This New Year's Eve set yourself some realistic financial goals. Set aside some extra money where you can open a stock account. I can almost guarantee it'll pay dividends.
Saving money is like any goal we set ourselves in that we always say: "Next week I'll start" or "I promise next month I will…"
2014 is only a few days away and if you're like much of the working-age population, you'll likely have some time off this holiday season to make a few goals for 2014. Write them down, make them realistic and measured.
Investors who decided to do that last year, should have recorded gains of at least 13% plus dividends – that's the return of S&P/ASX200 (ASX: XJO) (^AXJO) so far in 2013. I'll admit that might not sound like the most rewarding New Year's resolution, but it means people who bought shares a year ago also got them cheaper.
If you bought ANZ (ASX: ANZ) or Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) shares, you'll be sitting on gains of 26% and 22% respectively plus dividends. It's obvious you've got to be in it to win it.
So if you're like me and want to be richer a year from now then the stock market could be a great place to park some dollars. Here's six stocks I think could reward shareholders in 2014.
Core stocks
These are the stocks that should make up the bulk of your portfolio, they are the bigger and more established companies. Two stocks I believe represent good value at current prices are Coca-Cola Amatil (ASX: CCL) and Westfield (ASX: WDC).
Both have significant international exposure and will benefit from a falling Aussie dollar. They pay great and consistent dividends and are trading at relatively modest prices when compared to their blue chip counterparts.
Dividends
When chasing dividend stocks it is important to understand that dividends will only be paid if the company makes a profit and grows earnings. Two stocks which pay great dividends are Telstra (ASX: TLS) and BWP Trust (ASX: BWP). I believe Telstra's dividend will rise this year by a cent to 29 cents per share whilst Bunnings Warehouse Property Trust (BWP) has a very stable income stream (it leases a majority of its real estate to Bunnings Warehouse) which can therefore be passed onto shareholders.
Growth
Two of my favourite stocks going into 2014 are Cash Converters (ASX: CCV) and Newsat (ASX: NWT). Cash Converters is almost a countercyclical stock yet flourishes when consumers want small short-term loans in times of growing confidence. It has more stores in the UK than it does here in Australia. It is trading on low multiples and pays a great dividend. Newsat is a satellite pure play which has massive upside potential, especially once it launches its first satellite in 2014.
Foolish takeaway
2013 is now almost behind us and its been a great year in the stock market. Now is a great time to reflect on your portfolio's yearly performance.
On a personal note, I decided to push more money into the market last year and have been rewarded with three stocks rising over 100% and five up 50%. However if I'm honestly buttering my own bread I'll have to acknowledge my losses. With a handful falling around 20-40%.
You're never going to be 100% right but overall you should be ahead, make 2014 the year you start investing in your future.
