Are you thinking about buying a dividend stock? Before you chase the shiny yield or jump into what your buddy recommended, here are the 7 metrics the team checks every single time. These fundamentals help you avoid traps, understand the real health of a business, and invest with confidence.

We break each metric down with real-world context, examples from client portfolios, and why single-year snapshots often mislead investors. If you want a smarter, calmer, more long-term approach to dividend investing — this episode is your playbook.

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The episode continues the discussion on how to live in retirement on dividends, focusing on the difference between funding retirement and living in retirement. The advisors explain their two-account approach: a “paycheck account” that funds lifestyle entirely from dividends, and a “bonus/growth account” where dividends are reinvested to fuel long-term income increases. They emphasize the dangers of overspending principal—especially large, repeated withdrawals—which can undermine future income, security, and financial freedom. Much of the conversation explores the emotional side of retirement spending, including fear, guilt, lifestyle expectations, and the need for honest budgeting. Ultimately, they encourage retirees to know their numbers, build a simple plan, stick to guardrails, and understand how spending choices impact long-term freedom.

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Paul, Niki, Leigh, and Kyle discuss the major psychological shift that happens when someone moves from decades of saving for retirement to actually living on their investments. Many retirees struggle with anxiety as they transition from a predictable paycheck to relying on market-dependent income, especially when selling principal or watching account balances decline. They compare traditional retirees—who often rely on selling assets or the 4% rule—to dividend-focused retirees who can live more confidently on consistent income without touching principal. The episode emphasizes understanding your “shortfall,” building an income plan, and staying within guardrails to avoid unknowingly overspending. Ultimately, they frame dividend income as a stabilizing “retirement paycheck” that can reduce fear, create freedom, and help retirees live with clarity and confidence.

www.planningmadesimple.com