Beth Gwinn / Getty Images Before you take Dave Ramsey's advice to pause 401(k) contributions to pay off debt, consider these factors first. Key Takeaways Financial pundit Dave Ramsey's advice to pause 401(k) contributions while paying off debt forfeits employer match dollars and halts compounding growth. Staying invested through market downturns is a way to avoid missing the reward of the market rebounding. Only consider tapping your tax-free retirement savings as part of a carefully structured 401(k ...

Core Insights - The article discusses overlooked dividend-paying stocks that present strong investment opportunities, emphasizing the historical performance of dividends in generating total returns across various market conditions [1][4]. Dividend Performance - Dividend-paying stocks have historically contributed nearly half (49.3%) of the broader market's total return since 1871, with the remainder coming from price appreciation [4]. - From May 1971 to February 2025, the S&P 500 delivered an average annual return of 118.6%, while reinvested dividends provided a return of 195.3%, highlighting the power of compounding [2]. Investment Methodology - The selection process focused on dividend-paying companies with a market capitalization above $2 billion that have raised their dividends for at least ten consecutive years, identifying firms with steady dividend policies and consistent shareholder returns [6]. Company Highlights - **California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT)**: - Reported Q3 2025 revenue of $311.2 million, a 4% year-over-year increase, but fell short of analyst projections by over $10 million [11]. - Announced its 323rd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, extending a 58-year streak of annual dividend increases, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% over the past five years [12]. - Management indicated potential for a nearly 12% annualized growth in the regulated rate base if the proposed 2024 GRC and infrastructure improvement plan is approved [13]. - **Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA)**: - Reported Q3 2025 revenues of $403 million, a 2.35% increase from the previous year, but missed analyst expectations by $14.7 million [15]. - Plans to issue approximately $120 million in long-term debt and up to $80 million in common stock in 2026 [15]. - CFO highlighted $363 million in capital expenditures for the first three quarters of the year, with total spending expected to reach $525 million for 2025 [16]. - **Exponent, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPO)**: - Reported Q3 2025 total revenue of $147.1 million, an 8% increase, with revenue before reimbursements rising 10% to $137.1 million [21]. - Strong performance driven by growth in dispute-related work across various sectors, including energy and life sciences [20]. - The company is positioned to leverage opportunities from artificial intelligence while managing risks associated with technological changes [19].

Nearly all Gen Xers say financial missteps in their 20s and 30s have hurt them — emotionally and financially. A recent CFP Board survey found that these mistakes caused 49% of Gen X to have increased financial stress or anxiety, and 95% of Gen Xers lost money due to early money mistakes, with a median loss of $100,000. Find Out: The Most Common Retirement Mistake, According to an Expert Read Next: 6 Clever Ways To Pocket an Extra $1K This Month Here’s a look at the financial mistakes that this generation ...

I am focused on growth and dividend income. My personal strategy revolves around setting myself up for an easy retirement by creating a portfolio which focuses on compounding dividend income and growth. Dividends are an intricate part of my strategy as I have structured my portfolio to have monthly dividend income which grows through dividend reinvestment and yearly increases. Feel free to reach out to me on Seeking AlphaAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of QDVO, META, ...

BUNZL INSIGHT EVENT: Add subtitle here ACQUISITIONS AGENDA AND PRESENTING TEAM More than 70 years of Bunzl experience on Q&A panel Today's agenda: Today's Q&A panel: Andrew Mooney Group Corporate Development Director 36 years at Bunzl1 c.190 deals at Bunzl 8th October 2025 Oscar Gonzalez Senior Corporate Development Executive 6 years at Bunzl c.30 completed deals Alberto Grau Business Area Head, Continental Europe 17 years at Bunzl c.40 completed deals Nicolas Ingram Managing Director, Central and Eastern E ...

Core Insights - The focus is on growth and dividend income, with a strategy aimed at creating a portfolio that emphasizes compounding dividend income and growth [1] - The portfolio is structured to provide monthly dividend income that increases through reinvestment and annual raises [1] Investment Strategy - The investment strategy is centered around setting up for an easy retirement by prioritizing dividend income and growth [1] - The potential for initiating a long position in ADX within the next 72 hours is mentioned, indicating a proactive investment approach [1] Personal Investment Opinions - The article reflects personal opinions on investments in major tech companies such as NVDA, META, GOOGL, AMZN, and AAPL [2] - It emphasizes that the views expressed are not recommendations for others and that individual investors should conduct their own research [2] Disclaimer and Limitations - The article clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that no specific investment advice is being provided [3] - It notes that the authors may not be licensed or certified, highlighting the importance of independent research by investors [3]

Core Insights - The article highlights the financial challenges faced by retirees, particularly concerning healthcare costs and insufficient savings for a comfortable retirement [2][3][4]. Group 1: Retirement Savings and Financial Stress - Many Americans are falling short of the savings needed for a comfortable retirement, with an average belief that $1.26 million is required, while the average 401(k) balance for those aged 70 and above is only $250,000 [4]. - A Schroders survey indicates that only 5% of retirees feel they are "living the dream," while 19% report they are "living the nightmare," reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among retirees [4][14]. - Financial stress for retirees stems from inflation, healthcare costs, and uncertainty about the longevity of their savings [3][15]. Group 2: Healthcare Costs - The average cost of healthcare for a single 65-year-old retiring in 2025 is projected to be $172,500, with retirees spending an average of 15% of their income on medical expenses [2]. - Many seniors mistakenly believe that Medicare will cover more of their healthcare costs than it actually does, leading to financial strain [2]. Group 3: Retirement Planning Strategies - Proactive retirement planning is essential, with financial planners recommending saving at least 10 times one's salary or multiplying expected annual spending by 25 to determine retirement savings goals [5][6]. - Utilizing tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs is crucial for building retirement savings [6][8]. - Consulting with a financial advisor can help individuals create a comprehensive retirement plan that considers taxes, market risks, and unexpected costs [8][10].

Group 1 - The focus is on growth and dividend income as a strategy for retirement planning [1] - The portfolio is structured to generate monthly dividend income that grows through reinvestment and annual increases [1] Group 2 - The article expresses personal opinions and is not intended as investment advice [2][3] - It emphasizes the importance of conducting personal research before making investment decisions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes a personal investment strategy focused on growth and dividend income, aiming for an easy retirement through a portfolio that prioritizes compounding dividend income and growth [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The strategy involves creating a portfolio that generates monthly dividend income, which is enhanced through dividend reinvestment and annual increases [1]. Group 2: Personal Investment Philosophy - The author expresses a beneficial long position in specific shares, indicating a personal commitment to the discussed investment strategy [1].

Group 1 - The focus is on growth and dividend income as a strategy for retirement planning [1] - The portfolio is structured to generate monthly dividend income that grows through reinvestment and annual increases [1] Group 2 - The article expresses personal opinions and is not intended as investment advice [2][3] - It emphasizes the importance of conducting individual research before making investment decisions [2]