Fools were out and about this past week in an investing world jam-packed with actions and ideas. Here are three articles you might find useful as you decide how to invest your money.
The Case for Flexible Dividends
A consistent dividend payout is good for shareholders in the short term, but not always good for their companies in the long run. Investors understand that stocks are volatile, Fool analyst Morgan Housel wrote, but as he explained: "there's a unique standard when it comes to dividends. The market demands stability, and companies will jump through hoops to deliver." At AIG
Cal-Maine Foods
"Shareholders should embrace dividends that fluctuate with earnings," Morgan wrote. Read the article for more insight into the call for flexible dividends.
Kill the S&P 500
The S&P 500
So what's an investor to do? Tom says the key is focusing on absolute returns and that a great way to rack up those positive numbers over the years is by (1) buying shares at set, regular intervals and never wavering and (2) investing (and reinvesting) in solid, dividend-paying companies.
Read the article to see whether you agree with Tom's approach and to get more advice.
I'm Booting This Company From the World's Greatest Retirement Portfolio
There's more to investing than numbers. Fool analyst Brian Stoffel is selling Activision Blizzard
Stepping out into the real world, Brian wrote that Westport Innovations
Read the article and use the comments section on that page to weigh in on whether you think Brian did the right thing.
Want a little more help building a strong portfolio? Then check out the free Motley Fool report on "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich."