Like I did last year, I want to finish 2015 with a compilation of the Wealthy Retirement columns that resonated most with readers over the year.
There is a lot to choose from this year, as we began publishing five days a week, up from three. We are fortunate to have great insights from contributors with a wealth of experience in the markets.
Here are a few of my favorite moments of the year in Wealthy Retirement.
In This Corner…
In May, right after their record-breaking fight, I wrote about why I believed Floyd May weather and Manny Pacquiao would be broke in 10 years, despite each earning a nine-figure payday in one night.
The problems and behavior that will lead to them both winding up in the poorhouse are common to many people, not just suddenly uber-rich athletes. Making lavish purchases, buying depreciating assets and – the one that gets them all – not paying taxes are just a few of the unwise decisions Mayweather, Pacquiao and many others make on a regular basis.
Crushing It With Small Caps
After a brutal third quarter where the S&P 500 dropped 7%, I pointed out three small cap dividend payers that can help investors weather a bear market.
The S&P rebounded a bit in the fourth quarter (as of the close on December 24), rising 4.1% with dividends included. Two of the three stocks I recommended outperformed while one under performed.
Main Street Capital Corp. (NYSE: MAIN), which had an attractive 7.8% yield at the time the article was written, has generated a 12.4% return since then. Maiden Holdings (Nasdaq: MHLD) returned 11.1% and went ex-dividend on Tuesday, which will add a bit more to the total return.
Stage Stores (NYSE: SSI) disappointed and is off 3.5% since early October.
I still like all three companies, though retail stocks may have a tough time over the next few weeks if Christmas sales weren’t strong. However, Stage Stores, the operator of department stores in smaller towns, pays a more than 6% yield to shareholders while they wait for retail to fall back into favor.
