VYM

booobReviewer

At 80+, the priority should be capital preservation and income, not long-term growth. A few things to check on those Gabelli CEFs: 1. Expense ratios — Gabelli CEFs often run 1.5-3%+ ER. The Healthcare & Wellness Trust (GRX) is over 3%. That's insanely high for an income fund — it's eating into the distributions. 2. NAV vs market price — If the Utility fund (GAU) is trading at a 2x premium to NAV as someone noted, that's actually a decent time to sell. CEFs can trade at big premiums that revert. 3. NAV erosion — Over 9-12 years, if the NAV has been declining while distributions are paid out, that's effectively returning her own capital. If she needs the income, a better setup might be a simple mix of a short-term bond ETF (BSV or SHY for stability) and a dividend-focused equity ETF (SCHD or VYM) — total ER under 0.10%. Worth a discussion with a fee-only advisor given the tax implications of selling.

BraPaj2121

Im up 95%.. in that time Dow 120%, SP like 195% and nasdaq close to that. I started learning stocks at the start so it has been bumpy. But yeah I just moved all my stocks to VOO QQQm SCHG DIA VYM GLDm.. hopefully Ill improve

RemyVonLion

Dang you're lucky son, you can live anywhere that isn't crazy expensive then and not even work. I'm from California and I really miss it, but I wouldn't move back, at least to somewhere populated and thus expensive, unless I was making at least $100k/year, which you easily could. You just need to invest in enough dividend stocks/ETFs. Now obviously my favorite is CHPY, but I get downvoted every time I mention it, probably because people are scared of something too good to be true since the NAV keeps increasing while paying $.66 per share every week. So just to be safe you should diversify into other safe but high income ones like JEPI, JEPQ, QQQI, as well as safer ones like KBWY, DIV, SCHD, and VYM. After putting enough in those to get the desired income, the rest and future income can obviously can go into long term investments and options.

Mnguy58

You will still have a lot of tech. Maybe try RSP or VYM, or look elsewhere.

Opeth4Lyfe

Bearish on tech when it’s 35% of the S&P? 🧐 The counter ETF to less tech is the dividend value funds like SCHD or DGRO/VYM. Or you can go really crazy and do the Ex Mag 7 ETFs.

Bartholomew_Butkus

VTI ad VYM may be your answer.

Far_Lifeguard_5027

Companies that pay higher dividends tend to be  companies that are less volatile. Think consumer staples (Coca Cola), energy, healthcare, ect. If you compare draw down of VOO vs. a high dividend ETF like VYM, VYM has less of a drawdown which is better for people spending down their IRA in retirement than growth stocks would be.

idekl

Good luck getting a sound explanation out of any of these guys. I've been asking the same question for years 😅 The closest argument I have heard is that a dividend-based distribution strategy is more steady during retirement. However for someone not retired, most would say that the pure market performance of a regular index fund outweighs any of those benefits. VYM, a broad dividends etf, has far underformed VOO, a standard s&p500 index, over the last 10 years, including dividends.  I have two main issues with blue chip (dividend) strategies. First, the money isn't just free. It's cash that comes out of the corporation. While the whole point of a business is to turn initial capital into more cash. You're just regularly un-investing a chunk of capital. Of course they won't grow as much. Second, you pay tax on all dividend payouts. Even if you reinvest it, your earnings are being taxed the whole time you're investing it. Not to mention that whenever you retire and your salary comes from selling stock or dividends, if your income is below ~$65k, you don't even pay capital gains tax! Why wouldn't you just let your money grow tax free until you can take a huge chunk of it out tax free?? I was just going to write a second or two originally but the more I thought about it the dumber it got and here we are. Maybe I'm missing something. I'm inspired to do a proper bit of research now. But it really just seems like a strangely popular cult of bad investors.

machaus99

VYM

Jewbacca522

VYM (enough for about 2 months of emergency) And my wife has a high yield savings account with about 6 months worth.

skilliard7

You will owe a lot of taxes on the gains. My advice: - Sell only shares with high cost basis to minimize capital gains. - VOO is already highly exposed to these same tech companies, so consider buying a fund light on tech like VYM, VXUS.

