Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Dividend Aristocrats

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Dividend Aristocrats are companies in the S&P 500 index that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.

These companies are known for their stability, reliability, and commitment to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividend growth.

Key Characteristics

• Must be a member of the S&P 500.
• Must have increased annual dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.
• Tend to be large-cap, established companies.
• Typically have resilient business models and strong cash flows, supporting their ability to maintain and grow dividends.

Current List and Top Yielders as of July 2025:

There are 69 Dividend Aristocrats as of July 2025, spanning sectors such as health care, consumer staples, financials, and industrials.

The top 7 by current dividend yield are:

There are currently 69 dividend aristocrats. Some notable names include:

• Procter & Gamble (PG)
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
• Coca-Cola (KO)
• PepsiCo (PEP)
• McDonald’s (MCD)
• Chevron (CVX)
• Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

Why Invest in Dividend Aristocrats?

• Reliability: These companies have proven resilient through various economic cycles.
• Growing Income: Dividends have historically risen each year, often outpacing inflation.
• Potential Outperformance: Historically, dividend aristocrats as a group have delivered attractive long-term returns compared to the broader market.

Terminology

• Dividend Kings: Companies that have increased dividends for at least 50 years; a subset of aristocrats but even rarer.

Final Notes

Dividend aristocrats offer a compelling blend of income stability, financial strength, and long-term growth potential for investors focused on dividends and reliability.

Source:  https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/10-best-dividend-aristocrats-buy-now

Personal Vision Statement

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“To empower people to achieve their dreams.” — Oprah Winfrey

A personal vision statement is a clear and inspiring declaration of what you aspire to be, do, or achieve in life. For example:

“We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why even be here?” ~ Steve Jobs

Personal visions are aspirational, specific, value-driven, and personal. They should be written in the present tense, highlight positive aspirations, evoke emotion, and provide a vivid picture of the kind of person you want to be or the difference you want to make in the world.

“A world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life.” – Bill Gates

A well-written statement contains different aspects of your life, both personal and professional, spiritual and day-by-day oriented. Reminding yourself of your statement will help you live a more balanced and meaningful life.

Source: https://www.betterup.com/blog/create-a-personal-vision-statement

Big Hairy Audacious Goals

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“Whose lives do I want to change, and how many?”

A big audacious goal (often called a BHAG: Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is a long-term, bold, and inspiring objective that challenges you to achieve something transformative—often over decades.

Key aspects of a BHAG:

• It’s clear, specific, and highly ambitious, aiming for breakthrough outcomes rather than incremental improvements.
• It’s meant to energize and unite people, often becoming a rallying cry that shapes strategy, inspires innovation, and endures far longer than typical annual goals.
• It’s typically so ambitious that it feels almost unattainable, yet with focus and commitment, potentially achievable.

Some BHAG examples:

  • Put a man on the moon by EOY 1969
  • Win the most gold medals in the next Olympics
  • Be the most-read website in the US
  • Record a number 1 single
  • Cure leukemia
  • Reduce humanity’s carbon emissions to net zero

A BHAG is about daring to think and dream big, inspiring those around you, and pursuing a goal that pushes you far beyond your current limits.

Seize Big Opportunities!

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“Big opportunities in life have to be seized. We don’t do very many things, but when we get the chance to do something that’s right and big, we’ve got to do it.” — Warren Buffett

“Seize the day” means to make the most of the present moment and take advantage of big opportunities as they arise, rather than delaying or hesitating. The phrase encourages you to live life fully and not put off actions or experiences.

“Seize the day” can mean living intentionally and wisely, actively stewarding the time given with purpose and reverence, making the most of every opportunity to do good and honor higher principles.

  1. Encouraging someone to take action:
    • “You’ve been thinking about traveling for years. Seize the day and book that trip!”
  2. Motivating someone to embrace opportunities:
    • “Don’t wait for the perfect moment—seize the day and follow your passion!”
  3. Inspiring someone to live fully:
    • “Life is short, so seize the day and enjoy every moment.”
  4. In a graduation speech:
    • “As you move forward in life, remember to seize the day and make the most of every opportunity.”

“Seize the day” urges people to live in the moment, embrace opportunities, and act without procrastination.

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty can often create big opportunities for growth, innovation, and transformation. Th idea in essence means: “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”

Chaos is not merely something to survive; it can be a catalyst for positive change and big opportunity if approached with agility, vision, and a willingness to innovate.

Source:  https://7esl.com/seize-the-day/

Personal Energy Inventory

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A personal energy inventory is a self-assessment tool used to track and manage your physical, mental, and emotional energy levels. It helps you identify what activities, habits, or situations boost (“charge”) your energy and which ones drain it, promoting better health and preventing burnout.

