One of the concerns, for dividend investors, should be that European banks face restrictions on paying dividends. Indeed, the new rules might require that, instead of paying out money in dividends, European banks hoard the money to meet reserve requirements. (Bonuses for bank executives might be curbed, but banks can get around that by simply giving employees raises inorder to keep them happy — and from leaving.

In addition to the EU leaders restricting bank dividends in member states, some individual countries are looking at moving forward on their own. Reports from France indicate that restrictions might be placed on French banks separately. Bloomberg reports that some blame the high dividends paid out by French banks for their current capitalization issues — and the fact that the situation could become worse due to exposure to Greek debt and other sovereign debt:

The newspaper cited a person described as a financial specialist as saying that French banks wouldn’t be in their current situation had they not paid out so much in dividends over the last three years.

For dividend investors, this might mean that looking to foreign banks for dividends might not be the best option. Too much is happening in Europe right now, and too many people in charge are worried If dividend restrictions are put in place, it would mean that you could find your portfolio impacted in some cases. This will be an important issue to watch going forward, especially if you are concerned about what is likely to happen with your bank dividends from Europe.

However, in terms of dividends, the disappointing stock market performances of the past week actually provide some positive news: It’s easier to spot good dividend yields. Indeed, thanks to dropping stocks, the Wall Street Journal reports that about 25% of the S&P 500 pay dividend yields of more than 3%. Now is a great time to do a little bargain hunting for great deals on slow growers. Some of the possible choices for significant gains — when you include dividends reinvested — include:

• Chevron (CVX): Returns of almost 200% with dividends reinvested.
• Consolidated Edison (ED): Returns of about 128% with dividends reinvested.
• Altria (MO): Returns of more than 300% with dividends reinvested.

The Wall Street Journal points out that that these are gains over the last 10 years, and they have more than outpaced returns of the S&P 500 with dividends reinvested. The point is that now, with the stock market struggling, you can more easily spot higher yields — and pick the stocks up at bargains.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. Volatility is likely to continue, but there are ways to reduce your risk. Looking for solid dividend stocks can be one way to improve the chances that you avoid some of the worst of the issues related stock market volatility, and now might just be your chance.

1. Guide to DRIPing: You can grow your portfolio with the help of dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs). The Passive Income Earner shows you how to select the right DRIP for you, and get started.
2. The Credit Card Industry: Dividend Yields Worth Pursuing?: At Dividend Ninja, you can explore dividend yields from the credit card industry. This guest post from Michael Dolen takes a look at small yields in the industry, and what might happen in the future.
3. What Are You Buying?: Take a look at what Dividend Mantra has added to his portfolio, and consider what you might buy next. A great post on maximizing your money while stocks are on sale.
4. Who Is Your Money For?: Use this post from the Oblivious Investor to determine what you want to do with your money. Consider your priorities, and then figure out how to use your money to best effect.
5. Income unites versus accumulation units – what difference does it make?: As you consider what to do with your Unit Trust or OEIC, you might want to consider income class vs. accumulation class. Monevator gives you a great overview.
6. Harleysville Group Inc (HGIC) Dividend Stock Analysis: Is HGIC worth your money? Dividend Monk breaks it down. This post also provides a great template for analyzing other dividend stocks.
7. What is Refinancing?: Buy Like Buffett takes a look at refinancing, and how it can be used to help you save money in interest. You need to be careful, though, since not all refinancing is a good idea.