_galaga_

Agreed with taplar that reading is the best thing you can do starting out. Learn the lingo, learn strategies, yada yada. Not a huge fan of VYM, either, but rather than tell you why it'll be better if you figure out why it's not favored as a core position for your age on your own. One thing I will say is that you might think about investments vs. savings vs emergency cash as different buckets with different strategies for each. Emergency cash is typically readily available, held outside of an IRA/401k, and often in a HYSA or a money market fund at a brokerage. Saving for a down payment on a house is a savings problem not an investment problem. Investments go down, possibly for years, so if that downside throws off your ability to buy a house that can really backfire and affect your whole family. So the down payment bucket is best treated more like the emergency cash bucket. The investment bucket is where you deploy your long term strategy and can take on market risk because you don't need the money for 30 years. That's a bit of a personalfinance slant on your situation.

taplar

Go to investor.gov and read as much as you can. Go to the r/personalfinance wiki as well. Over the long run VOO has drastically out performed VYM.

RatSludge

Hey all! I feel like I’m a bit late to the party, just turned 29 and my frontal lobe just caught up. I’ve had a 401(k) for 3.5 years 5% contribution with a 5% employer match. Currently making just under $49k with no major debts. I’ve started looking at investments more seriously with in the last year. I took what felt like a pretty big leap by investing $1,000 into VYM and eyeing smaller monthly dividend stokes (I think). I have no real reason at the moment to need any major increase in growth but I’ve been thinking about being a homeowner in the future while I’m still a young man. I think watching my 401k has me thinking it’d be nice to have something like that for potential emergencies or to just watch and maybe one day take some and get a little more fast and dangerous with if I ever felt like it. Just curious about any advise you with you had gotten at the beginning of your journey? Thanks all!

KemShafu

I took all my profits on Monday and am holding in SGOV until June and then reallocating in tranches starting in June. I am not timing the market, to be clear although it sounds like this. I follow Marc Chaikin and he forecasts a 65% chance of a bear market, he said it was going to happen in April and his timing might be off, but I do think we are headed into a bear market. As soon as we hit -10%, I am reallocating to SCHD, VYM, JEPI and VGSH. I don't trust anything right now.

Flayum

This might depend on your tax bracket then. For me, using something like DRGO/SCHD/VYM all lag versus a broad index fund (eg. VTI) when backtesting using my own tax bracket (~28% for qualified, ~48% for non). Broadly like 10.6% CAGR for VTI vs 9.75%, 9.1%, and 8.6% respectively for the others. And that's assuming I don't decide to liquidate in an advantageous (eg. low income) year or if moving to a lower tax state.

Careful-One5190

>I see SCHD + VYM and VOO + VTI recommended constantly Allegedly. Please show your examples. I actually haven't seen those recommendations, and if anyone did say that, they'd be shot down immediately. It's always SCHD **or** VYM, and VOO **or** VTI. Your statement is called a strawman. It's easy to prove that you're right and they're wrong, except that nobody actually recommends that. And no, I'm not going to visit your website.

Psychological-Ship85

VYM

SebbyNietz

I just moved from VTI/VXUS to VYM/VYMI yesterday in my retirement accounts. Not a perfect situation, but I'm not comfortable holding MAG7 right this second. VYM's single biggest holding is 6% Broadcom, which I think still mostly benefits from the AI craze as a pick-and-shovel seller. And at least I get some sweet, sweet dividends in the meantime.

InvisibleEar

I should have just bought VYM :<

BeginningFriendly338

this is the textbook definition of diworsification lol. VTI literally holds every single US stock that is inside VOO, VOOG, SCHD, VYM, and VIG. ur not covering more bases, ur just buying the exact same large cap companies wrapped in different packaging,personally i combined wth the private tech like vcx for exposure so you can just buy VTI and chill

EveryPassage

VOO and VTI are 90% the same. SCHD, VIG and VYM + VOOG sort of just mimics VOO when put together. 10% international equities is pretty low.

GiGiAGoGroove

Hey Y’all, what’s your current opinion on VYM, Kimberly Clark and ADP? Did quite a bit of reading and they seem like great options. They will go in the brokerages, but are their prices too high? I’m thinking to just jump in and lump it. Thanks!

