That's a screenshot of my very first StockTwits post on October 4th, 2017, and I have absolutely zero memory of making it. I have no clue how I found Dynasil Corporation of America (DYSL), which makes specialized materials and components that detect radiation, light, and X-rays — and is still a micro-cap penny stock.

Like many of you, I started out trading penny stocks because each share was "cheap." And by cheap, I mean the cost per share was low — that's it. Embarrassing, but I didn't know any better. We all start somewhere.

Had I just put the money in the boring old S&P 500 (VOO) and reinvested the dividends, it would have grown 255% — with zero due diligence, research, or watching the share price like a hawk.

However, for a hot minute, DYSL popped and was beating VOO. The chart shows it spiking midway through, but then it fell right back to earth, while VOO just kept climbing like it always does.

But investing is like life: we learn by doing (or watching), which upgrades the mental database we use to make better decisions next time. I've always liked the saying, "The first time it's a mistake, the second time it's a choice" because it removes the victim mentality.

I was watching my wife mow the lawn (long story, don't judge us) and thought, "She's not perfect, but she's perfect for me. Definitely my style!" We started dating in November 2000 — we were 22 and 23 — and married in November 2005, at 27 and 28.

We're 48 and 49 now. We've both grown and changed, but the core of who we are has stayed the same — and it's that core we're each comfortable with. It's what's held us together for 26 years. Which is exactly like an investment portfolio…

You have to build a portfolio core you can live with for the long haul, then add fun ancillary positions to try out. Kind of like trying new hairstyles, outfits, maybe a few tattoos — but the core identity matters most. Just don't get any face tattoos. Something might be off with your core if you do.

Just like choosing a spouse, you choose what goes into your portfolio. I'm comfortable with a core of 60%+ broad-market, low-cost index funds, plus ancillary positions that each have a specific job — REITs and BDCs strictly for income.

The overall goal is to grow the money pile to the point where I can do what I want, when I want. That's what the core has to support. The ancillary positions just add a little flavor and help get there.

I love this investing metaphor from Mohnish Pabrai: "The mistress is always hotter than the wife."

The wife is the stocks you own. You know all their flaws, you see them every day, you take them for granted.

The mistress is the stocks you don't own. The unknown looks exciting, shiny, full of potential — simply because it's unfamiliar.

The trap is selling what you know deeply to chase a stock that only looks more attractive, which usually hurts long-term returns. Pabrai's rule: the bar for swapping has to be extremely high. You need proof the new one is genuinely better, not just dressed up in mystery.

There are a ton of parallels between investing and life, but the one that matters most for long-term returns is knowing the core. Individual company, index fund, or partner — understanding what's behind the pretty face or the sky-high yield is what actually matters over many years.

And we get a better understanding by asking questions, taking chances, learning, growing, and applying that accumulated knowledge to what we do next.

Or I'm just trying to feel better about my choices as I approach my 50s. Point is, we have access to more information than any human before us, so there's no excuse for not understanding ourselves, our partners, or whatever's in our portfolios — and adjusting accordingly.

I'll answer every reply — let me know your thoughts.

-Russ

Video I'm Watching

Brian Bollinger from SimplySafeDividends.com breaks down why Realty income (O), Agree Realty (ADC) and NNN Reit (NNN) have fallen so hard and if they're a falling knife. A must watch video for any REIT investors.

Podcast I'm Listening To

Creating Muse: The Fastest-G...

Oct 11 · David Senra

72:16

Dvid Senra of the Founders podcast had a great interview with the META chief AI officer about the creation of the hottest AI agent that I've been messing around with - Muse.

Disclaimer: This is not investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decisions.

😁THANK YOU to all who responded to the last newsletter!!

Check out the portfolio on Blossom, the podcast, or see what’s cooking on YouTube.

And now, here is this week's portfolio activity...

Dividends Received This Week ~$198.26

VICI Properties (VICI) | $198.26

Dividends Received 2026 (Schwab Only)~

$4,232.71

Stocks Sold (AVERAGE)

1 Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) | $380.55

Stocks Bought (AVERAGE)

4 Agree Realty (ADC) | $64.55
2 Watsco (WSO) | $281.35
3 Schwab Intl. Dividend ETF (SCHY) | $31.40

💰 GOING EX-DIVIDEND THIS WEEK 💰

10/13 General Mills (GIS), 7.56% | 60BS
10/13 Hormel Foods (HRL), 6.10% | 70S
10/13 McCormick & Co. (MKC), 4.28% | 60BS
10/13 Accenture (ACN), 3.27% | 80S
10/15 Abbott Laboratories (ABT), 2.53% | 90VS
10/15 AbbVie (ABBV), 2.50% | 80S
Diageo plc (DEO), 2.21% | 80S
10/16 Watsco (WSO), 4.72% | 60BS

🔥Special Offers!🔥

Simply Safe Dividends is a resource I use every single day. It's run by a handful of very knowledgable HUMANS and updated constantly. And with this offer, you can try it FREE for 14 days with absolutely NO credit card required! 👉Check it out!

Access Seeking Alpha's proven stock ratings, data-driven insights, and institutional-grade tools for just $269 for your first year.:

Seeking Alpha Premium: $269/year (Save $30 + 7-day free trial)

If you want data-driven insights and professional stock ratings to help grow your portfolio, grab the deal while it lasts. 👉 [Claim your discount here!]

*These are affiliate offers, and I will receive a small commission at no additional cost when you buy a premium annual subscription after clicking the images or links above.