June 2024 Stock Portfolio Update ($9,173)

19 July, 2024 | Stock Portfolio | 62 seen

At the end of June 2024, the total value of our stock portfolio was USD 9,173 (EUR 8,431). What is a small, but increase of EUR 226, if compared to the previous month

Most of the June we spent in Georgia, enjoying Summer, taking part in trail runs, while at the end of June we traveled to Latvia to work with our frame house, did some good job, installing outdoor patio, wiring, and even installing drywall.

The increase in the stock portfolio comes from the market appreciation itself and additionally from options trades, while small part of the growth can be attributed to  the dividends. 

One of my short-term goals is to grow our portfolio to USD 10,000. With USD 827 to go, I believe this target is achievable in the next few months through a combination of selling options and stock appreciation.

The main longer-term goal for our portfolio is to grow it to 100 fully covered Morgan Stanley (MS) shares, supported by an additional 100 British Petroleum (BP) shares. This strategy will enable us to sell covered calls on these shares while also benefiting from dividend payments. 

Year to Date (YTD) our stock portfolio was up +…

The Great Latvia Summer 2024: From Riga to Nīca

18 July, 2024 | Travel guides | 64 seen

As the warmth of summer envelops the Baltic region, there’s no better way to experience its charm than by embarking on a journey through the scenic landscapes of Latvia. This year, we invite you to join us on an unforgettable adventure in our latest film, "The Great Latvia Summer 2024." From the bustling streets of Riga to the tranquil shores of Nīca, and the historic town of Valka, this summer promises to be filled with exploration, local flavors, and hands-on projects.

We kicked off our adventure by skipping a week from the British International School in Tbilisi to travel to Latvia on June 21. We stayed until July 14, making memories that will last a lifetime. During our stay, we celebrated our kiddo’s 6th birthday at our charming frame house, adding a special touch to our summer journey.

Our journey begins in Riga, the capital city known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're wandering through the historic Old Town, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Central Market, or taking a leisurely stroll along the Daugava River, Riga offers a perfect blend of the old and new. Don’t miss…

Exploring the Real Estate Market in Tbilisi in 2024: Bitcoin as a Buying Power

17 July, 2024 | Real Estate | 32 seen

As the CEO and Founder of TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, I've often contemplated the potential of cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, in various investment avenues. Recently, I received a proposal involving the use of leverage to purchase an apartment in Tbilisi using our hedge fund as collateral. This intriguing idea prompted me to explore the current real estate market in Tbilisi, particularly in terms of how many Bitcoins one would need to buy an apartment in 2024.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, has seen a robust real estate market over the past decade. The city offers a range of options, from high-end apartments in central districts like Vake and Saburtalo to more affordable options in outer neighborhoods like Digomi.

Vake-Saburtalo is known for its upscale living conditions, modern infrastructure, and convenient amenities. As of summer 2024, turnkey apartments in these districts are priced between $130,000 to $200,000. The average price per square meter in these areas is approximately $2,000. These figures highlight the premium nature of real estate in central Tbilisi, catering to those seeking a…

Spot Gold (Tokenized) vs. Buying Gold Jewelry in Tbilisi

27 June, 2024 | Living in Georgia | 51 seen

Today, I spent a delightful afternoon with my 5-year-old daughter at a shopping mall in Tbilisi. Our mission was to find the perfect gold necklace, bracelet, or earrings as birthday gift to my partner. After browsing through various options, we ended up purchasing a beautiful gold ring. As a seasoned investor in tokenized gold (PAXG), I found it interesting to compare the prices of real gold versus gold in jewelry.

When it comes to gold jewelry, it's essential to understand the differences in gold purity and how it affects pricing. For example, 14K gold contains 58.5% pure gold, while 18K gold has 75% pure gold. Another term I encountered today was "Russian gold," which is related to 585 gold or pink gold, known for its unique hue.