HoneyBadger552

SPYM for broad market. FMTM for mometum. VYM if you want dividend growers

HoneyBadger552

rnmby went from up to down to up...and VYM has been up all day. fucking weird

HoneyBadger552

rheinmettal and VYM are up. makes sense

HoneyBadger552

gonna buy VYM then. Elon is too cheap to offer a dividend. big brain time

Bubbly-Ad1261

This makes sense and also scares the crap out of me. I don’t know what I should do with my portfolio. I don’t want to sell at a loss. I am a retiree with most of my investments in dividend funds like VOo, VYM, qqqi, Spyi, vymi etc.

No-Ant-4659

Bought AMZN, VYM, SCHD, and RKLB. But overall a pretty big loss today

Beetlejuice_hero

Both safe to average down, but get most of that 50k into the S&P and maybe a little into a dividend fund like SCHD or DGRO or VYM.

johnk317

VIG and VYM are buys now.

HeavySink3303

IMO (sure not an investment advice) now it is fine to accumulate some cash. If you have enough cash - may DCA to some relatively safe and low volatility ETFs like VYM+VYMI. I would avoid any risky 'growth'-oriented investments now.

mightylordredbeard

Just invest in VTI, VXUS, and maybe VYM or VOO (those are my 4). I do a 2:1 split on VTI and VXUS. For every 2 shares of VTI I have one share of VXUS and that covers US and foreign market funds. That’s where for me my return and I feel it’s a pretty safe investment. Just remember though anything you read on this sub isn’t advice, it’s just the ramblings of retards.

HeavySink3303

Any value or dividend focused like VTV, VYM, SPYD/SPYV, SCHD and so on.

skilliard7

You can invest in ETFs for indexes that generally avoid speculative companies, like VNQ(Real estate), VYM(Dividend fund), VIG(Dividend growth fund).

HeavySink3303

Be careful with instuments which can significantly erode capital such cas covered calls ETFs, CLO's and so on. IMO (sure not an investment advice) one of the safest combos which has pretty consistent yield and principal growth over long time is VYM + VYMI.

skilliard7

covered call ETFs are a bad investment. You are just eroding your principal to create fake "income". See Ben Felix's video on it. I'd say a combination of REITs and dividend stocks are the way to go. REITs are great, but it can be nice to have investments from other industies as well. VYM + VNQ could be good, maybe hold a bit of VEA as well for international stocks.

Different_Height_157

At your age, VYM + VYMI or other dividends based ETF to let drip until you need the income. Alternatively bonds.

PeakHelpful89

Annual bonus just hit. Where do I go to park some cash? JPIE? VYM? SCHD?

visagedemort

Portfolio 1: Value: IWVL (VTV) | **Dividend: VHYL (VYM)** | Growth IWQU (US: QUAL) - CNDX (US: QQQ) Portfolio 2 Value: IEVL (US: EFV) and ZPRV (US: VBR) | **Dividend: FUSD (US: SCHD)** | Growth: CNDX (US: QQQ) What do you think?

visagedemort

Hello everyone! Recently I turned 23 and I have decided that it is time to get myself into investing (could have earlier but I would say it is still early) as having money sitting on the bank that I do not use and inflation grows is not ideal. I have opened an account with IBKR and I live in Europe (and will also be travelling to a different country from where I currently live but still in Europe) and thus I do not have direct access to ETFs such as SP500 etc etc I will be investing around 3-4k for a start, and as much money as I can monthly, but at the start of the next year I will get access to around 12-15k more which will also be invested into my portfolio. I did a little bit of research and I have decided that I prefer not go with a single global broad market ETF as I would like to have a bit more control where I invest my money as the months/years come by. And thus by going through ETFs, different posts and videos collecting information I have decided to go with one of these portofolios: **Portfolio 1:** **Value: IWVL (VTV) | Dividend: VHYL (VYM) | Growth IWQU (US: QUAL) - CNDX (US: QQQ)** Portfolio 2 Value: IEVL (US: EFV) and ZPRV (US: VBR) | Dividend: FUSD (US: SCHD) | Growth: CNDX (US: QQQ) As I am not that experienced yet, I will be looking into your feedback and insights!

