Invest for Income

1. Dividend-Paying Stocks
2. Utility Stocks
3. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
4. Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs)

5. Preferred Stocks
6. Convertible Bonds
7. Highest Yielding Bond Market Segments

Dividend-Paying Stocks

Those who are investing for income have numerous options outside of bonds, and the most traditional – and easiest to understand – choice is high-dividend stocks. Although investing in the stock market involves more risk than investing in bonds, dividend-paying stocks offer modest income and the potential for longer-term capital appreciation.

• The Basics of Investing in Dividend-Paying Stocks
• How to Invest in High-Yielding Dividend Stocks
• The Role of Dividends in the Stock Market's Total Return

• Investing in Dividend Growth Stocks: Why Dividend Growth Matters
• Are Dividend Stocks an Appropriate Substitute for Bonds?
• Find High-Dividend Stocks

Utility Stocks

Those who are looking for ways to generate investment income often allocate a portion of their portfolios to utility stocks. Utilities have long been viewed as a conservative option that enables investors to capture higher dividends than are available in most areas of the stock market.

• How to Invest in Utility Stocks

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, are a type of investment often used by investors who want to boost the yield on their portfolio by participating in the real estate market. Find out how REITs work, and whether you should consider investing in REITs.

• What are REITs?
• How to Research REITs

Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs)

Master Limited Partnerships, or MLPs, are another potential source of attractive yields outside of the bond market. Are MLPs the right option for you?

• What are MLPs?
• High-Yielding MLPs

Preferred Stocks

Preferred stocks - which are “hybrid” securities that offer some of the features of both stocks and bonds - have some advantages, but there are also reasons for caution. Find out if preferred stocks are the right option for your portfolio.

• What are Preferred Stocks?
• Go Deeper into the World of Preferreds

Convertible Bonds

Convertible bonds are bonds that are issued by corporations and that can be converted to shares of the issuing company’s stock at the bondholder’s discretion. Convertible bonds typically offer higher yields than common stock, but lower yields than straight corporate bonds. But are convertible bond mutual funds and exchange-traded funds the answer?

• What are Convertible Bonds?
• Are Convertible Bonds a Good Investment?

Highest Yielding Bond Market Segments

The ultra-low rates and government bonds and other low-risk otpions has fueled a search for high-yielding investments. While the highest yielding bond market investments have their share of risk, these four areas may offer answers for those in search of yield.

• The Highest Yielding Fixed Income Investments: Where to Find Yield NOW
• The Basics of Investing in High Yield Bonds
• What are Senior Bank Loans?

• Investing in Emerging Market Corporate Bonds
• The Benefits and Risks of Long-Term Bond Funds
• Are High Yield Municipal Bonds Right for You?