The gold ring I bought today cost GEL 802 (USD 284) and contained 1.91 grams of gold. With the current gold price at $74.12 per gram, the gold content in the ring is valued at $141.56. This means I paid about twice the intrinsic value of the gold itself. Surprisingly, this isn't as high as some might expect when buying jewelry, which can sometimes carry markups as high as 10 times the gold's market value.

Gold Jewelry: An…

Jal Mahal / Water Palace near Jaipur

20 June, 2024 | Tourism objects | 126 seen

Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace was originally constructed around 1699; the building and the lake around it were later renovated and enlarged in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber.

I had a brief chance to visit and see this place from a distance during our about 3 week trip to India at the end of 2023. We arrived here in the afternoon from the Amber fort. 

The Jal Mahal Palace is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style of architecture (common in Rajasthan) on a grand scale. 

The building has a picturesque view of Man Sagar Lake, but owing to its seclusion from land is equally the focus of a viewpoint from the Man Sagar Dam on the eastern side of the lake in front of the backdrop of the surrounding Nahargarh ("tiger-abode") hills. The palace, built with local sandstone, is a three-storied building, with the third floor only existing on the eastern side of the palace. The eastern side is not visible from the road side public promenade, which is the Western side of the palace. 

The additional…

My Experience with Fundraising on LinkedIn: Part 1

13 June, 2024 | Doing Business | 33 seen

As the CEO and Founder of Terramatris, a crypto hedge fund, I've always been keen on leveraging social media to share updates and engage with potential investors. Over the past few months, I've been actively posting updates about Terramatris on LinkedIn. 

To my pleasant surprise, my followership has started to grow, reaching a little more than 200 followers. With this growing audience, I decided it was time to reach out to my connections and explore potential fundraising opportunities for our fund.

I crafted a simple yet compelling letter with the help of ChatGPT. In this letter, I highlighted our impressive performance, boasting a 540% Year-To-Date (YTD) growth. The message was clear and straightforward: Is there a way we could grow together?

Over the last two weeks, I embarked on a series of Google Meet calls with some of my LinkedIn acquaintances. My goal was twofold: to learn more about their businesses and to raise funds for our quantum fund. The experience was nothing short of fascinating. I interacted with a diverse group of individuals, including French inventors, Spanish anarchists, Russian capitalists, and even Indian quant traders.…

Exploring Real Estate Prices in Riga Compared to Gold: A 2007 vs. 2023 Analysis

11 June, 2024 | Real Estate | 31 seen

A few days ago, I stumbled upon an article or perhaps a meme on Facebook that suggested the same amount of gold from 100 years ago could buy you real estate today. Intrigued by this claim, I decided to explore further and compare real estate prices in my native Riga to spot gold prices. My findings, particularly when comparing 2007 with 2023, are quite interesting.

Let's start with some basic data:

In October 2023, the average price of standard apartments in Riga was 852 euros per square meter. This price is 47% lower than on July 1, 2007, when the average price of an unrenovated standard apartment reached an all-time high of 1620 euros per square meter.

To delve deeper, I conducted some simple calculations to compare the cost of purchasing a 50m² apartment in Riga back in 2007 with the price of spot gold at that time. On July 1, 2007, the spot gold price was 501 euros per ounce.

To buy a 50m² apartment in 2007, we would need approximately 81,000 euros (50m² * 1620 euros/m²). With 81,000 euros, one could purchase around 161.68 ounces of spot gold (81,000 euros / 501 euros per ounce).

Following the analogy mentioned earlier, if the theory holds true…

May 2024 Stock Portfolio Update ($8,907)

6 June, 2024 | Stock Portfolio | 44 seen

At the end of May 2024, the total value of our stock portfolio was USD 8,907 (EUR 8,205). While this represents a slight decrease from the previous month, it is an essential part of our journey towards long-term growth and financial stability. 

Last month, our portfolios decreased by -155.48 EUR (-1.86%). This drop was primarily due to my mismanagement of trading options on micro gold futures.

