How to Invest in Yourself and Reap the Dividends

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Too often, when we think of investments that pay dividends, we think only of stocks. However, we sometimes forget that there is no investment that can pay dividends like an investment in yourself.

If you want to increase your earning power and improve your life, it makes sense to invest in yourself. Make sure you are putting time and money into your best asset – YOU.

Education

One of the best investments you can make in yourself is that of education. The more you learn, the better off you’ll be. The right education can continue to benefit you years in the future, paying dividends that can help you over time.

Before you rush off to pay a huge tuition bill, though, realize that a university education isn’t the only learning you can do. While a degree might be useful in some fields, it’s more important that you know how to learn. If what you need is knowledge to improve your situation, there are plenty of free and low-cost resources that can help.

Whether you learn how successful people operate, or whether you learn solid strategies for choosing dividend stocks likely to continue to pay out over time, your education can make a difference. Learn how money works, acquire marketable skills, and take the time to understand how to connect with others. You’ll be surprised at how the right education can provide you with new opportunities.

Health

Good health is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Without your health, your quality of life decreases, and you might even end up paying more money for health care needs (especially if you are American like I am). Staying in good health can save you money, as well as increase the chances that you have the physical and mental abilities to do what you want to do.

Your health is an amazing investment that pays dividends over time as your mind and body stay alert and capable. Your entire lifestyle can improve when you take care of your health.

Enjoyment

Don’t forget to invest time in things that you enjoy. One of the best ways to do this is to monetize a hobby. Not only can you do what you love, but you can make money doing it as well.

I recently became bogged down with my life and my career. While I still need to focus on my work, I realize that I can also do some of the things that I want to do. I have long wanted to write a book about professional blogging, Confessions of a Professional Blogger, and I finally did it. Not only did I enjoy the process, and not only am I excited about the result, but I also have the chance to earn money, since I plan to self-publish the book.

But you don’t have to see money as the end result when it comes to an investment in the things you enjoy. The dividends that come from spending time with your friends and family, reading a good book, or just taking the time recharge in whatever way works for you, aren’t always tangible. Sometimes, these dividends manifest in greater contentment and a higher quality of life.

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Invest in Yourself

The dividends you receive – whether they are monetary or intangible – should be about adding to your life. The right dividends can enhance your lifestyle. However, you have to be careful about the investments that you make.

Just as you carefully cultivate your dividend stock portfolio, don’t forget to cultivate investments in yourself. Not only will you enjoy life more, but you might also see financial benefits down the road.

Readers, what do you think? How do you invest in yourself?

Miranda is a freelance writer and professional blogger specializing in investments, entrepreneurship, and finances. She self-published her book, Confessions of a Professional Blogger.