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Dividend Investing

Build passive income through investing in dividend-paying stocks and funds.

financeIntermediateVariable based on investment

Overview

Dividend investing involves buying stocks or funds that pay regular dividends, creating a stream of passive income. While it requires capital upfront, it is one of the most reliable long-term wealth-building strategies.

How to Get Started

  1. 1Open a brokerage account (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard)
  2. 2Study dividend investing fundamentals and metrics (yield, payout ratio)
  3. 3Start with dividend ETFs like VYM, SCHD, or VYMI for diversification
  4. 4Reinvest dividends (DRIP) to compound growth
  5. 5Gradually add individual dividend stocks as you learn

Pros

  • True passive income
  • Compound growth over time
  • Tax advantages in retirement accounts
  • Less volatile than growth stocks

Cons

  • Requires investment capital
  • Returns are gradual
  • Dividend cuts can happen
  • Opportunity cost vs. growth stocks

Recommended Tools & Platforms

FidelitySchwabSeeking AlphaSimply Safe DividendsYahoo Finance

Pro Tip

Focus on companies with a long history of increasing dividends (Dividend Aristocrats). A portfolio yielding 4% on $100,000 generates $4,000/year in passive income, growing annually.

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