Investors often see dividend stocks as a way to earn passive income in the near term, but there's an even bigger advantage of owning dividend stocks: Dividends are one of the best ways to build wealth in the long run, especially if you invest in dividend-growth stocks. Over time, top stocks that pay regular and growing dividends can build you a fortune. You should just know when and what stocks to buy. If you have $5,000 today, buying the following three dividend stocks, which also offer high yields, is a great place to start.

While some dividend stocks in the energy patch boast an impeccable dividend history, the same can't be said for Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET). The midstream oil and gas giant, however, is making all the right moves to grow its dividends and support its sky-high yield of 9.4%.

Energy Transfer's dividend cut in 2020 didn't sit well with investors. It was, however, not the only oil and gas company to cut dividends during that exceptionally challenging phase for the sector. More importantly, Energy Transfer wanted to take care of debt first, and it was the right decision.

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Source Fool.com