NevBlog

Neville's Digital Surrogate Brain

University Investors Association

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On Tuesday I joined the UT University Investors Association. I went to the info session, met a lot of intelligent, like-minded people and liked what they do.

I am also a member of Texas Entrepreneurs, a very active entrepreneurial society at UT.

The best part about these organizations is the people they attract. In a university of 50,000+ students, only the most motivated come to these meetings. They are not mandatory like classes, which automatically weeds out non-motivated people and they facilitate real world learning.

Stock Portfolio Update

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I am at a loss in my longterm portfolio right now. Just a few months ago I had a nice profit, but things went awry for the Syntel (SYNT) and Dynegy (DYN) stocks. I’m not worried, because I’m holding all of these (except for Syntel) for 3+ years.

Here is a snapshot as of 01-24-2005 of my longterm portfolio:

Bought GE

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I bought 30 shares of General Electric (GE) at $35.50 for my longterm portfolio. This was only a $1,075 purchase of stock, but I’ve learned to place several smaller orders at different times rather than one big order.

This purchase was slightly before GE reported earnnings, stating an 18% increase in revenue.

Looking back at this post, it is clear why I want this company in my longterm portfolio. GE is involved in everything from MRI machines to jet engines.

I will add to this position as the market dictates.

Fortune Finds Fortune

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I bought Fortune Brands (FO) at $76 yesterday, in light of recent earnings, it has jumped to the $79 range.

I plan to hold onto this stock for years to come, and add to my position at times…so far it is off to a great start!

The price will slightly drop after all the earnnings hype goes away, but in the longrun I have a lot of faith in Fortune Brands.

Here is a one week chart of FO:


Getting Nothing Done

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I’d like it to be publicly known that my 3 hours of work today were COMPLETELY WASTED.

I work the night shift at the UT Law School computer lab for a few reasons:

-Very cool boss (who I only see on Friday)

-At night no one is there, so I have very little actual work to do (basically none).

-All the free computers, scanners, office supplies, printing etc. I ever need.

-Get a couple of rooms to myself with an enclosed office for talking on the phone.

-Flexible hours, but I usually keep them routine so I can work at nights.

-I get to do whatever I want and get paid at the same time. I usually get all my homework done, along with any web design etc. at work.

I get paid a paltry $7.32 an hour, but considering I get to do whatever I want while on the job, it is a perfect job for a student that needs the time!

The point of this post is: I am graduating in 5 months, and I need to UTILIZE EVERY SECOND to be financially stable by then! So these wasted hours need to stop!

Stock Update

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Today I woke up to place an order for Fortune Brands (FO), and Ameritrade had changed it’s site layout!

I struggled for a few minutes to put in a quick order at a low price, but it didn’t happen. NOW I know how to use the system properly.

I ended up buying 20 shares of FO @ $76. This is a long term position I will be holding for several years. I plan to hold FO and GE for 5+ years, adding to the positions if they are strong.

I still have a limit order open to buy 30 shares of GE @ $35.

Server Screwup

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I’m still not sure how or why, but NevBlog DNS entries on my server changed, thus leaving the website inaccessible for a few days.

Since then, school has started, I’ve spent over $300 on books…grrr.

Some entrepreneurial adventures will start next week for me.

Speaking of entrepreneurship, my old roommate started a small company called Grade-A-Books. He basically buys back old college text books, then sells them cheaper than the University Co-Op (The bookstore which has a complete monopoly in the area). With a decent investment amount and a lot of organizing and time, he has successfully become a book dealer. Congrats to him! Not many other college students will rake in a couple thousand dollars in a few days!

As for now, I have to get back to reading. It seems this last semester will be my most work intensive yet….but there is ALWAYS time for making some more money!

Time to Start Studying

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My last semester of college starts tommorrow, and I am very excited. I also start working tommorrow. I love when everything is in full swing!

I need to concentrate not only on school, but meeting my $11,000 goal by April. I also need to have at least 3 or 4 steady side incomes by the end of this semester in May.

There is no excuse this semester to mosey around, because there is PLENTY of work ahead for me!

Low Money Inflow

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At the rate I’m going, my goal of generating $11,000 will not be met by May 31st. I need to change something, and fast.

My online business is making money, and I will start working again in two days. I will also start pursuing making some money from Resumite. These three sources of income might cut it, but I need MORE.

I need to get into high gear and start making some more money!

How to Present

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I came up with an idea recently, and I wish to further pursue it. It seems legal as of now, and I believe has a potentially huge market if properly executed, I also have a contact who works in the industry.

My problem is how to present my idea. As of now I am thinking of:

  • Inviting my contact for a quick lunch or visiting his business.
  • Give him a 10 second explanation of what I plan to do.
  • Show him a prototype (It’s actually just a different process of doing something).
  • Discuss the legality, cost and consumer appeal of the product.

If the idea has no legal red tape and has the potential to make even a little money, I will pursue it. There is always a lesson in every failure, so I come out ahead either way :)