Dividends can significantly boost your total investment return, especially when you reinvest dividends. However, a high yield can also be a warning sign, as companies that pay out too much cash may not have enough left for growth investments.
Look for companies with consistent earnings growth and a record of increasing their dividends, as well as stable dividend payout ratios. Also, consider investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that hold a collection of dividend stocks for instant diversification.