"The stocks in our Cash Cows portfolio keep the checks coming regardless of riots in Europe, revolutions in the Middle East, or natural disasters in the Pacific," says income specialist Neil George.

The editor of The Pay Me Strategy explains, "This doesn't mean that our Cash Cows won't occasionally see negative price action on a given day or week; but you can be confident that any price setbacks will be temporary.

"The the foundation of this portfolio is four core global bond investment funds.

"Our latest 'Stock of the Month' has one of the finest and most dependable dividend streaks you'll ever find," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "Realty Income (O) just recently announced its 488th consecutive monthly dividend, meaning it hasn't missed a payment since 1970.

"That tells me two things. One, the shareholder-friendly management team is committed to returning excess cash to shareholders. Two, it has consistently generated the profits to back up those payments through thick and thin.

"Over the past decade, Southern Company (SO) has generated a compound annual return of nearly 12 percent," says utility sector expert Roger Conrad.

The editor of The Utility Forecaster explains, "The recent approval of the company's three-year rate hike in Georgia -- source of nearly half its revenue -- is the best possible assurance of a similarly enriching performance for the next 10 years.

"The Georgia Public Service Commission approved 70, 93 and 87 percent of the requested increases for 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively, as well as a superior 11.15 percent target return on equity.

"Many growth and income investors will eventually need to start taking dividends to supplement other forms of cash flow," says Chuck Carlson, an expert in dividend reinvestment plans.

The editor of the DRIP Investor explains, "And many investors would like to receive those dividends on a regular basis. And, in fact, you can get monthly dividend check from a portfolio holding just three stocks.

"The Gabelli Global Multimedia Trust (GGT) has been around since 1994; the closed-end fund invests in traditional global telecommunications, media and entertainment industries -- along with newer interactive media products and services," notes income expert Amy Calistri.

The editor of The Daily Paycheck explains, "Since its inception, the fund has returned an average of +5.85% per year. But there are two reasons to believe GGT will do even better than that in the foreseeable future.

"Income-hungry investors have spoken, and they have chosen bonds as their investment of choice," notes dividend expert Chuck Carlson, who prefers to look to blue chip stocks for potential capital gains and income growth.

The editor of The DRIP Investor explains, "In 2009, a record $375 billion of new money flooded into bond funds. Over the same period, domestic stock funds saw $40 billion go out the door.

And through the first half of 2010, taxable bond funds had net new cash flow of $136 billion versus outflows of $18.4 billion for domestic stock funds. This torrent of money has driven down the yields on bonds to microscopic levels.

"The upshot is that, on a relative basis, dividend-paying stocks seem quite cheap compared to bonds.

"As a result of the Financial Reform Act, certain trust preferreds can offer investment-grade safety, robust yields of around 6-7%, and capital gains potential," suggests Carla Pasternak.

The editor of High Yield Investing explains, "Among our top picks in this group are Bank of America Capital Trust IV, 5 7/8% Capital Securities (BAC-U) and Wells Fargo Capital IX 5.625% Trust Preferred Securities (JWF).

"Traditional preferreds are an equity investment in a company. They are normally perpetual -- that is, they have no maturity date. In contrast, trust preferreds are debt, not equity. As such, they provide greater safety than traditional preferred stock.

"The Cushing MLP Total Return Fund (SRV) is a closed-end fund that invests in master limited partnerships (MLPs), MLP bonds, and natural resource companies that are not publicly traded," notes income specialist Carla Pasternak.

The editor of High-Yield Investing explains, "In addition to providing diversification, SRV provides a huge advantage over investing in individual MLPs.

"Unlike individual MLPs, SRV is classified as a corporation for tax purposes and doesn't generate a K-1 form or unrelated business taxable income, which can be taxable in an IRA. In short, SRV offers the high income of MLPs without the tax hassle.

"Ferrelgas Partners LP (FGP) is a propane distributor whose dividend history and underlying business seem to offer the promise of a secure income stream," notes Marvin Appel and Josh Mandelbaum.

In Systems & Startegies, the advisors explain, "Ferrellgas is the second largest retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest tank exchange company. The partnership has a 16-year history of paying $2.00/share. This represents a yield of 8.2%.

"We believe that high-quality stocks purchased at historically low-price-to-high-yield offers the best potential for downside protection and upside appreciation," says dividend specialist Kelley Wright.

The editor of Investment Quality Trends explains, "Here we look at three blue chip stocks that have earned our top designation for outstanding dividend growth: IBM (IBM), Automated Data Processing (ADP) and Abbott Laboratories (ABT).

An investment professional was stimulated by yesterday's post Chasing Value: Granny Said, 'It Has Turned into One Big Casino'. She suggested an alternative investment for granny that is simpler and perhaps advantageous for older investors seeking fixed income. Such investors should consider the iShares S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index (PFF) exchange traded fund for its high yield and simplicity.

While this investment vehicle would not work for my particular "granny" due to her unique circumstances, it might be ideal for many others.

"Atlantic Power Corp. (AT) operates 14 power generation projects and one transmission line in the U.S. and sells power mainly to electric utilities in major U.S. markets," notes income specialist Carla Pasternak.

The editor of High-Yield International explains, "Atlantic took a huge step forward when shares became listed on the NYSE on July 23rd. This listing will add recognition and liquidity to the company.

Investors can now more easily purchase shares without the extra commission associated with purchasing foreign securities. The increased exposure that the NYSE brings could also be advantageous to the share price.

"We've had some good luck recently in the bond arena; now I've found another trading opportunity: Templeton Global Income Fund (GIM), a global government bond fund that yields 5.6%," says growth and income expert Richard Band.

The editor of Profitable Investing explains, "The fund is run by one of the finest international bond managers, Dr. Michael Hasenstab. Plus, I think we're in for a nice capital gain as the dollar settles down from its torrid run against most foreign currencies.

"Over the past decade, this closed-end fund has rolled up a sizzling total return of 235% at net asset value (through mid-June). Meanwhile, the S&P 500 stock index has lost 11%, even with reinvested dividends.

"Investors should consider adding exposure to the oil tanker industry; this business is notoriously volatile, as tanker rates fluctuate," says Elliott Gue.

The editor of The Energy Strategist explains, "Nonetheless, I expect the back half of the year to be a solid environment for tanker companies. Moreover, many stocks in the group offer substantial dividend yields. One of our favorites is Nordic American Tanker Shipping (NAT), which yields over 8 percent.