Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

Farran Powell is the managing editor of investing at Forbes Advisor. She was previously the assistant managing editor of investing at U.S. News & World Report. Her work has appeared in numerous ...

Chris Davis is a Managing Editor on the Investing team. As a writer, he covered the stock market, investing strategies and investment accounts, and as a spokesperson, he appeared on NBC Bay Area and ...

Most U.S. companies pay quarterly dividends, although some REITs can pay monthly. To receive a dividend, you must own the stock before the ex-dividend date. Dividends are mainly paid in cash directly ...