Cash in Hand

March 29, 2013

The Bonds with the Most Bang for the Buck

Discover the surprising fixed-income category that gives you the most yield relative to risk. Earn 3% on your savings with little downside.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

March 5, 2013

Dividends in Overdrive

Companies such as Ford Motor and Quest Diagnostics are experiencing strong dividend growth thanks to a few factors.

See More On: Dividends | Stocks & Bonds

February 5, 2013

Preferred REITs Pay Off

Select brand-new issues or ones that are less than a year old. That assures you four to five years of fixed dividends.

See More On: REITs | Stocks & Bonds

January 2, 2013

Dividend Seekers, Don’t Fear Rising Taxes

Higher tax rates are no cause to give up on dividend stocks or funds that focus on them.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Tax Planning

January 2013

Outlook for Income Investors, 2013

Expect most bonds and bond funds to keep their value while you collect the income they generate.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Stocks & Bonds

December 2012

9 Dividend Rebuilders to Buy Now

Investing in companies that are restoring their payouts is a sound long-term strategy.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

November 21, 2012

Our 2012 High-Yield, No-Stocks, Tofurky Portfolio

This annually updated portfolio cooks up income and some growth without using any common stocks.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds | ETFs

September 24, 2012

The Phone Giants Still Rule

Despite the moaning over high share prices, AT&T and Verizon are terrific companies for investors.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

September 5, 2012

Ode to Ginnie Mae

Funds that invest in GNMA securities add safety to your portfolio.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

August 2, 2012

Treasuries Gone Wild

Now is not the time to buy Treasury bonds. The income is scant, the opportunity is small, and the risks are great.

See More On: Mutual Funds

July 2, 2012

3 Ideas for Good Yield

You can still safely add these high-yielding investments to your portfolio.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

July 2012

Find Good Yields With Triple-B Bonds

The lowest-rated of investment-grade bonds include some solid and improving businesses that are worth adding to your portfolio.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

May 24, 2012

Stay Calm to Profit in This Bond Market

Bonds should hold steady for the months ahead, and some sweet spots in the market offer reliable income sources.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

April 27, 2012

Treasury Bonds: A Lousy Deal

You don't have to sell right away, but you'll do better with Ginnie Maes and junk bonds with short maturities.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds | Markets

April 19, 2012

How Investors Can Prosper From High Gas Prices

The best approach is to invest in large, high-quality energy firms run by experienced managers.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

April 2012

How to Score 13% With Annaly Capital Management

Unless some Annaly trader screws up, the good times will continue to roll for the real estate investment trust -- at least through 2013.

See More On: Making Your Money Last | Economic Outlooks | Stocks & Bonds

March 23, 2012

Trends in Income Investing: Emerging-Markets Bonds, Bank Dividends, and Corporate Bonds

Investors can find lots of new opportunities to earn income these days. Not all of them make sense for your portfolio.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

February 14, 2012

Pimco's Total Return ETF:
Walk, Don't Run

The forthcoming exchange-traded fund is getting lots of buzz, but will it be able to stand up to the hype?

See More On: ETFs | Investor Psychology

February 2012

Option-Income CEFs May Be a Smarter Choice

Buying options is risky. But selling a call against a stock you own is a conservative strategy.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

February 2012

The Great Yield Mirage

Be wary of yields that seem too good to be true.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Saving for Retirement

January 19, 2012

5 Real Estate Investment Trusts
To Buy Now

The prospects for these REITs are good, and their share prices haven't run up as much as the rest of the sector.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

November 28, 2011

Amazing Tax-Free Income From Closed-End Muni Bond Funds

These investments are the secret to earning yields as high as 7% for your portfolio. But CEFs are not without risk.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Stocks & Bonds | Tax Breaks

November 21, 2011

Our High-Yield, No-Stocks Tofurky Portfolio

This annually updated portfolio cooks up income and some growth without using any common stocks.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

November 15, 2011

Your Guide to Bond Investing in 2012

Heading into the end of 2011 and the dawn of 2012, which bond categories will do best and which ones can you ignore?

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

November 9, 2011

How to Be a Better Bond Buyer

Keep a balanced portfolio by improving your income-investing intellect.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

October 26, 2011

The Utility Solution

Electric utility stocks are in the sweet spot for yield and safety.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

October 20, 2011

Juice Up Your Dividends with Utilities

Blue-chip stocks of electric utilities can help shore up your portfolio and boost your yield, even through a recession.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | ETFs

September 13, 2011

Yield to the Rescue

Fat cash payouts cushion the damage from stock-market mayhem.

