Duke Energy: Is The 4.7% Dividend Yield Enough Reward For The Risks? [View article]
Living in NC I dont see where the regulators are 'upset' about the boardroom chicanery. They had a hearing, but nothing much seemed to come of it. I am not a fan of either Johnson or Rogers, but there are some unanswered questions about that affair and I wish the regulators had dug into it a little deeper. If they had, maybe there wouldnt be so much speculation. I do not choose to invest in Duke at this time primarily bc of the troubles at its Crystal River plant in Fla which it inherited from PGN. I have heard numbers from 1-2 billion to up to 10 billion as the cost of repairs there. Also, Johnson isnt the only former PGN exec to leave, so its obvious there is some friction between the two companies that needs to be worked out. For instance, every member of the Board who worked for Duke voted to oust Johnson while every member of the board from PGN voted to keep him, so that should tell everyone something is fishy there.
Is Intel Corporation The Ultimate Value Trap For Investors? [View article]
Intel may be a good company to invest in, but its in the wrong sector if someone is looking for reliable, long term income via dividends. Who knows what will happen in tech over the next five years? What new device will come along and turn everything on its head? Stay away divvy investors.
My Dividend Strategy Doesn't Bow To The Fiscal Cliff [View article]
Yes, I am aware middle class generally means an income much higher than mine...no need to remind me, lol:} But, if its possible to use a regular IRA to help get your adjusted gross taxable income under that threshold, or even close to it, then a traditional may be a better option than a Roth. Remember you only pay the higher rate on the income over and above the 30k threshold, not on the income below it, so even getting close to it would be a big help. I realize not all middle class earners can do this. I guess everyone is in a different situation.
My Dividend Strategy Doesn't Bow To The Fiscal Cliff [View article]
If you have taxable income over 30k, anything over 30k as it stands now gets taxed at 25%, so if dividends get taxed at normal income rates, even assuming the rates stay the same, that means for every 1k dollars in dividends you receive, you owe Uncle Sam 250 bucks. If what I just wrote is all true, and I think it is, then the goal of savvy middle class investors, is to make damn certain when all their deductions and itemizations are complete, their taxable income comes in under that 30k mark. Then, you're back to paying at the 15% rate, which is much more tolerable. For example, if you gross 50k a year, which is roughly what I make, contribute 15% to your 401k, another 5k to a regular IRA, and along with interest payments on a mortgage, and standard deduction, you are very close to that 30k mark and back at the 15% rate. Taking taxes into account as you invest and plan is going to be even more important than normal. Also, the net result for many people is going to be a greater desire to shield more of their hardearned money into 401ks and IRAs. Its what I plan to do. In reality, my tax bill will probably be less by the time all is said and done.
This isnt going well no matter which party you support...I for one would rather see the Rs give the President and the Dems whatever they want, and let them get the credit if it goes well and the blame if it goes bad, I am sick to death of both parties trying to blame the other...the reason the President wont propose spending cuts is he wants the Rs to propose them, so they can take the blame later...and the Rs dont want to raise taxes because it will hurt them back home...I like Rand Pauls idea, just vote present and let the Dems run the show, they did win the elections after all. Like others on here, I have a feeling any 'deal' reached will be worse than going over the cliff.
Should I Convert My Dividend Growth IRA To A Roth IRA? [View article]
I am a fan of the IRA currently, because it lowers my tax bill today, not at some future, non specified point. My views may change, of course, but for now, I like the IRA. I plan on opening a Roth at some point in the future. The benefits of a Roth are hard to beat, but with the Roth you also have to have faith in our government that they will keep their end of the bargain. At least with the 401k and regular IRA you get a tangible benefit right then.
Dividend Investing Helps Prevent Common Investing Mistakes [View article]
I think the mere act of deciding to invest solely in dividend payers eliminates a host of investing mistakes for the average person. You are less likely to invest in companies that are losing money. You are more likely to invest in companies that are sound, disciplined and profitable. You dont chase 'growth' oppurtunites, and you have a longer investment window. You also have downside risk protection. Good article, lots of good points. As far as too much information, you just have to learn to parse out the fluff.
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
Wall Street will not be able to profit off Main Streets misery forever...I invest in W street and live on M street, like most people that read this site...there is a disconnect in this country that wont last forever. My young friends are getting out of school and making the same hourly wage I was when I was 21 and a high school dropout...tell me how thats good for the country? Or good for Wall street?
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
Also, Im all for the less wars idea...or if we have wars lets have them closer to home, in nicer climates, like say, Venezuela, where the women are much more accomodating and pleasing to the eye:} jk
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
Ok, if you waved a magic wand and the military disappeared, how much would that save? Would it balance the budget? I sincerely doubt it. And where would all the people who work in that industry go to work? Im in the military and totally agree there is fat to cut, btw, but that goes for every department, I would think, right?
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
When Main Street gets burned, Wall Street does well. For instance, everytime the UE rate goes up, the stock market goes up, ever notice that? Whats coming isnt bad for Wall Street, its bad for Main Street, imo. I think what people fail to see here isnt the tax issues, but the spending issues, particularly entitlements. They can raise taxes, cut the military to the bone, and still not address the core issues that are bankrupting our country. The American people are not ready to address Medicare, SS and other benefits, and until they are, everything else is just so much fluff. The real problem for us, all of us, is when the country truly goes bankrupt, if that ever happens, it wont matter where you have your money invested. I am hopeful these problems get addressed, but unless I hear some entitlement reform mentioned in all these press reports, I will know everything they are saying is just so much hogwash. Otoh, I could be totally wrong, and the powers that be are able to work some magic. I would be happy to be wrong, I can promise you that.
Waiting For Fiscal Cliff Fallout Isn't 'Market Timing' [View article]
Waiting until after the election to invest is something I wish I did. That isnt market timing, its just good judgement. I believe our wonderful politicians will avoid the cliff, but only with a deal that doesnt really address the true problems. It will look good to the public and maybe the market, but thats it.
Duke Energy: Is The 4.7% Dividend Yield Enough Reward For The Risks? [View article]
Last Day Of The Year: Examining Dividends [View article]
Is Intel Corporation The Ultimate Value Trap For Investors? [View article]
My Dividend Strategy Doesn't Bow To The Fiscal Cliff [View article]
Dave Van Knapp Positions For 2013: Tuning Out Market 'Noise' With Dividend Growth Investing [View article]
My Dividend Strategy Doesn't Bow To The Fiscal Cliff [View article]
Failure Of Leadership [View article]
Should I Convert My Dividend Growth IRA To A Roth IRA? [View article]
Dividend Investing Helps Prevent Common Investing Mistakes [View article]
Death Of The Dividend Coming December 31? [View article]
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
Retirement Strategy: You Want The Truth? You Can't Handle The Truth! [View article]
Waiting For Fiscal Cliff Fallout Isn't 'Market Timing' [View article]