Author: Tim Plaehn

Why I’m Avoiding These High-Yield ETFs

Why I’m Avoiding These High-Yield ETFs

High-yield ETFs using covered call strategies have become hot investments. Assets in this type of fund have grown tenfold over the last few years, with new option strategy funds launched every week. In February, we launched the ETF Income Edge service to provide understandable research and recommendations in the new world of covered call ETFs. […]

Women hand holding scissors cutting US Dollar banknotes, cut budget, reduce cost or sale at half price and discount.

When to Pay Higher Expense Ratios For Higher Yields

I communicate with many investors, and there is a widespread misconception amongst them about fund (mutual fund, ETF, CEF) expenses. Financial advisors and fund companies perpetuate this myth for their own benefit. Fund expenses are quoted as a percentage of assets. Expense ratios are published on fund web pages and many financial websites. Fund expenses […]

Buybacks or Dividend Increases: Which is Better?

Buybacks or Dividend Increases: Which is Better?

The challenges businesses faced during the pandemic’s early days forced many companies to change their dividend policies. Now, more than four years on from those scary days, it is apparent that many companies will not go back to their pre-COVID dividend practices. Share buybacks have become a more popular way to “return cash to shareholders.” […]

rising steps made of rolls of all american dollar banknotes in one row on red wall background

Here’s Where to Get a Consistent 10% Yield

This month we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of my Dividend Hunter high-yield investment service. Over the years, I found that the recommended investments (portfolio) list carried an average yield of around 8%. I recently took another look at the current average yield and was quite surprised that it was above 10%. Let’s see what’s changed. […]

Will the Marcellus Save Elon Tesla?

Will the Marcellus Save Elon Tesla?

This article covers one of my favorite news items from the last month. A new significant source of lithium has been discovered. The source is in the U.S., and the lithium is easily recoverable. The rub is that the new lithium source is closely tied to hydrocarbon energy production. Here is a quote and graphic […]

Ten Years in, and as Committed as Ever

Ten Years in, and as Committed as Ever

June marks the 10th anniversary of my Dividend Hunter newsletter. While I tend to stay in my bubble and work, I am told that very few investment newsletters reach the ten-year mark. I attribute the longevity of the Dividend Hunter to an effective investment strategy and an engaged subscriber base that helps me work every […]

Pipeline at night against a dramatic sky

7% Yield and Consistent Dividend Growth

An attractive yield plus solid dividend growth is a surefire strategy for building investment income and wealth. Energy midstream stocks offer a hard-to-beat combination of yield and dividend increases for investors who want to follow this strategy. Energy infrastructure/midstream companies are split pretty evenly between those organized as Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) and C-corporations. Managed […]

How AI Will Change U.S. Infrastructure Forever

How AI Will Change U.S. Infrastructure Forever

Recently, the AI discussion has taken a turn with the realization that the production of advanced AI chips and the building of massive data centers to house those chips will dramatically increase the amount of electric power needed in the U.S. A recent forecast change by Georgia Power illustrates how much power demand will grow […]

Big Change Coming to Ex-Div Dates – Here’s How to Prepare

Big Change Coming to Ex-Div Dates – Here’s How to Prepare

Most investors who own dividend-paying stocks are aware of the ex-dividend phenomenon. To receive an upcoming dividend payment, shares must be owned before the stock goes ex-dividend. That’s why you need to be aware of a big change coming to ex-div dates next week. A dividend announcement includes three pieces of information: the amount of […]