Dividend Investing Milestones – The Sweet Taste of Thresholds

Dividend investing comes in all sizes, time periods and investments.  The main goal truly remains the same – to build a passive income generating portfolio, that grows every year.

We wrote about Milestones are Part of Being a Dividend Investor over 6.5 years ago.

Today’s article is about the thresholds that can be achieved, celebrated, backs to pat and the headnod to happen.  In fact, we (Lanny and his wife) are about to hit a threshold that’s probably worth celebrating.  Let’s dive in. Continue reading

Vanguard’s High Dividend Yield (VYM) ETFs Q2 Dividend – GROWTH!

If you do not know by now, my wife and I have been buying Vanguard’s High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) for almost 3 years straight, on a weekly basis.

We did this ETF for a few reasons – to acquire shares in a yield that is usually north of 3%, with a dividend growth rate in the 6%-8%.

It’s Q2 and Vanguard announced the dividend distribution for the quarter – so how does it look? Continue reading

No Penalty CD – Treating it Like a High Yield Savings!

Interest rates are high, should remain high and even have a chance of going up, as the Federal Reserve tries to tame inflation still.  Jerome Powell has done a number on the economy already ,raising rates 500 basis points in the last 14-15 months.

Rising interest rates has caused high yield savings accounts to sky-rocket, as you can earn anywhere from 3.85% up to 4.85%, fairly easily.

In addition, it isn’t just high yield savings accounts that are going up, so have certificate of deposits or CDs.  Yes, the most boring product, ever.  Well, almost as boring as U.S. treasuries.  What no one is talking about is the NO PENALTY CD.  I am here to tell you why I think it offers the BEST of BOTH worlds and why I use the No Penalty CD option right now. Continue reading

Banking Crisis – Factors to Look for in a Bank Stock

Time to crank out an article, reflecting on the Banking Crisis that has now plagued the US and Global economy for the last 2-3 months.

We have had now, officially, 4 U.S. Bank failures with First Republic, Silicon Valley, Silvergate and Signature Bank.  The most recent bank failure being First Republic.

Time to go over a few reasons why they failed AND what to look for when purchasing a bank stock! Continue reading

Thoughts on When to Sell a Dividend Stock…!

I know, this is taboo.  We don’t buy to sell!  We don’t buy stocks to look for a selling point as dividend investors do we?  Our holding period is for LIFE!

9 times out of 10, or even more, that is definitely the case.

However, as you become more experienced and learn from investing mistakes, I believe that there are IN FACT times when you should sell a dividend stock.

Now, that specific thought or strategy is where “personal finance” comes in to play, as it really comes down to YOU, the investor.  It comes down to when YOU see that a stock you own, no longer fits your dividend investing strategy.  Here are my thoughts. Continue reading

Leggett & Platt: A Beaten Down Dividend King

This Dividend King has had a rough 52 weeks. Over the last 52 weeks, Leggett & Platt (LEG) is down 15% of the last 52 weeks and down 23% over the last 5 years.  They may be down, but are they out?! The company is a King for a reason after all. In this article, we will review Leggett & Platt to determine if this Dividend King is a stock to buy! After all, I already own 176 shares. I need to see if it is time to add to my position!

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