My Safest Income Is My Biggest Risk Now

Realty Income and similar income stocks now struggle to deliver inflation-beating returns, with dividend growth lagging recent price increases. In today's higher-rate, post-2020 inflationary environment, traditional income favorites offer little premium over bonds and limited inflation protection. My income safety test reveals that many beloved REITs and dividend stocks fail to preserve purchasing power, making them riskier for retirees.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 11, 2026

VYM Has a Little-Known International Twin That Pays More, and Almost Nobody Owns It

Vanguard runs a nearly identical sibling to VYM outside US borders, and most income investors have never heard of it despite the fact that it has quietly beaten the famous original on both yield and price return over the past

24/7 Wall Street • Sep 9, 2026

VYM: Why I Changed My Mind, And The Dividend Isn't The Only Reason (Rating Upgrade)

According to my calculation, Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund's forward P/E of 18.85x is lower than SPY's 20-21x, giving it a higher earnings yield, with its modest 2.20% dividend. Financials make up a large share of VYM's holdings, a tilt that could, in my opinion, benefit from rising Treasury yields boosting bank margins. VYM combines a US large-cap, quality tilt with an ROE above 18%, distinguishing it from typical high-yield dividend ETFs like HDV.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 5, 2026

Here Are 5 ETFs That Retirees Use to Skip Stock Picking Entirely

Owning two or three dividend ETFs feels like extra protection, but it can quietly leave retirees paying multiple expense ratios for a nearly identical stack of stocks.

24/7 Wall Street • Sep 4, 2026

The Nice Man on TV Wants You to Borrow Against Your Paid-Off House, but These 4 ETFs Pay the Income Instead

That friendly cardigan-clad spokesman on TV never says the word debt, but a reverse mortgage is exactly that, and the paid-off house you worked 30 years to own deserves a closer look before you hand over the deed.

24/7 Wall Street • Sep 4, 2026

VYM: Dividends And Diversification Doing Good Work In 2026

Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund has outperformed SPY YTD, delivering a 16% total return with lower volatility. I reiterate a buy rating on VYM, citing compelling valuation at 16.1x P/E, strong technicals, and a diversified, high-quality portfolio. VYM's 2.22% yield, broad sector exposure, and low 0.04% expense ratio provide attractive risk-adjusted returns amid shifting factor leadership.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 2, 2026

What September Lull? 6 ETFs to Buy Instead

September may bring seasonal volatility, but strong earnings and key growth themes could support these ETFs.

Zacks Investment Research • Sep 2, 2026

Why I Am A Dividend Growth Investor (At Age 35)

I prioritize dividend growth investing, building a core portfolio of select ETFs and high-quality individual stocks for stability and passive income. My approach favors continuity and flexibility, avoiding the risks of abrupt transitions from growth to dividend stocks near retirement. The portfolio centers on seven dividend growth ETFs, balancing moderate yield with robust growth potential and sector diversification.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 29, 2026

Baby Boomers Should Move to These 5 Safe Dividend ETFs Before September

September historically crushes stock portfolios, and with hedge funds building the largest Nasdaq short position ever recorded, retirees depending on a bull market for income face a shrinking window to reposition into safety.

24/7 Wall Street • Aug 28, 2026

1 No-Brainer Dividend ETF to Generate Thousands of Dollars in Passive Income

The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF invests in U.S. large-cap stocks with above-average dividend yields. With heavier allocations to financials, industrials, and healthcare, the fund is positioned well for the current higher-for-longer rate environment.

The Motley Fool • Aug 27, 2026