15 Ways to Invest Royally and Reap Dividends

There is a lot to like about investing in the stock market, beginning with the fact that it's been a reliable builder of wealth for millions of Americans for generations, far more so than simply putting your savings in a savings account.

Plus, you don't have to settle for simply putting your money into stocks, waiting for their share price to grow, and then selling to reap the profits. Stocks that pay dividends not only tend to outperform the greater market over time but also provide a flow of passive income that greatly boosts the total return from your investment if you reinvest the dividends and enjoy the magic of compounding.

A great place to look for reliable dividend payers is among the royalty: Dividend Aristocrats and Dividend Kings. These are companies that have raised their dividends at least once annually for 25 and 50 years, respectively.

There are about 6,300 stocks on the Nasdaq Stock Market and New York Stock Exchange combined. Of them, about 40% are currently paying dividends. And of that group, there are 65 Dividend Aristocrats; 44 of those are also Dividend Kings.

Here is a look at 15 of them that could help build your nest egg now and for years to come.

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