The Dividend Growth Portfolio To Grow Old With - Update III: Is It Time To Stock Up On Cash?

It is time for another update to "The Dividend Portfolio To Grow Old With." Dividends are coming in and while small at the moment, I know that they will grow in time. This update includes a look at transactions made since the last update, and a recap of any dividend raises. I will also detail my view of the current investing landscape, and why I believe now is a good time to build up some cash. For those that are new to this series - welcome! My initial portfolio post, and most recent update can be found at the bullet point links below:
Portfolio (original) Update II As of now, the "Dividend Growth Portfolio To Grow Old With" is as follows:

Keep the divies comin'
Income Update
While still in the very infancy of my journey, I am seeing progress as my dividends slowly begin to build up. My annual dividends totaled just $140.22 back in November of 2016 when I gave my very first update. Now, just four months later, the portfolio has already worked its way up to $331.69 in annual dividends. While I am a long ways off from the type of annual income I desire ($100K+), seeing the progress is very motivating.
Dividend Raises
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) increased its dividend 1.9%. The increase was lower than investors had likely hoped for, but it was the responsible thing to do as Abbott Labs had to digest its blockbuster addition of St. Jude Medical (NYSE: STJ), and potential acquisition of medical diagnostic products maker Alere Inc.... Read more