One of the routes where the author walks the institution is in the process of changing its walkway again. Originally, the institution had no walkway, but for walkers it was easier to walk across the lawn as a shortcut, which meant a well worn path was soon to be seen. Next the institution installed paving stones – the big square type and although a few cracked and had to be reset, the stones held up well. For the past few weeks a new brick walkway is being installed. There are a number of advantages of the brick walkway including decorative, as well as the theory is the bricks would not cause as much a runoff when it rains or they are more environmental sound. The disadvantage is cleaning the walkway is more of a chore and when the bricks become uneven after a few years, extra work has to be done to reset the bricks. The answer to which is the best one is it depends.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, it also depends on what result you wish. It is possible to buy some dividend paying stocks and double your money, most years that will not happen. The reason why it is possible is the entire market or industry has to fall in price because of outside forces, if you bought and held, the best companies including the profitable dividend ones would move back to where they were before and increase. If you want long term value for your money – the collecting of the dividends plus the capital gains will increase your investment. The dividends ensure the company is not too reckless, it ensures profits remain and in many stock market cycles – sustaining profitable companies should be worth more than companies trading on a lot of hope.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.