I'll be honest... the key to earning a lasting (and growing) stream of income isn't rocket science. I'd venture that you already know about this trick. But it's my experience that while most investors know how to create lasting dividend income, few actually follow through to make it a reality.

I think history could be about to repeat itself. In the downturn earlier in the decade, dividend increases waned, only to spread like wildfire in the years after. That's exactly the situation setting up in today's market.

We recently sat down with Amy Calistri -- editor of StreetAuthority's newest publication, The Daily Paycheck -- to get her thoughts on the market.

I don't have to tell you how smart a focus on income investing can be. But you may not understand just how profitable it is over the long run. As you'll see, having a little patience -- and finding the right stocks -- can turn even small chunks of cash into a goose that lays golden eggs every single day.

Gold is continuing to attract investors like moths to a flame. But just how safe is this "safe haven" now that prices have ratcheted to record highs?

Many investors are trying protect themselves against a falling U.S. dollar, but buying into high-priced commodities might have them looking for love in all the wrong places. Recent history provides ample lessons in the ferocious downside risk of commodities. Luckily, there are far safer and potentially more profitable ways for investors to protect their portfolios from U.S. currency risk.

Last year's shortages appear poised to make a comeback, driving up prices of one of the world's most important staple foods.

Casinos used to pay dividends, but that trend ended about the time Sammy, Dean, Joey and Frank left town. But now, one serious Vegas contender is just about to deliver a year-end dividend jackpot.

Bargains were plentiful back in March; everything seemed priced for a collapse. Investors who bought near the bottom captured hefty gains as sectors rebounded with a vengeance. But we haven't seen the last of the rebound plays. There's still time to catch this one last sector bounce.

Last year, you could find junk bonds with 20%-plus yields. Locating a double-digit yielding REIT wasn't a problem back in March, either. The yields on these income investments have since dropped. But there is still one investment out there that has your double-digit income needs covered.

Investors who used this simple strategy made +9.4% in one week. Not just once, either: It happened 11 times last year. And it's going to keep happening.