Author: Marc Lichtenfeld, Wealthy Retirement

The market goes up over the long term. The way to preserve and grow your wealth is to stay invested, not hide under a rock.

It has a terrific dividend-paying track record, a low payout ratio and growing net interest income.

I like the kind of stability they offer for a small portion of my portfolio.

Some of the emails I receive are heartbreaking. But there are steps one can take to ensure that the weak financial position they’re in is better in five or 10 years.

For growth and income, I believe they should be an important part of your portfolio.