1. Closed-end funds (CEFs) are attractive for income investors with high distributions and reasonable returns; 2. This article highlights five CEFs with strong performance and 'excess' discounts; 3. The author's investment approach aims for lower drawdowns, higher current income, and market-beating growth.

1. The NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF has outperformed the Nasdaq 100 index during recent market corrections, validating its covered call strategy. 2. The fund has a current distribution rate of 14% and has maintained this over its lifespan. 3. The article discusses the strategy behind the fund and its implications for investors, as well as the tax implications and suitability recommendations.

1. The 4% rule may be outdated due to current inflation and market conditions, making income stocks more relevant; 2. Highlight two quality players offering well-covered dividends and strong business models; 3. Both companies have strong balance sheets and could potentially be rewarding for long-term income and growth.

1. The author expresses his love for investing in REITs, BDCs, and MLPs due to their tax benefits and high, sustainable yields; 2. He shares his favorite picks in each sector; 3. He promotes the High Yield Investor service for exclusive access to subscriber-only portfolios.

1. Covered Call Income Funds offer high-yield income through options strategies; 2. Fund sponsors like YieldMax and Eaton Vance provide various covered call funds with unique strategies and risks; 3. Newer ETFs and 0DTE options funds offer compelling yields but with specific market and issuer risks.

1. The author initiated coverage on JEPQ over a year ago, recommending it for aggressive income investors due to its high yield and Nasdaq 100 upside. 2. GPIQ, a newer fund, has outperformed JEPQ in total return since inception, but only in a bull market with a very slight outperformance. 3. Both funds use similar strategies: buying Nasdaq 100 components and selling call options to generate income, resulting in minor price appreciation but high dividend distribution. 4. The article compares the funds and attempts to answer whether JEPQ investors should consider GPIQ.

1. The financial system is influenced by almost everything we do, and the author wants a share of it. Dividends redirect capital from Wall Street to individual investors' wallets. 2. The article discusses top dividend picks with yields up to 7.7% for steady income in retirement. 3. High Dividend Opportunities is highlighted as a community for income investors and retirees with a focus on strong returns and community support.

1. The current market environment is favorable for value investors, with Schlumberger Ltd. and Blue Owl Capital Corp. presenting attractive entry points. 2. SLB's strong total return potential stems from its global leadership in oilfield services, robust profitability, and expanding digital segment. 3. OBDC offers a high yield through a diversified, conservatively managed portfolio, supported by strong lender-borrower relationships and disciplined financial management. 4. SLB and OBDC provide opportunities for value investors to leverage growth and income, balancing risk with strategic positioning and solid fundamentals.

1. JEPQ is an option income ETF based on the Nasdaq-100 portfolio, offering one of the best income sources with market-beating total performance since its inception. 2. The Invesco QQQ Trust ETF excels in growth and diversification over the best innovation companies, forming a crucial base for reliable and future-proofing income. 3. JEPQ meets the criteria for stability and high-income generation, addressing key concerns for SWAN income investors.

1. The Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund offers a 10% dividend yield with strong brand backing and growth potential. 2. The fund's low-risk portfolio, with 96% in senior secured debt, and diversified borrower base reduce overall investment risk. 3. Despite interest rate declines, the fund's portfolio growth and low leverage levels have maintained stable net investment income per share.

1. Realty Income provides stability and reliable income, making it suitable for risk-averse investors. 2. The company has a consistent dividend growth since 1994 and has shown resilience during crises. 3. Despite a narrow investment spread and slower dividend growth, Realty Income's strong financials and diversification make it a safe haven for conservative investors.

1. Emphasize the importance of a comprehensive retirement plan; 2. Discuss the strategy of investing in steady, growing dividends; 3. Highlight two well-covered dividends for peace of mind in retirement.

1. Closed-end funds (CEFs) are an attractive investment class for income investors, offering high distributions and reasonable total returns. 2. CEFs are characterized by higher volatility and deeper draw-downs than the broader market. 3. This article highlights five CEFs with solid track records and 'excess' discounts, selected from around 500 CEFs using a filtering process.

1. A durable income-focused portfolio strategy reduces income reduction risk and stress by prioritizing stable income over market-beating returns. 2. The article outlines a detailed approach for security selection and portfolio construction. 3. Practical security examples are provided for strategic offense, strategic defense, tactical offense, and tactical speculation.

1. Investors can define objectives for recurring income that are independent of market fluctuations or alpha generation; 2. The focus shifts to wealth accumulation through stable and gradual income; 3. This approach offers practical benefits and improves overall well-being; 4. The article discusses the benefits of income-focused investing, outlines minimum criteria, and provides relevant investment examples.

1. Maximizing income per dollar invested is key to creating a portfolio that exceeds income needs; 2. Avoid aimless risk-taking and conduct research to enhance safety; 3. The article discusses AT&T's high dividend yield and its attractiveness as an investment.

1. CSHI invests in T-bills and S&P 500 option spreads to generate premiums and income. 2. Its strategy yields a 5.9% return, slightly higher than that of T-bills, with slightly higher risks. 3. CSHI is a solid cash ETF, but investors might consider transitioning away from these in the coming months due to looming cuts.

1. AT&T's 2024 share performance has been strong, with a nearly 50% return in income and gains since last September. 2. Despite revenue challenges, AT&T has managed expenses well, leading to a slight decline in operating income and a significant reduction in debt. 3. The transformation from wireline to fiber is progressing, with substantial growth in fiber customers and revenue, supporting future earnings and free cash flow.

1. Bond closed-end funds (CEFs) offer distinct advantages over other bond investments, with PIMCO's Dynamic Income Fund (PDI) standing out for its high yield. 2. Bond CEFs provide higher yields, better management of liquidity risks, and the ability to trade at premiums or discounts to NAV. 3. PDI, managed by PIMCO, offers a high monthly yield, skilled management, and dynamic investment opportunities in the bond market.

1. The article provides a strategic guide on how to allocate $100,000 in a dividend portfolio, focusing on balancing dividend income and growth. 2. It emphasizes the benefits of reduced portfolio risk, stable dividend income, strong potential for dividend growth and capital appreciation, and attractive total returns. 3. The portfolio offers a weighted average dividend yield of 4.20% and a 5-year weighted average dividend growth rate of 7.31%.