* D4L-PreScreen.xls Model - August 2009 Update

The D4L-PreScreen.xls model continues to be the most downloaded and used model in my toolbox. I have just completed an update on it. This update includes some minor tweaks and updates on interest rates used in the model. The changes are described below:

* Updated D4L-PreScreen.xls Model

By far, my most used and most downloaded model is the D4L-PreScreen.xls model. I have just completed an update on it. This update includes the normal year-end changes, plus some rework on the Projected Information section. The changes are described below:

* Dividend Investing vs. S&P Index Fund

Part of my kids' college fund is invested in Vanguard's S&P 500 Index Fund (VFINX). When I opened the October statement, I was mildly surprised to see the net asset value had fell below the September 1997 level when the account was first opened. Over the year I have become somewhat disenchanted with mutual funds, ETFs and CEFs due to their recent poor performance relative to my dividend investments.

* You Can't Beat the Herd by Following the Herd

"You can't beat the herd by following the herd." If you have read this blog for any period of time you have likely seen me use the above statement.

* New Tool For The Toolbox

Jake at The Dividend Investing Blog has coded a New Dividend Tool. Jake described it as such: