This is my first blog post of 2026, so let me start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. I hope 2026 will be kind to all of us, with good health, steady income, and returns that are at least as decent as what we experienced in 2025. No need for anything spectacular, just consistent and sensible gains will do. 😊 Before rushing into new plans and ideas for the year ahead, I find it important to pause and properly review the past year. Investing is a long journey, and these yearly check-ins help me stay grounded, remind myself what worked, what didn’t, and what I should not take for granted. How 2025 Started – Strong Momentum, Then a Reality Check 2025 actually began on a very positive note. The first quarter was strong, and the portfolio continued the good momentum from late 2024 with double-digit returns in the first Qtr. Prices were moving up, dividends were coming in nicely, and on paper, everything looked great....