In my previous article last week I tried to illustrate the point that one should start investing as soon as possible. This time I will try to prove that long-term investing and dividend reinvestment are important tools that would enable the shrewd dividend investor through good and bad times.

Microsoft is launching a new ad campaign featuring spots with Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates. Apple has benefited from tremendously successful ads slamming Vista as an inferior product. The fact remains that Microsoft still dominates the space and we think there stock has not benefited enough from it of late.

Credit crunch pinched residents of one Norfolk village have been taking advantage of an inventive means to save the pennies without cutting back on nights out. Thanks to the resourcefulness of their local pub, 'The Pigs', they can now barter fresh produce in return for pints of beer.

Interesting idea.

Although attractive for many reasons, mechanical investing strategies also have some inherent disadvantages over traditional research based investing. Here are 5 of the main ones.

several stock newsletters are recommending E-House due to its large market share in real estate brokerage.

M&T Bank Corporation operates as the holding company for M&T Bank and M&T Bank, National Association, which provides commercial and retail banking services. Linked here is a detailed stock analysis of MTB and commentary.

Proctor and Gamble reported a great quarter for their fiscal 4Q. We have downgraded them to a Hold as the price has seen some recent appreciation, but we believe there is value in managements aggressive efforts to continue to grow.

In a previous post I spelled out, why I am buying healthcare stocks for an Obama presidency. In that post I promised to provide three stocks that would benefit from this fact. The first is Aetna Inc. For more details go to CapitalistCow.com

The closure of the down gap on the 60 minut chart has failed. $495 is noe the resistance and prices are now in a short term down trend. Prices have already printed 3 consecutive down closes. Support at $460-465. I would not be a buyer here but rather wait to see if the support holds.

Air Products and Chemicals Inc. produces industrial gases and specialty and intermediate chemicals and also has interests in environmental and energy-related businesses. Linked here is a detailed stock analysis of MTB and commentary.

One problem with Value Investing is that sometimes in trying to determine when to buy a Stock, an investor will try to wait too long, and miss an opportunity. On July 3, 2008, I posted on The DIV-Net on a company called Barrett Business Services (BBSI).

This week I have another idea from the government that scares the hell out of me.

Many of us including myself have decided to raise cash during these volatile markets. I have put together a few pointers for the best cash management. For more details, go to CapitalistCow.com

These are the days that value and dividend investors long for. There have been times in the past where I struggled to find stocks worthy of purchasing. Now, the challenge is to pick the best available stocks that will maximize my chances of future success.

Walgreen Co is the largest U.S. retail drug chain in terms of revenues. It sells prescription and non-prescription drugs, beauty care, personal care, household items, candy, photofinishing, greeting cards, seasonal items and convenience foods. Linked here is a detailed stock analysis and commentary.