Most people seem to be stressed about something these days, which isn't fun.
Money and investments can be leading causes of stress, so if that sounds like you then it could be an idea to go for ASX shares that are less stressful.
I don't think I could ever be truly comfortable owning bank shares like Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ), banks are usually some of the worst hit in a recession.
I would prefer to own shares that can be dependable in all economic conditions, particularly with their dividend payments, and have long-term growth runways such as these two:
Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW)
Brickworks is one of Australia's largest building products businesses. In its half-year financial result announcement today, the company reminded investors that it has grown or maintained its dividend every year since 1976, which is 43 years since the last dividend decrease. That is great reliability.
Its diversification strategy of building products, owning property and having a large stake of Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) means it could continue to be a good diversified option.
The recent expansion into the USA provides an excellent alternative growth avenue for the business.
Its Soul Patts holding is worth Brickworks' entire market capitalisation, meaning you get the rest of Brickworks' business essentially for free.
It currently has a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.3%.
Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)
Rural Funds is real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and leases farmland to high-quality tenants such as Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) and Select Harvests Ltd (ASX: SHV).
Farmland has been a great asset to own for hundreds of years and I imagine it will continue to be good for the rest of our lifetimes.
I believe Rural Funds can be a good stress-free investment because it has an objective of increasing its distribution by 4% each year. This comfortably beats inflation and should be uncorrelated to the economy because price increases are built into the rental contracts – linked either to CPI or a 2.5% fixed increase.
It comes with a starting distribution yield of 4.5%.
Foolish takeaway
I believe both of these businesses can provide stress-free investing with a growing dividend. At the current prices I think Brickworks looks better value, but I'd be very happy to buy shares of either of these quality businesses and hold for many years to come.
