"Despite mixed economic numbers, it still looks like the economy will continue to improve in the coming months," says Harry Domash.

The editor of The Dividend Detective explains, "However, we continue to advise caution. Invest only money that you can commit for at least six-months to give you time to ride out unexpected market dips. Meanwhile, we have added four income issues to our various portfolios.

"It's time to take some profits and play defense for a while," says Glenn Rogers, adding, "Fortunately, we can hedge our bets by taking some profits and building cash reserves and reinvesting in more defensive securities."

In The Internet Wealh Builder, the advisor suggests, a trio of conservative dividend-focused exchange-traded funds.

He explains, "Everybody I talk to these days is nervous, although for different reasons. Some are nervous because they feel left behind. They sat on the sidelines and missed the incredible rally we've had since March. Now they're afraid they won't have a chance to participate because the market has been refusing to correct.

"Others are nervous because they made a pot of money in the rebound and they're afraid they could lose it all in a replay of last year's meltdown. Meanwhile, there some relatively low-risk ETFs where you could park some money while we see how all this plays out.

"All across America, college town populations are rising much faster than practically any other real estate market; that's because enrollments on a national basis are on a steady rise," says income expert Bryan Perry.

In his The Cash Machine, he looks to Education Realty Trust (NYSE: EDR), a real estate investment trust that provides high-quality student housing throughout the U.S.

Perry explains, "While it's still early to call a bottom for real estate in a number of regions -- especially in commercial properties -- one thing is for sure: Parents will give their right arms to send their kids to great colleges.

"There is a stealth bull market for apartment growth in major college towns, and rents are only going to rise in the years to come as the broader economy rebounds.

"We think that junk bonds -- bonds rated BB+ or lower by S&P or Ba1 or below by Moody's -- are worth considering as part of a diversified income portfolio." says Carla Pasternak.

In her High Yield Investing, she asks, "If you agree with us that one's person's junk may turn out to be your treasure, how do you invest?" She answers by offers a pair of junk bond fund ideas.

"SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF (NYSE: JNK) has a $2.2 billion portfolio of 140 junk bonds. Its holds junk bonds in only three sectors: industrials (75.8%), utilities (12.16%) and financials (8.72%).

"It pays a monthly distribution comprised entirely of earnings. JNK is best held in a tax-advantaged account as distributions are taxed at your marginal income tax rate.

"Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. (NYSE: KMP) is a paragon of consistency; the stock continues to rise and the company continues to deliver on its expectations," says Jack Adamo.

In his Insiders Plus newsletter, he explains, "The master limited partnership has made great strides in cost controls to compensate for the weak economic environment. When things turn around, it could really take off."

"KMP is one of the largest and most respected pipeline and energy storage LPs in North America. It operates or owns interests in more than 26,000 miles of pipelines and 170 terminals.

"Preferred stock has been much in the news over the past 18 months, primarily as the favorite way for cash-strapped banks to raise new capital," explains Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he says, "These unusual securities are popular because they offer high yields and have a higher position in corporate credit structure than common stock." Here, he offers a pair of favored ETFs that invest in preferred shares.

"We caution that preferred stocks also have significant drawbacks that dampen their appeal. Apreferred stock is really more like a fixed-income instrument than an equity security.

"Think munis are a risky deal?" asks income expert Neil George. In his Stocks that Pay You, he states, "Don't. Instead, buy them now."

However, rather than buying individual bonds, the advisor suggests that investors focus on buying closed-end muni bond funds. Here, he looks at a trio of favorites.

"The muni market isn't for the uninformed or the novice. Unlike the treasury market and much of the corporate market - when it comes to munis - you have to know each bond inside and out before you buy, and keep tabs on it after you buy.

In her top-performing Global Investing advisory, Vivian Lewis looks at a lesser-known area of the income market -- non-cumulative preferreds -- explaining these vehicles and offering some favorites.

"Over 20 years ago, Barclays Bank, which is British, invented a new vehicle for raising money in the U.S. market to enhance its capital ratios and finance its growing dollar business.

"They were called non-cumulative preferred shares and were issued at $25/share to pay dividends four times a year just as normal U.S. stocks do. The clear target for these vehicles was U.S. retail investors.

"As the global economy rebounds late this year or next year, demand for energy will rise again, sending prices of crude and natural gas higher," says growth and income expert Bryan Perry.

In his top-notch The Cash Machine, he explains, "With energy assets cheap by historical standards right now, I want to increase our exposure to LINN Energy LLC (NASDAQ: LINE), a best-in-class inflation hedge."

"Founded in 2003, LINN is an independent oil and gas Master Limited Partnership (MLP) that completed its initial public offering (IPO) in January 2006.

"Investors have fared well in US Treasuries, the top-performing asset class in 2008 with returns approaching 6.8%; but for new money Treasuries seem less compelling given the current paltry yields," says Benjamin Shepard.

In Personal Finance, explains, "To capture higher yields while taking advantage of the security of government debt, we're adding Fidelity Ginnie Mae (FGMNX) to our bond holdings."

"Government debt still makes sense from a safety standpoint, particularly if you're able to realize higher yields. Debt issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) is the way to do that.

"Duff & Phelps Utility & Corporate Bond Trust (NYSE: DUC) owns a nice blend of corporates, utility, and mortgage-backed securities," notes income expert Bryan Perry in his growth & income oriented Cash Machine advisory.

"These types of securities are getting more attention with the notion of an economic recovery occurring late this year, implying a higher demand for power and thus a rebound in the utility sector as a whole.

"If investors can lock in a 7.5% yield through this senior debt holder of major global utilities, then you can rest assured that the monthly dividend, which was raised this month, is secure.

"Health-care stocks have been volatile of late, as the prospects for significant healthcare reform are impacting the group," notes Chuck Carlson.

In The DRIP Investor, he explains, "Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has not been immune to the weakness. And while these shares could remain under pressure in the short run, the company's prospects are significantly brighter than the typical health-care stock."

"First, Johnson & Johnson's diversified business portfolio, which includes pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and consumer products, should help to smooth out results and cushion declines in any one area.

"Throughout the credit crisis, we've focused on Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: KMP) -- and we've not been disappointed," says Keith Fitz-Gerald in The Money Map Report.

"With the economy in the toilet and prices in the hopper, the notion of going 'long' energy right now might seem like a move that will lower our portfolio returns over the long haul. Not true. In fact, now's precisely the time that you want to establish or add to an energy position.

"Energy is not only an ideal hedge against rough markets, but more importantly, as I have noted repeatedly in recent months, one of the most concentrated upside opportunities available today.

This post is part of a 12-article feature that can be read here: Today's best income ideas.

"Some types of bonds have rarely looked as appealing as they do now compared with other income alternatives," says Philip Springer. In Leeb's Income Performance Letter, the advisor looks at three favorite fixed-income funds -- one invested in mortgages, one in corporates and one in municipal bonds.

"Our top pick among fixed-income funds now is U.S. government-guaranteed, mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by government agencies.

This post is part of a 12-article feature that can be read here: Today's best income ideas.

"The markets are littered with compelling buying opportunities that may be the best we see in a generation," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

In The Money Map Report, he looks at a trio of income ETFs -- one focused on Treasury inflation protected securities, one invested in muni bonds, and one that buys high yield corporates.

"We are holding three positions in our portfolio which we believe can be bought with new money. First, we suggest iShares Lehman TIPS Bond ETF (NYSE: TIP). The 10 year TIPS' yield is 2.23% versus 2.40% for 10 year Treasuries.