Common Steps in a Personal Energy Inventory:

• Track Daily Energy: Journal or note your energy highs and lows each day.
• Identify Patterns: Look for themes in what energizes or drains you over a week.
• Score Energy Levels: Rate your energy (e.g., 1–5) in different areas such as physical health, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional well-being.
• Create an Action Plan: Use your findings to adjust habits, routines, or priorities for better health and energy management.

There are some activities that universally charge you up or deplete you. For example, most people are energized by quality time with family and friends or by reading a good book. On the other hand, universal energy drainers include overworking, overeating, drop much alcohol or taking drugs, states Dr. Eric Plasker, founder of The 100 Year Lifestyle.

He recommends making a list of foods, hobbies, habits and people in daily life. Then make a note of the things that either drain or increase energy throughout the day.

The list is a way to raise awareness about where energy is going and how to get it flowing positively by turning drainers into gainers.

Source:  https://the100yearlifestyle.com/your-personal-energy-inventory/

Being a Winner is About Mindset

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Winning happens once. Being a winner? That’s a decision you make every day.

Winning is not about the scoreboard — it’s about showing up, doing the work, being extremely disciplined, and building habits that last.

Winning is not about moments. Winning is a mindset.

Winning is a habit.
Winning is a commitment.
Winning is a lifestyle.

Winning is the difference between dreams and reality.

Mindset is what separates champions from contenders.

Championships don’t make champions.

How you work, how you prepare, how you live—your mindset—that’s what makes you a champion.

Champions aren’t built on motivation. They’re built on habits and mindset.

Success doesn’t come from what you do sometimes.
It comes from what you do all the time. Habits and mindset matter.

Eventually the contest ends. The standard and mindset doesn’t. Talent? That’s a gift. Effort? That’s a choice.

Gratitude and the Present Moment

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Gratitude is appreciating what you have. When you practice gratitude, you focus your attention on the present—on the people, experiences, and things that enrich your life at this very moment.

Not Worrying About the Future

Worrying about the future often stems from fear or uncertainty. Gratitude shifts your mindset away from what might go wrong to what is already good in your life. By recognizing and appreciating your current blessings, you reduce anxiety about what’s to come.

Not Stuck in the Past

Similarly, dwelling on the past—regrets, mistakes, or losses—can keep you from enjoying the present. Gratitude encourages you to let go of what you cannot change and to find value in the here and now.

The Power of Gratitude

– Reduces Stress: By focusing on the present, gratitude helps quiet the mind and reduces stress.
– Boosts Happiness: Regularly acknowledging what you’re thankful for increases overall happiness and satisfaction.
– Improves Relationships: Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds with others.

How to Practice

– Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
– Express thanks: Tell someone you appreciate them.
– Mindful moments: Take a few minutes each day to notice and savor the good things around you.

In summary:

Gratitude is about being fully present, appreciating what you have, and letting go of worries about the future or regrets about the past. It’s a powerful tool for living a happier, more peaceful life.

Excess Sugar Causes Chronic Inflammatory

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High sugar intake—especially added sugars and refined carbohydrates—is strongly linked to increased chronic inflammation in the body.

Consuming too much sugar can cause metabolic disturbances within your body. It can increase inflammatory mediators like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), shrinks the hippocampus, and lead to insulin resistance and low-grade chronic inflammation.

This chronic inflammation is associated with a higher risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune conditions.

Excessive sugar consumption—from sodas and candies, cookies or other baked goods, or seemingly healthier foods like yogurt and granola. promotes a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation that can harm multiple organ systems over time.

The average American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day, which is 57 pounds of added sugar consumption a year, far exceeding the recommended limits.

• Men: No more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day.
• Women: No more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) of added sugar per day.
• General Guideline: Less than 10% of daily calorie intake should come from added sugars.

Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. Plant foods also have high amounts of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and dairy foods contain protein and calcium.

Since your body digests these foods slowly, the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells. A high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

Reducing your added sugar and high fructose corn syrup intake is strongly recommended to lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health and well-being.

Source:  https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar

Health & Wellness, Building Wealth & Financial Freedom, and Gratitude!

Why No One Feels Rich

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High Earners Not Rich Yet (HENRY) – are individuals who feel like they are on a hamster wheel who are Income Rich, Asset Poor.

They are high earners, but do not feel wealthy

They suffer from lifestyle creep which is the common phenomenon of spending more money as you earn more.

Emotion shape their financial decisions and behaviors.