired around the same time as Bank of America, it has witnessed a remarkable 155% increase. Kohls Stores: Purchased about 6–8 months ago, Kohls has registered a robust 104% gain.

Another stock worth mentioning is DOW (DuPont), which I bought in 2008 for approximately $8.00 per share. It grew significantly, reaching nearly 850% before the merger with DuPont. Moreover, the annual dividend before the merger was nearly $2.00 per share, indicating consistent income generation.

Top Holdings by Value

While gains play a significant role in investment decisions, the total dollar value of holdings is also a critical metric. Here are the top positions based on current total value:

Main Holdings

DineEquity: Purchased about 6–8 months ago, DineEquity has appreciated by 82% since its acquisition. AAPL (Apple): At a 36% gain, Apple remains a top-three investment in terms of total value. Kohls Stores: Purchased earlier, Kohls has witnessed a steady 104% growth, reflecting its strength in retail.

For a time, ATT (ATT) was part of this top list, but recent market movements have caused it to slip slightly, resulting in a modest loss.

Concluding Insights

Investment outcomes are influenced by many factors, including market conditions, the individual's risk tolerance, and long-term financial goals. The journey of finding and sustaining top investments is ongoing, with periodic reassessments to adapt to changing market dynamics. By staying informed and strategic, one can align their investment choices with their overall financial objectives.

My experiences with specific investments and their returns offer a firsthand perspective on the benefits and challenges of investing in various categories. Whether it's real estate, tech stocks, or retail giants, each investment carries unique characteristics and growth potential. Understanding these factors can help in making well-informed and impactful investment decisions.