whisperonthewind

The 10 Best U.S. Dividend Stocks

I'm with Iowa Corn, a steady monthly income holds a big draw - both in replenishing a hungry portfolio as well as helping some of us survive on unemployment. Currently, almost everything I own has a dividend of 6% or more, and those dividends are reinvesting in 50% of my holdings and building a money market account for the other 50%. That way, when I find a stock that is doing exceptionally well, I can pull some cash from that well instead of from my economy-stressed income. And should things get worse, I have a readily available cash pot to look to, rather than a credit card.

Why Choose Low Yield over High Yield Stocks?

Three years ago, I was comfortable in my retirement outlook. Two years ago, I assumed it would be a small bubble and I could ride it out as I have before. One year ago, I was looking at my "blue chip" investments and knew they were not going to make it this time, I had lost 65% of my retirement package and I would have to work until I was 80 or older to make that money back. Thanks to banks going under, and the ETFs that took a hit because they had invested in those also, I decided I was taking control of my own investment package. Since then, I've made most of my money back, listening to a different drummer. That drummer is the one that told me I really don't want to work until I'm 80, and that I'm not above a bit of risk.

I may be broke before I'm 80, but currently it doesn't appear to be the case. Onward, drummer.

4 Dividend Stocks to Hedge Against Social Security Failure

I agree that we need to supplement Social Security, whether it's with a personal IRA/401k or dividends. I began with a Roth, preferring not to have to pay additional taxes at distribution time, except on the interest, but my general portfolio (outside the Roth) was doing so much better that I've since concentrated on that. I aim for stocks with dividends (although not exclusively) and I aim for 5% or better. My goal is to have the dividends available in the future to use as that supplement, and to save the base stocks for my family to inherit and hopefully use for the same purpose. I think of it as my own personal social security.

Although I initially bought stocks emotionally, I no longer listen to the advice by public analysts - now it's for the yield, and 2 to 3% is not nearly enough for me. I had a lot of oil stocks last year, and watched the price of gasoline go up without caring. My fuel efficient car helped there, and my dividends more than covered the higher costs, even while increasing my stock base. I now have a few more financials, and although their dividends are not up to my standards, their base value has tripled and the dividends will come back. The oil stocks are still covering my fuel costs (and then some), and are also still increasing my base.

On the sidelines, but still evident, are the tanker stocks (waiting for the next push) and housing stocks (also starting to come back), and the utility stocks (holding their own).

With luck, I will get enough in the dividends to supplement my income and cover the additional taxes from the income. And if I'm really lucky, I won't care if Social Security is there or not.

These 47 S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Are Good Investment Opportunities

Krawler2, that's a terrific link! I love it. Thank you.

THofler, that website looks great in Internet Explorer (and I like the website), but if you're a Firefox user, give up. It just doesn't look the same. I've contacted the website owner previously, and they are aware that there is a problem. So far, nothing has been fixed. So if any of you want to view the website, use IE.

Eight Companies That Are Hiking Dividends

One other point: Every company everywhere marks up their product to a percentage beyond costs in order to cover all expenses and pay all employees, plus make a profit to make improvements, buy new equipment, and show a balance on the books after Mr. Tax Man cometh. This is also not bad. To pay exorbitant amounts for less than stellar performance would be bad, but if the performance is there, they deserve what they can get. (Of course, wouldn't it be interesting if we paid sports figures based on THEIR performance? We might see the costs of attending sports functions go down rapidly in some cities. Detroit comes to mind...)

Eight Companies That Are Hiking Dividends

paultaut, in this economy, we are ALL writing off everything we can, even the kitchen sinks. It is good business practice to get as much for your money (and ours) as you can. As long as they are making a profit, and giving out dividends so that WE can make a profit, this is good. All profit is not bad. Whining because someone has more than you have IS bad.

Why Dividend Investors View Stocks Differently

I have 10 years before I retire, and in the current economy I lost a bunch (to me), so my low end dividend yield is now up around 8% - I don't even look at the lower ones this year. Maybe next year I'll be looking for a touch more stability, but this year it's oil. When the banks come back, I'll add to what I have (maybe) and when REITs come back I'll look into that, but for now I'm staying with the higher yield.