2014 was a tough one

After trading almost fulltime for 5 years, started the year with a 7-figure active trading account for the first time. A combination of over-confidence and change in exchange rule costed a huge drawdown (>1/2M) in a matter of three days around end of Jan. Had to take out another 200K to close on a couple of SFHs. Humiliated, humbled, and determined to recover the losses after that. Stayed very focused and dedicated for several months. Traded October market turmoil  almost perfectly and went back to positive in trading account at the end of Nov. Relaxed a bit and gave back a small amount in Dec and ened the year more or less flat in active trading account.

Lack of captial contributions funded by trading gains slowed down RE expansion. Added three SFHs and three THs and finally reached double-figure in investment property counts. Received tremendous help from the forum, and brother NJ-FL in particular. Not enough passive rental income yet to replace one W2, but the tax benefits are significant. If you trust zillow zestimate, then the amount of capitial gains over the last two years (we started purchasing of rental properties at the beginning of 2013) have been 20%+. 

Networth increased by 20% or so in 2014, primarily coming from investment property appreciation, 401K capital gains, and W2 savings in form of retirement account contribution. Despite the slowdown, still on track to reach our modest goal for financial independence on time.

Overall, 2014 is a rather dissappointing year. Slowest speed of wealth accumulaton over the last five years in percentage terms. Hopefully new year will bring a new spirit. In 2015, need to tighten risk management, including downsizing active trading account. Also need to spend more time with the kids and chicken. Do not stretch the frontline too long or too thin. Need to patiently wait for opportunities to come to me, instead of aggressively pursuing and pushing matters. 

Wish all TT brothers and sisters a prosperous 2015.

Just my 2c.

所有跟帖： 

• Thanks for sharing and wish you prosperous 2015! -qiaoshe- ♀ (0 bytes) () 12/31/2014 postreply 21:40:45

• 呼！！！So glad to hear that you recovered the trading loss. -NJ-FL- ♂ (256 bytes) () 12/31/2014 postreply 21:51:36

• 常在江湖漂, 哪能不挨刀,:)。祝2015发大财。 -PineRock- ♂ (0 bytes) () 12/31/2014 postreply 21:51:43

• Thank you for your sharing -3bunny- ♀ (71 bytes) () 12/31/2014 postreply 23:59:15