1. Walmart Beats Q2 Estimates but US Stores Still A Drag: The Dividend Pig points out that even though Walmart is beating estimates, things aren’t all that rosy in the U.S. Same store sales are falling, providing a drag — and indicating that Americans may not quite be up to going on a shopping spree again anytime soon.
2. Dividend Income – August 2011: Take a look at this portfolio analysis from The Passive Income Earner. It includes a look at the latest additions to the portfolio, and takes a look at how the income earned is increasing. A great example of income investing.
3. Pepsico (PEP) Dividend Stock Analysis: Matt at Dividend Monk provides the perfect template for performing your own stock analysis. While Matt looks at PEP, you can use his dividend stock analysis as a guide for your own holdings.
4. A plunge protection fund: Naughty, but nice: Over at Monevator, The Investor looks at the pros and cons of a plunge protection fund. Get the analysis of this type of investing style and figure out if it works for you.
5. Top Free Canadian Stock Screeners: If you are looking for Canadian dividend stocks, these top stock screeners can be a great help. Mike at The Dividend Guy takes some time to look at stock screeners, and how they work.
6. Wall Street Bailout: Too Big To Collect?: Dian at ValuWalk.com analyzes the Wall Street bailout of not to long ago — and how much is outstanding. It appears that firms raking in profits still owe the taxpayers money.
7. How The Government Can Help The Economic Recovery: Can the government help the economy? Mark at Buy Like Buffett thinks so. Here is his analysis of what needs to be done by government to stimulate a true economic recovery.

1. PetMed Express Dividend Stock Analysis: If you are looking for a way to analyze a specific choice, The Dividend Pig’s analysis of PetMed Express is a great blueprint. Take a look at how this analysis is accomplished, and use similar techniques in your own efforts.
2. Portfolio Update: Why I Sold Just Energy (JE): The Passive Income Earner offers some insight on why you might want to sell an investment. Follow the reasoning to figure out whether or not you should be selling your stocks.
3. Review of my Asset Allocation: Analyze your asset allocation with help from The Dividend Guy. He shows you how it’s done with a look at his own portfolio. A great guide for reviewing you portfolio.
4. Exchange Traded Notes and Certificates: The scary face of index trackers: You can learn more about exchange traded notes. A great analysis from Monevator regarding these investments.
5. More Funds Does Not Mean More Diversified: Oblivious Investor considered diversity, and the role funds play. More is not always better. A helpful look at how to decide on funds for your portfolio.
6. How to Build a $150,000 Portfolio by Age 30: Want to build your portfolio by age 30? Dividend Monk has some great insight into what you can do to reach your investing goals.
7. Opportunity?: Dividend Mantra takes a look at opportunity. A great analysis of opportunity, and finding items that might be on sale. There are always opportunities around us.

In times like these, it makes many investors jittery. If the U.S. does default, will the stock market crash? No matter what happens with the U.S. debt ceiling, though, economic recovery is still a long way away. In these troubled times, choosing dividend stocks might be a good idea. Here are 4 dividend stocks to consider as a U.S. default looms:

1. Novarits: NVS is a health care company. With an aging Baby Boomer population, this pharma and consumer health company offers regular dividend raises, stability, and a product that will always be needed — no matter the economic conditions. Plus, as an international company based in Switzerland, NVS isn’t entirely dependent on the U.S.
2. Johnson and Johnson: A stalwart dividend aristocrat, JNJ is known for its consumer health products. Like NVS, JNJ offers something that will always be needed. The company has strong financial fundamentals, and is likely to recover from any catastrophe that is brewing.
3. Exxon: If the U.S. really does begin defaulting on its obligations, the U.S. dollar will sink and commodity prices — like oil prices — will rise. Energy companies like XOM will be in a place to profit. Even if the U.S. doesn’t default, growing appetite for the world’s resources, especially from places like China and India, means that things are likely to remain positive for XOM.
4. Intel: With cloud computing becoming the next big thing, and with the growth of the tablet market, INTC is positioned to do well. Even with economic troubles in the U.S., there is likely to still be opportunity for INTC, a solid company that should do well as long as it moves with the times.

1. How To Start Dividend Investing With Little Money: Small funds? No problem! The Passive Income Earner can help you see how you can get started with a little money. You do have options; the important thing is to get started.
2. Susan P. Brunner Interview – Part 2: Dividend Ninja interviews an dividend investor with more than 40 years experience. Valuable insight into getting started, how to keep going and finding success. Make sure to read Part 1 as well!
3. How to choose the best index trackers #2: Costs: As you get started, you need to know how to pick the right investments. Monevator has a great multi-part tutorial going on. This post is about looking at the costs associated with index trackers.
4. What Is Your Biggest Financial Goal?: Before you can get started, you need to have a plan. Buy Like Buffett encourages you to consider what’s important to you, and prioritize your financial goals. That way, you can focus on what’s important.
5. Improve Your Trading By Using Moving Averages: The Dividend Guy explains how you can boost your success at trading with the help of moving averages. A primer on moving averages, and how to use them more effectively.
6. The Main Stages of a Bubble: As you get started, it can be tempting to chase whatever big thing is hot right now. But is it a bubble? Value Walk takes a look at the main stages of a bubble, and this post can help you avoid being caught up in one.
7. Why I Don’t Overweight Small Cap or Value Stocks: The Oblivious Investor helps you figure out your asset allocation. A look at overweighting, and being careful as you start out as an investor.

