patrick.net

I have only picked a few stocks; Apple was a home run but I don't know how it is lately.
Alibaba was a mistake, I'm underwater.
Deere was good.
Roku was good then fell so I don't think I'm ahead.
I inherited some Microsoft it's done well for me since 2017.
I also inherited some Wells Fargo and I'm underwater since 2017, it was my mistake to not sell it immediately.
I think it's fun but not so useful to pick stocks.

I am not astute by any stretch of imagination but for some logical at that time reason I bought craploads of Exxon stock in Jan 2021 for 45/ share. First time I bought stock ever and the only stock I own.

I dipped my toe in the water and bought 5 shares of META in late feb 2022...Just one stock...I started with $1000.00. I initially bought at 5 shares at 198.50 ....i have traded the same 5 shares about 12 times...now my balance is $1000.27...lol...I think I'm beating the S&P.

My avg. yearly yield is 20%-30%, so doing ok.

I think I average 20 to 30% but I am not keeping tracking diligently. Measure what matters they say.

I'm up 1.11% YTD - no idea what the indices are at. Individual stocks are less than 5% of my portfolio. I still have a huge cash anchor from going to cash in early 2008.

Herewith some unsolicited opinions.
I don't like airline stocks and would not buy one; it's a very competiive business.
I would avoid specialty mutual funds and emerging market mutual funds.
I would avoid fashion stocks unless trading in and out; the customer is fickle.
I would avoid car company stocks; even Toyota can lose money and they did this year.