49-Year-Old Small Business Owner With $1.16M Portfolio Hits $1,000 Weekly In Dividends – 'Early Retirement Is My Goal, Here's How I Did It'

Investing has long been the foundation for wealth-building and for many, dividend investing is a proven, true way to financial independence.

With the power of strategic portfolio allocation and compounding, dividend-focused stocks can offer a reliable income stream, allowing investors to increase their wealth in the long run and even retire early.

The key to success in this sector lies in a disciplined approach, such as living within your means, reinvesting the dividends and keeping your portfolio diversified enough to balance risk and reward.

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Enter the investing journey of a 49-year-old small business owner who has mastered this approach. With a $1.1 million portfolio generating $1,000 weekly in dividends, he is on the right path toward early retirement.

“I work A LOT of hours, but I always keep the goal of early retirement in mind. I am 49 years old now and ideally, should be completely retired by the end of 2025. I remember my mom once saying that my father never had the opportunity to enjoy retirement (he passed away) – that really stuck with me. So if I can get out early and have a comfortable life, sign me up,” he wrote.

Over the past 15 years, the investor has built his portfolio of 85 stocks, ETFs and funds, with a focus on income generation. His strategy is methodical: He invests through DRIP, adding around $5,000 monthly to his investments.

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The 49-year-old’s $1.1 million portfolio is a carefully picked mix of dividend-focused ETFs and individual stocks, each chosen for its proficiency to generate regular income. His portfolio currently yields 5.20% and is built to provide a buffer against volatility and ensure he doesn’t need to touch the principal during retirement.

Let’s dive deeper into his portfolio, exploring all his stocks and ETFs, and why many investors pick them.

$1.1 Million Investor With $1,000 Monthly in Dividends’ Top 8 Stocks and ETFs

Verizon Communications Inc.

With current dividend yields of around 6.5%, Verizon VZ is a telecommunication titan known for its steady dividend payouts. Investors are charmed by the company’s high yield and stability, making it a must-have for many in their portfolios.

Altria Group Inc. 

Giant tobacco company Altria MO has a dividend yield of 8.5% at the moment. MO has a history of growing dividends and producing a strong cash flow. Its high yield is attractive to investors looking for reliable income from dividends.

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Coca-Cola Company

Coca-Cola KO is a basic example of a Dividend Lord, having grown its dividend for more than 60 years. With a current yield of 3.0%, KO benefits from brand loyalty, a diversified product portfolio and pricing power. KO is valued for its stability, recession-proof business model and continuous growth.

PepsiCo Inc.

With a current dividend yield of 2.8%, PepsiCo PEP is, like KO, a Dividend Aristocrat, with a powerful track record of dividend growth. PEP has a diversified product portfolio as well, which includes beverages and snacks and offers stability against financial downturns. Investors love its ability to generate steady returns.

JP Morgan Equity Premium Income ETF

Popular JP Morgan Equity Premium Income ETF JEPI was created to offer high monthly income through a mix of option strategies and equity investments, JEPI boasts a dividend yield of 7.5% at the moment. The fund focuses on low-volatility stocks and produces income by selling covered calls.

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DNP Select Income Fund

DNP Select Income Fund DNP is a closed-end fund that invests in infrastructure companies and utilities and has a current dividend yield of 7.0%. CEFs like DNP frequently trade at a bargain to their net asset value, offering an added layer of value for income-focused investors.

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF

With a dividend yield of around 3.5%, Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF SCHD is a low-cost ETF that follows the performance of high-quality U.S. dividend-focused stocks. Because of its capital appreciation potential and income balance, the fund is a favorite among investors who go for long-term gains.

You Can Profit From Real Estate Without Being A Landlord

Real estate is a great way to diversify your portfolio and earn high returns, but it can also be a big hassle. Luckily, there are other ways to tap into the power of real estate without owning property. Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund’s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%*, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, this one has a minimum investment of only $100. 

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