3 Dividend Stocks Every Baby Boomer Should Own in 2026

Group 1: Retirement and Investment Strategy - The last of the Baby Boomers are expected to retire this decade, prompting a shift in investment strategy towards income-focused assets like dividend stocks [1] - Investors should prioritize income over growth as they approach retirement, making dividend stocks an attractive option [1][2] Group 2: Realty Income (O) - Realty Income is a popular real estate investment trust (REIT) known for its rising monthly dividends and strong cash flow, required to pay at least 90% of taxable dividends to shareholders [3][4] - The stock has maintained a high occupancy rate of 97% during economic downturns, showcasing its resilience [4] - Realty Income currently offers a dividend yield of 5.28% and is considered a Dividend Aristocrat, with potential for stock price appreciation to over $80 or even $100 by 2030 [4] Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) - Enterprise Products Partners operates as a North American midstream energy company, providing stability through long-term fee-based contracts rather than being exposed to daily oil price fluctuations [5][6] - The stock has appreciated over 5% in the past six months, and with a 6.7% dividend yield, it offers a total return in the double digits, making it a reliable investment choice [7] Group 4: Verizon (VZ) - Verizon is highlighted for its high dividend yield, supported by its stable telecom business, which has remained profitable even during challenging economic periods [9] - The company has continued to pay and even increase dividends despite significant interest payments from recent interest rate hikes [9][11] - With a current dividend yield above 7% and a forward dividend payout ratio of 57.68%, Verizon is expected to recover and potentially exceed $60 by 2029 [11]