See More On: Tax Breaks

September 2011

Opportunities With Municipal Bonds

The impending death of the tax-free bond market has been greatly exaggerated.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Economic Outlooks | Mutual Funds

August 8, 2011

What the U.S. Debt Downgrade Means to Bond Investors

Our advice for managing your income investments: hold Treasuries, buy investment-grade corporate and municipal bonds.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Economic Outlooks | Markets

July 27, 2011

Your Investing Guide to the Debt Ceiling Crisis

Here's what you should know to protect your portfolio, no matter how the politicians handle the U.S. debt debate.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 5, 2011

Bill Gross Starts an ETF

Pimco's star manager lends instant credibility to actively managed exchange-traded funds.

See More On: ETFs | Stocks & Bonds

June 21, 2011

Time to Sell Treasuries

Uncle Sam’s IOUs may have enjoyed a recent rally, but other dividend-paying investments are offering far more attractive yields.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Economic Outlooks

June 13, 2011

The (Best) Book on Dividends

Fund manager Dan Peris explains how you can reap the rewards of dividend-paying stocks in his new book, The Strategic Dividend Investor.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

June 2011

Buy REITs for Growth

The recent rally of real estate investments trusts is a vote of confidence in the strength and staying power of the recovery.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Stocks & Bonds

April 26, 2011

Buy Canadian Oil Stocks?

Formerly known as energy trusts, these companies are attractive investments for those seeking both current income and growth potential.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

April 1, 2011

How to Safely Invest in Bond Funds Now

Despite their recent dip, interest rates are still likely to rise and put many bond funds at risk.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Stocks & Bonds

April 2011

Bond Funds in Trouble

This is a good time to sell long-term-bond funds and look for alternative sources of income.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Stocks & Bonds

March 2011

Bullish on Dividends

Even though the Dogs of the Dow include three health stocks, they should have another fine year.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

February 24, 2011

9 Great Investment Moves You Should Make in Uncertain Times

Even if the markets stumble, you can keep your portfolio steady with these smart investing strategies.

See More On: Markets | Stocks & Bonds | Economic Outlooks

February 16, 2011

11 Bond Funds That Won't Get Soaked by Rising Interest Rates

The best bond funds weather inflation by allowing their managers the flexibility to invest in all types of bonds and maturities.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Stocks & Bonds

January 13, 2011

Answers to Your Income-Investing Questions

Jeff Kosnett dips into his virtual mailbag to answer your questions and help you earn a decent return in this low interest-rate world.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Buying & Selling a Home | Mutual Funds

January 2011

Why You Should Sell Health-Care REITs Now

This investment category's winning streak looks to be nearing its end.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home

December 9, 2010

3 Strategies for Collecting High Dividends

Take advantage of the 15% tax rate on dividends, and take comfort in the promised payout during these uncertain economic times.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | ETFs

November 22, 2010

Our No-Stock Investment Portfolio

For investors with no taste for common stocks, we’ve updated our investing recipe for Tofurky.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

November 20, 2010

Don't Junk Your Junk Bonds

You still have some time to join the high-yield bond party.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

October 19, 2010

Master Limited Partnerships: Victims of Success

Great returns and high yields have brought MLPs a lot of attention. But the spotlight may have a negative impact on the group's performance.

See More On: Mutual Funds | ETFs

October 2010

Get Over Treasuries

Uncle Sam's IOUs are still safe, but you can find better yields from other investments.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

September 29, 2010

Get More Income with My Double-Barreled Investing Strategy

One good company can be twice as nice an investment and get you 36 paydays a year when you buy both its stock and its bonds.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

August 16, 2010

Bond Wizards of Oz

Australia, sometimes nicknamed Oz, offers that rare combination of high interest rates and sound credit. Nirvana for savers?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

July 29, 2010

How to Research and Buy Bonds

Bond maven Marilyn Cohen shares her advice on making money in the new fixed income landscape.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

July 15, 2010

The Best Investment You've Never Heard Of

Pipeline master limited partnerships have marvelous ten-year returns and often yield 6% or higher. What are you waiting for?

