Dividends & Desperation: A Little Income, Honestly

Right, so, let’s talk about income. Not my income, obviously. I’m a writer. That’s…complicated. We’re talking about your income. The kind that comes from dividends. Because let’s be honest, relying on actual work is… exhausting. And a bit embarrassing. Finding stocks that actually pay out, and don’t just vanish into the ether like my last relationship, is the challenge. Everyone’s chasing yield, and frankly, it feels a bit desperate. Like a financial mid-life crisis.

You see a lot of REITs and BDCs promising the world, but they’re sensitive little snowflakes, aren’t they? One wrong economic breeze and poof! Your dividend’s gone. And the double-digit yields? Red flag, darling. Massive red flag. It usually means the stock price has already taken a nosedive, and you’re basically catching a falling knife. Not a good look. So, we need sustainable. Boring, reliable, doesn’t-make-you-insomniac sustainable.

I’ve been poking around, and I’ve found a couple that… well, they don’t completely fill me with dread. Which, in this market, is a win.

1. Western Union

Western Union. Honestly, the name sounds like a Wild West poker game. They’ve been around since 1851, sending telegrams and, now, money. It’s a bit like watching your grandparents try TikTok – a valiant effort, but things change. Fintech and blockchain are eating their lunch, which, let’s face it, is a little poetic justice.

But they’re pivoting. “Digital first,” they call it. Which basically means they’re desperately trying to look relevant. And it seems to be working. Their digital services revenue jumped 15% last quarter. A 72% jump in operating income? That’s…unexpected. They’ve managed to claw back some cash flow – $544 million last year, up from $406 million. Not exactly a fortune, but enough to keep the lights on. They’re predicting modest growth in 2026, which, in this climate, feels like a miracle.

They’re paying a dividend of $0.235, a yield of 9.66%. It’s seriously high. They haven’t raised it in five years, which is a bit… stagnant. But they haven’t cut it, either. Which, after the last few years, is practically a triumph. It’s a bit like my ex – consistently underwhelming, but at least he didn’t actively sabotage my life. There’s a chance this dividend could move up. A small chance. But a chance nonetheless.

2. HP Inc.

HP. Printers and computers. Thrilling, I know. But they’re actually doing okay. They’re paying a dividend of $0.30 per share, a yield of 6.39%. It’s not as eye-watering as Western Union, but it feels…safer. Like investing in a sensible cardigan. They’ve been raising their dividend for 15 years. Fifteen! That’s commitment. That’s a level of stability I haven’t seen since… well, ever.

Their payout ratio is only 36%. Which means they’re not stretching themselves too thin. They’ve got plenty of wiggle room. They anticipate $2.8 to $3 billion in free cash flow in 2026, which is…solid. Very solid. And they’re planning to cut expenses by $1 billion by 2028. Always a good sign. Plus, they’re banking on a new cycle of PC purchases and some growth in their AI computers. Which, honestly, sounds terrifying, but potentially lucrative.

And the stock is dirt cheap – trading at 7 times earnings. It’s practically begging to be bought. It’s like finding a perfectly good handbag on the street. You know you shouldn’t, but… you can’t resist.

So, there you have it. Two options for those of us who are desperately seeking a little extra income. They’re not perfect. Nothing ever is. But they might just keep you afloat. Or at least prevent you from having a complete financial meltdown. And honestly, in this world, that’s a win.

2026-03-15 14:24

1. Western Union

2. HP Inc.

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