So here's something we really haven't discussed much -- mostly because of the "102" preference of keeping things simple...
But several people have asked in PM's etc about different stocks/bonds/interest bearing vehicles etc.
So here's a look at a
PREFERRED STOCK I own as an example.
Here's a dividend -- not interest (big difference in the tax rate) -- on a PREFERRED stock that I have in U.S. Bank (USB) Note the "+L" after USB. In Schwab, that's it's symbol. Since there are several, or can be, several preferred's issued they tack on an "A" or "L" etc. Preferred's carry a fixed "interest rate" but is paid as a dividend. It's paid as a fixed rate - thus the notation of the rate. Really - preferred's are a hybrid of a bond and a stock. You'd buy these kinds of investments when you're looking for an "above average" dividend - you don't want "interest" - and you're not looking for much growth in capital. The growth in capital is constrained by the rate the preferred pays. They carry a due date like a bond - where the issuer is going to pay "X" for them. They are also "callable" (most of the time) which means that if the rate being paid is too high - the issuer can call them in and "retire" them. So that generally tends to put a cap on the price.
I'm not sure I'd buy these inside an IRA unless you're creeping up on retirement and want some safety and a higher yield.... if you're say -- under 60... I'd stick with capital appreciation and dividend for the total return. But wanted to just show these various ways to earn a dividend. My holdings are NOT in any retirement accounts (I don't need retirement accounts - I'm already retired!
) so I like the higher cash flow some of this type of stuff gives me.
04/16/2012
USB+L US BANCORP 7.875% PFD DEP SHS REP 1/1000 PFD D
type: QUALIFIED DIV
$3,483.62