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds | ETFs

June 23, 2010

Treasuries: The Brand to Trust

Turn to Uncle Sam for security through the rest of the year.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

June 1, 2010

Utilities Trump REITs

Real estate investment trusts may be in bubble territory and utilities are in the bargain basement.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

May 21, 2010

The Right Income Investments for Your Portfolio Now

For good yields, consider municipal bonds, energy pass-throughs and U.S. agency bonds.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

May 2010

Buy U.S. Agency Bonds

You can earn more with non-Treasury government-backed bonds with virtually no additional risk.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Saving for Retirement

April 14, 2010

Four Principles of Managing Money for Those With Lots of It

In the aftermath of the recent market meltdown, high-net-worth individuals can protect their assets by following these four sound investing tenets.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Stocks & Bonds

April 2010

Reinvestment Riddle

How you deal with appreciated bonds should depend on what kind of investor you are.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

March 5, 2010

Growing Risk in REITs

REIT shares are flying high, but eventually they’ll run out of fuel. Will it be a crash landing?

See More On: Markets

February 1, 2010

Munis' Worthy Rivals

Build America Bonds sound like winners -- except for taxpayers, who get stuck footing the bill.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

January 29, 2010

ETFs for Income Investors

These exchange-traded funds offer low-cost ways to tap bonds and dividend-paying investments.

See More On: ETFs

January 20, 2010

What Ails Treasuries

It’s getting harder for investors to ignore the government’s massive borrowing needs.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Mutual Funds

January 2010

The Best Bets for Income in 2011

Bond investors will find the coming year challenging.

See More On: Mutual Funds | Stocks & Bonds

December 17, 2009

5 Alternatives to CDs

There are better things to do with your money than invest in another certificate of deposit if the one you have is maturing.

See More On: 401(k)s

December 1, 2009

Coping With Bond Calls

If you think the long-term trend in interest rates is up, you should buy callable bonds.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

December 2009

Bond With Your Bonds

Even after the magnificent run-up in bond values, investors will stay loyal to bonds and bond funds.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

November 23, 2009

How Our No-Stock Portfolio Fared

Shortly after Thanksgiving last year, we created a Tofurky portfolio that managed to produce some tasty returns.

See More On: Markets | Stocks & Bonds | ETFs

November 3, 2009

Why You Should Hang on to Your Bonds

Now is not the time to cash in on the rally in investment-grade corporate debt.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

September 25, 2009

Stand by Your Buck

Don't listen to the dollar critics: Our currency is durable and better than the alternatives.

See More On: Financial Planning

September 2, 2009

Beyond Bond Ratings

Despite missed calls and ethical questions, ratings firms will remain influential. That's not all bad.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

August 11, 2009

Want to Buy Foreign Bonds Directly? Good Luck

The yields on debt issued by governments overseas trump what you can get from U.S. debt. But you need to be a millionaire to tap that market.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

July 20, 2009

Municipal Bonds Under the Gun

With states strapped for cash, the tax-exempt bond market is feeling stress -- which means investors can find some good deals.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

June 30, 2009

Treasuries Are Still Worth Buying

With the economy still weak, the ten-year bond is appealing despite its low yield.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

June 25, 2009

Preferreds: A Big Gamble

Don't jump into these investments because of their recent hot performance without fully understanding the risks.

See More On: Markets

May 22, 2009

Don't Overlook Ginnie Maes

These U.S. guaranteed securities have held up well despite the financial meltdown and have better yields than Treasuries.

See More On: Mutual Funds

May 4, 2009

Investments That Pay You Every Month Redux

These three portfolios should produce reliable yields of 5% to almost 10%.

See More On: Dividends

April 13, 2009

Welcome Additions: More Bond ETFs

Finally, these exchange-traded funds are catching on, giving investors a chance to invest in everything from munis to junk bonds at much lower costs than traditional bond funds.

See More On: Mutual Funds | ETFs

February 24, 2009

An Income Smorgasbord

From a handful of REITS to California bonds to companies raising dividends, you can find investments with sure-thing cash returns.

See More On: Markets

December 15, 2008

The No-Stock Portfolio

Try these investments to earn a decent return with less risk.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

December 9, 2008

Dividends Get Slashed

Weak cash flow is prompting some investment companies with high yields to cut payouts to shareholders.

See More On: Dividends

October 21, 2008

It's Time to Buy Bonds

You'll find plenty of good deals on issues from municipalities and big, solid companies.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

September 30, 2008

An Unbelievable Yield

You can get 5% or better in a tax-free money-market fund. Is this for real? For now, it is.

See More On: Mutual Funds

September 17, 2008

Bonds to the Rescue

Reduce your risk by adding some of these fixed-income securities to your portfolio. Here's how to pick the right ones.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

July 22, 2008

Investments That Pay You Every Month

Expect a steady flow of cash from these three portfolios.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

June 17, 2008

What to Do With Cash in Hand

Use these strategies to make sure your money is safe, earns a decent rate and is accessible.