1. 5 Tech Titans Suitable for Every Income Investors Portfolio: The Dividend Pig offers a look at a few tech titans that can help you income portfolio. As you build your income portfolio, consider the options and think about adding these tech giants.
2. Top 20 Dividend Stocks – May 2011 Edition: The Passive Income Earner lists the top 20 dividend stocks. Arranged by technical screening and by yield, you can get a good look at some great investing ideas.
3. It’s Time To Buy Hewlett Packard: Buy Like Buffett thinks that now is the time to buy HP. An analysis of quarterly results and other factors is presented. Read the post, and see if you agree.
4. Novartis (NVS) Dividend Stock Analysis: Dividend Monk takes a look at Novartis. Do you agree that it is an attractive investment. Read through the analysis, and see if you think you want to add NVS to your portfolio.
5. Weekend reading: Grab those index-linked certificates: This great roundup from Monevator offers some investing ideas in the form of NS&I certificates. They might be just the thing you need.
6. Will Oil & Gas Stocks Rise Again?: Beating The Index takes a look at oil and gas stocks. Before you buy energy stocks, it’s a good idea to consider what you think will happen next. This analysis looks at the market, energy and what could be around the corner.
7. The College Education Bubble: The say that education is an investment. However, Expected Returns takes a look at this investment, and wonders about the education bubble. What happens when it bursts?

1. Budgeting Problems? Use a Credit Card: You can’t build an income portfolio if you don’t have the spare money in your budget. The College Investor helps you solve your budget problems with help from credit cards (used responsibly, of course).
2. The Usefulness of Asset Allocation: This is a slightly older post from Dividend Monk. However, it is very helpful for those who want to learn the “why” behind asset allocation. Learn how asset allocation can work for you.
3. How we rebalance the Slow and Steady portfolio: Once you have the asset allocation figured out, you might need to rebalance on occasion. Monevator points out that you need different strategies for different portfolios. This post is about the Slow and Steady portfolio.
4. How To Screen Dividend Stock Investments: Before you get started, it can help to have an idea of how to choose the best investments for you. The Passive Income Earner offers helpful advice and insights on choosing dividend stocks.
5. Price to Earnings Ratio: One of the most basic concepts in stock investing is price to earnings ratio. Realized Returns offers you a primer on P/E, and discusses the merits of this measure as it is used in picking stocks.
6. Using Bonds For Passive Income: If you are looking to move a little beyond dividends for income, you can consider bonds. Buy Like Buffett gives you an overview of bonds, and then tells you how to use them to cultivate income.
7. Gold and Inflation: One of the goals you should have when it comes to protecting your portfolio is keep track of inflation. Expected Returns offers an interesting — and helpful — look at the link between gold and inflation.

The safe dividend stock list.

The safe dividend list currently has 42 stocks listed on it, each of which has raised its dividend for 25 years or more. These stocks are also known as the dividend aristocrats. The dividend aristocrats list is published by the S&P website.

We’ve used those stocks to create our safe dividend list. We then and added key financial data like the dividend growth rate, payout ratio, income growth rank and industry rank. We’ve used those key dividend data points to rate each stock, giving additional weight to the fact that each of these stocks has been paying and raising it’s dividend for at least 25 years.

Most of the stocks listed have excellent payout ratios. But even stocks that have high payout ratios on this list could be considered as a solid dividend investment because of their excellent track record of raising their dividend. For those that like the high yields there are currently 5 stocks on this list that yield 5% or more.

Top Dividend members can access the safe dividend list here. If you are not a member but want to get access to this list you can sign up here: Top Dividend Stocks.