The decrease in our portfolio was a direct result of trading options on micro gold futures. Options on these futures are not very liquid, and when one of our options strikes was in the money, I was unable to adjust by rolling forward. 

This led to an avoidable loss of around USD 300. The key takeaway from this experience is to avoid trading options in illiquid markets. If you are interested in a more detailed account, you can read my longer article here: [Why I Stopped Selling Put Options on Micro Gold Futures (MGC)].

One of my short-term goals is to grow our portfolio to USD 10,000. With USD 1,100 to go, I believe this target…

Batumi / Gomarduli / Adjara

30 May, 2024 | Living in Georgia | 55 seen

We are thrilled to announce the release of our latest Batumi movie! This time, we decided to take a different route and skip the sea, opting instead for an adventurous journey through the Adjarian mountains. Our expedition led us to the charming village of Gomarduli, where we encountered wild animals and were captivated by the beauty of blooming rhododendrons.

Gomarduli, a picturesque village nestled in the Adjarian mountains. This hidden gem offers a serene escape from the bustling city life and provides a perfect setting for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its lush landscapes and tranquil ambiance, Gomarduli immediately won our hearts.

As we ventured deeper into the mountains, we had the incredible opportunity to encounter some of the region's wild inhabitants. From deer gracefully roaming the forests to eagles soaring high above, the Adjarian mountains are teeming with wildlife. Capturing these moments on camera was a thrilling experience, adding an element of excitement to our journey.

One of the highlights of our trip was witnessing the stunning rhododendrons in full bloom. These vibrant flowers, with their myriad of colors, added a…

Why I Stopped Selling Put Options on Micro Gold Futures (MGC)

15 May, 2024 | Options trading | 23 seen

As a seasoned trader and CEO of Terramatris crypto hedge fund, I have explored various trading strategies over the years. One strategy I have experimented with is selling put options on Micro gold futures. Recently, I decided to stop using this approach. 

In this article, I'll explain the main reason behind my decision, providing insights that might be valuable for fellow traders.

Subscribe to the Covered Calls with Reinis Fischer newsletter

Before delving into why I stopped selling put options on Micro gold futures, it’s essential to understand what they are. A put option gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specified amount of an underlying asset (in this case, Micro gold futures) at a predetermined price within a set period.

Selling put options involves taking on the obligation to buy the underlying asset if the option is exercised. This strategy can be profitable if the price of the underlying asset remains above the strike price, allowing the seller to keep the premium received for writing…

Spring Break Project: Building Progress on Our Frame House in Latvia

7 May, 2024 | Frame House | 90 seen

As the chill of winter slowly gives way to the warmth of spring, it's the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and dive back into the construction of our dream frame house in Latvia. 

During this Spring break from British International school in Tbilisi, which fell between the end of March and the beginning of April 2024, our team made significant strides in bringing our vision to life.

First and foremost, we focused our efforts on enhancing the structural integrity and comfort of our home by installing floors for both the first and second stories. This milestone marked a crucial step forward, transforming our skeletal frame into a tangible space where memories will soon be made.

In addition to laying down floors, we dedicated time and energy to beautifying the exterior of our abode. 

One of the most visually striking achievements of this Spring break was the completion of the front side of the house. By meticulously attaching planks, we not only added a layer of protection against the elements but also imbued our home with character and charm.

Recognizing the importance of natural light and ventilation, we enlisted the expertise of a…

Discover the Charms of Kuldīga: Venta Rapid, Flying Fish, and Old Brick Bridge

30 April, 2024 | | 66 seen

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Kuldīga, Latvia, lies a hidden gem that combines natural beauty with historical charm: the Venta Rapid and Old Brick Bridge. Set amidst the tranquil surroundings of the Venta River, this enchanting destination offers visitors a glimpse into Latvia's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

At the heart of the experience is the Venta Rapid, one of Europe's widest waterfalls and a spectacle to behold. Here, the Venta River cascades over a series of limestone rocks, creating a mesmerizing display of rushing water and mist. During the summer months, the air is filled with the sound of cascading water, providing a serene backdrop for leisurely walks along the riverbank.

