The key to dividend play is build over long time and reinvest them until the day finally comes you’ll need the income. I’ve got a bunch the current yield is not that high currently but they regularly boost them above inflation and the $ amounts are piling up. Plus’s the reason yields are down is due to great appreciation in stock price. I just look at it as the income is for me and appreciation is for my heirs who some day will wash away the taxes with a step up in basis.
Life is grand! I have a working kitchen fridge again and ice for my Old Fashioneds