"We live in a networked world. And much of the backbone of that wired and increasingly wireless data/voice/video network is built on equipment produced by Cisco Systems (CSCO)," says Stephen Leeb.

The editor of Leeb's Income Performance Letter explains, "A colossus of the technology sector, it's the market leader in each of its business segments, including area networks, routing, switching, wireless LANs, web conferencing and digital video.

"How can you get the income and growth you need while keeping your risk down?" asks Philip Springer, noting "The two areas of the financial markets we would emphasize now are the stocks and bonds of financially strong companies with dominant global businesses."

The contributing editor to Stephen Leeb's Income Performance Letter explains,"In general, these companies offer the best values in both the stock and bond markets, in the wake of 2009's exuberance. And this category will hold up better than most when the markets undergo their long overdue price corrections.

"The completion of our nation's transition from analog to digital TV in June will allow the analog spectrum to become available for different uses," points out David Sandell.

Here, the contributing editor of Leeb's Income Performance Letter explains why AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) are poised to be the biggest beneficiaries among leading telecoms.

"Customers are increasingly seeking lower-cost services and delaying purchases of more costly equipment. But the companies are adapting, particularly through cost-cutting and strengthening their balance sheets by paying down and restructuring debt.

"AT&T and Verizon, the telecom industry leaders, were the big spenders for rights to the powerful analog signals when the FCC auctioned off much of the freed-up spectrum in early 2008.

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.

"Investors should be well rewarded in the coming years by buying with major U.S. defense companies at current prices," says Gregory Dorsey.

The contributing editor to Stephen Leeb's Income Performance Letter explains, "The U.S. has more than doubled our sales of armaments to foreign nations over the past three years. And regardless of who wins the election, we expect this to continue."

"We're adding one for growth and income to our portfolio now. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a premier defense contractor. It's best known for its fighter jets.

"For example, Lockheed is now developing the F-35, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, the replacement for the current generation of front-line fighters.

"But the company is actually engaged in four broad business areas, each of which should enjoy strong growth for years to come.

"Our portfolio has been notably light on pharmaceuticals and consumer products; we're rectifying that by buying Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)," says Gregory Dorsey in Leeb's Income Performance Letter.

"Getting a handle on exactly what the 122 year-old company markets is no easy task, given the broad scope of its product line-up. And to say that J&J has been a resounding success on the corporate
stage would be an understatement.

"Through its more than 250 operating businesses, the parent company lays claim to being, among other things: the world's premier consumer health company, the largest medical devices and diagnostics company, the third-largest biologics company and the sixth-largest pharmaceuticals company.

"While acquisitions have played an important role in making the company what it is today, J&J has also achieved these milestones through internal growth. It boasts 75 consecutive years of rising sales.