See More On: Banking

May 20, 2008

With Bond Funds, Keep It Simple

Bonds are crucial for diversifying your portfolio, but it can be dangerous to invest in a fund full of stuff only a rocket scientist can understand.

See More On: Mutual Funds

April 29, 2008

BBB Means Buy, Buy, Buy

Corporate bonds rated just above junk level offer 7% yields with little risk of default or insolvency.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

April 8, 2008

Pipeline to High Income

Shares of pipelines and energy-storage facilities have fallen hard, but there's nothing wrong with the businesses. And the yields are more than 7%.

See More On: Mutual Funds

March 19, 2008

Are Money-Market Funds as Good as Cash?

Their holdings may include debt issued by the likes of Bear Stearns, Freddie Mac, and some other less-than-ironclad lenders.

See More On: Mutual Funds

March 3, 2008

Don't Miss the Muni-Bond Sale

Now is a good time to invest in highly rated tax-free bonds.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

February 20, 2008

The Latest Embarrassment: Leveraged Closed-Ends

These funds are now riskier and less appetizing for income investors.

See More On: Mutual Funds

January 30, 2008

Relief for Beaten-Down Investments

The Federal Reserve's surprise rate cut breathed life back into REITS and business development companies. Regional banks should benefit, too.

See More On: Markets

January 15, 2008

Bonds: Not a Haven Now

Despite conventional wisdom, a recession in 2008 seems short of great opportunities in interest-paying investments.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

December 18, 2007

Dubious Closed-End Fund Distributions

Managers of many of these stock-like investments promise a high fixed payout but are finding it hard to uphold that guarantee.

See More On: Mutual Funds

December 4, 2007

Why Municipal Bonds Are Stumbling

These usually safe, tax-exempt investments have become unlikely victims of the subprime mortgage fallout.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

November 20, 2007

Ultra-Short: Still Ultra-Safe?

The poor performance of two ultra-short bond funds from esteemed firms calls into question whether these investments are safe alternatives to money-market funds.

See More On: Mutual Funds

November 15, 2007

Keeping Your Balance Becomes Cash in Hand

This column gets a new name but will still offer the same great advice on investing for income.

See More On: Dividends

March 30, 2007

Real Estate in Its Purest Form

Residential real estate prices may be falling, but the cost of land is going up and can be a solid investment.

See More On: Markets

December 26, 2006

Investing in Foreign Real Estate Goes Mainstream

New international real estate funds with low minimums let you to take advantage of property growth overseas, and they provide portfolio diversification.

See More On: Foreign Stocks & Emerging Markets

November 3, 2006

A sudden tax proposal by Canada's finance minister just knocked 10% to 15% off the value of shares of most Canadian income trusts and threatens to leave them with less money to pay dividends. If you invest in these high-yield securities, should you k

See More On: Markets

September 19, 2006

Surprising Performance From High-Yield Bonds

Few expected it, but junk bond funds haven't done badly this year. Here's what's changed.

See More On: Mutual Funds

August 9, 2006

The Fed and Your Wallet

Are Bernanke & Co. waiting for the smoke to clear? Or is the August pause the end of 17 months of rate tightening? The answer has important consequences for investors.

See More On: Markets

July 3, 2006

The Thrill of Cash

Cash investments aren't just safe. They're looking respectable as an investment, not just a refuge.

See More On: Banking

June 5, 2006

Mortgage REIT Madness

Yields on real estate investment trusts that hold mortgages are soaring, but the gains may be an illusion.

See More On: Mutual Funds

May 8, 2006

A Preferred Yield Idea

Preferred stocks offer a safe, easy source of stable income.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds

April 14, 2006

From the Spring Yield Show

Some energy trusts have had spikes in dividends during the warmer months.

See More On: Mutual Funds

March 6, 2006

The Good News in Bonds

The good old American standby, the municipal bond, is paying big yields thanks to budget surpluses in many states and localities.

See More On: Mutual Funds

February 6, 2006

In Praise of Balance

Don't let critics of balanced funds discourage you from investing in them. A quality one can be the cornerstone of a long-term portofolio.

See More On: Mutual Funds

January 9, 2006

High Yields on the High Seas

Shipping companies are awash in cash, and they're passing it on to stockholders in the form of excellent dividends that look to be sustainable for the next three years.

See More On: Markets