Thanks. Always appreciate you taking the time for me.
Yes. I know that. But dividends reduce the NAV as well. Despite the source of the money, I don't see the difference. Over time however, sometimes as soon as a month, the NAV returns to its original price.
The way I look at it, my principal is/was my starting balance way back 20 years ago and not only has it not gone down, it has tripled despite my spending dividends and CGs all that time. On top of that, with only a few exceptions, my year-over-year Dec balance has been greater than my previous Jan balance, again despite spending/setting aside my div/CGs.
I haven't sold a share in 20 years, my balance is a lot more than what I started with, and I've lived quite well just withdrawing dividends and CGs. Somewhere in there is the principal.
Maybe it's word play at the point, but to me, my principal has not been touched.
Again, however I always appreciate the help in trying to educated this thick head.