Spanning the Venta River is the iconic Old Brick Bridge, a historic landmark that dates back to the 19th century. Constructed from red brick and adorned with elegant arches, the bridge exudes a timeless charm that transports visitors back in time. Originally built for horse-drawn carts, the bridge now serves as a pedestrian walkway, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside.

One of the most unique features of the Venta…

Tbilisi Market. Jiu Jitsu. Hiking in Birtvisi

25 April, 2024 | Living in Georgia | 67 seen

As the vibrant hues of spring paint the landscapes of Tbilisi, each weekend becomes an opportunity to immerse oneself in the city's blossoming beauty. With the warmth of the sun kissing the cobblestone streets and the scent of blooming flowers filling the air, my recent weekend escapade unfolded into a symphony of unforgettable moments.

Kicking off the weekend on an energetic note, intense Jiu Jitsu sessions provided both physical challenge and mental clarity. The dojo echoed with the sounds of focused determination as practitioners honed their skills, each movement a testament to discipline and resilience. Engaging in this martial art not only invigorated the body but also instilled a sense of inner strength and fortitude.

Venturing into the heart of Tbilisi's culinary scene, the Dezerteer market beckoned with its lively atmosphere and an array of fresh fruits and veggies. Amidst the bustling stalls adorned with colorful produce, I delighted in sampling the season's bounty—crisp cucumbers, succulent strawberries, and juicy peaches, each bite bursting with flavor and vitality. This vibrant marketplace not only tantalized the taste buds but also offered a glimpse…

Jūrkalne Seashore Bluffs: Nature's Masterpiece on Latvia's Western Coast

23 April, 2024 | | 33 seen

Perched dramatically on the western coast of Latvia, the Jūrkalne Seashore Bluffs stand as a breathtaking natural wonder, captivating visitors with their rugged beauty and commanding views of the Baltic Sea. Carved over millennia by the relentless forces of wind and water, these majestic cliffs offer a glimpse into the geological history of the region while providing a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

I keep returning to the Jūrkalne seashore bluffs whenever I have the chance and while I'm in the area. The last time we visited Jūrkalne was after the Easter worship service at Puze Church, back at the end of March 2024

Rising up to 20 meters above the azure waters below, the Jūrkalne Seashore Bluffs offer a striking contrast between the lush greenery of the surrounding forests and the deep blue expanse of the sea. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes along the cliff tops, following well-marked trails that meander through dense woodlands and open meadows, offering panoramic vistas at every turn.

One of the highlights of a visit to the Jūrkalne Seashore Bluffs is the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Baltic Sea. As…

Spring Break in Latvia 2024

18 April, 2024 | Travel guides | 54 seen

Welcome to our latest adventure: "Spring Break in Latvia"! We're thrilled to share with you the beauty and excitement of our recent journey through this enchanting Baltic country. From the vibrant festivities of Vilgāle to the tranquil landscapes of Puze, our trip was filled with unforgettable moments that we can't wait to recount.

Our journey kicks off in Vilgāle, where we were greeted by the electrifying sight of fireworks illuminating the night sky during the Easter holidays. The air was filled with excitement and joy as locals and visitors alike came together to celebrate this cherished tradition. From colorful parades to traditional feasts, Vilgāle truly knows how to embrace the spirit of Easter.

After the hustle and bustle of Vilgāle, we sought serenity in the quaint village of Puze. Here, we immersed ourselves in the serene atmosphere of a church visit, marveling at the beautiful architecture and soaking in the tranquility of this peaceful setting. Puze provided the perfect escape from the chaos of modern life, allowing us to reconnect with our surroundings and find inner peace.

No trip to Latvia would be complete without exploring its breathtaking…