CoolBreezeBrew

It seems like you have a low risk tolerance. Have you considered a bond ladder. I am getting close to 5 % on 20 year zero coupons. You also might consider something more like VYM, SCHD, VYMI and TLT. I would keep at one years worth of living expense in cash and slowly invest as your tolerance allows. Maybe something like : 25% Cash 25% bond ladder 25% income stocks/etf. SCHD VYM VYMI 25% Growth VOO, SPY VTI

Reasonable-Desk3273

Most “defensive” ETFs look expensive because they’ve already been bid up as safety trades. On forums like Reddit, people usually rotate into things like lower-multiple dividend funds (DGRO, VYM) or equal-weight/value blends rather than classic staples-heavy ETFs. Personally, I’d stop trying to find a “cheap defensive ETF” and instead look for reasonable valuation + broad diversification — true defensiveness usually comes from allocation and entry price, not the ticker itself.

ShadesOutWest

I am 55 and have a 70-30 overall portfolio. We have about 60% in IRAs/401Ks and the 40% in brokerage accounts. Keep mutual funds and bond funds only in a IRA/401K. Individual stocks and ETFs are great in a brokerage account. ETFs keep it simple. Do not aim for the moon. Expect 7-10% returns. In a brokerage account you could own half in the $QQQ, but the other have in $VYM. Half growth and half value works for me. Best of luck

collegefootballfan69

No 75 percent of my portfolio is in VYM, VTDF’s, etc only 25 percent of portfolio in individual stocks in AI, SaaS, etc…therefore I am only 25 percent regarded

Some-Knee2922

I started putting money in VYM on 12-18-25 and it’s up 5.7% I started putting money in VT on 12-18-25 and it’s up 2.26%

Rockatansky77

Ego investing would imply that I'm buying to impress. VT VYM FTEC doesn't really stroke my ego.

Fit-Acanthaceae-5741

My exact setup with Fidelity CMA! I DCA weekly/biweekly into VOO/VEU/ONEQ/VYM + SGOV holds my Efund. Reinvest dividends. This account would be my first to be liquidated if I ever needed cash for anything like a big purchase, business opportunity, or partial retire hopefully 17-20 years out.

steady_compounder

With 8-10 years to retirement and a pension covering your base, you actually have more room to be a bit aggressive than most people in your situation. The pension is basically your bond allocation. The barbell idea (VT core + FTEC + VYM) makes sense in theory but you're kind of double-dipping on tech since VT already has heavy tech weighting. You'd end up pretty overweight there. If the goal is extra income by retirement, I'd lean more toward the VYM side. Dividend growth compounds nicely over 8-10 years and gives you something tangible to see each quarter. Could do 80/20 VT/VYM and keep it simple. The $142k projection at 9% is reasonable but remember that's nominal. After inflation it's more like 6-7% real return, so maybe $115-125k in today's dollars. Still solid for a supplement to your pension. Biggest thing is just staying consistent with the $8,600/year contributions. The returns will do their thing if you don't panic sell during a downturn.

BobtheChemist

Investing part of the cash will generate more future wealth, and you can always keep part in cash (SGOV, etc) for emergencies. If you put part into growth, like IVV, QQQ, SPY, IYM, etc, some into dividends like VIG, VYM, SCHD, or such, and then keep adding to it as you can. But you will earn 2000+ a year with any luck, and still have some cash for emergencies. But it will not ay the entire rent any time soon.

InvisibleEar

Brkb hugely underperforming VYM makes me say hmmm, I'm stupid

drcornwallis23

Blood everywhere on my screen cept for VYM

cultoftheclave

VYM if you want diversity in this HDY class but still tracking close to SPY in underlying gains.

Acrobatic-Song-3151

When will they recalibrate some of these funds to lessen concentration risk? VWO with 11% in TSM and VYM with nearly the same in Avgo isn’t my idea of diversification. I just keep selling both rotating more into vxus. 

ai_factcheck

TLDR Math first: $300/week for 4 years = **$62,400 contributed** With reasonable historical returns (~7–9% blended), you’d likely end up around $70k–$75k, not $100k $100k by Nov 2029? Very unlikely without: • Much higher contributions (≈ $400/week), or • Extremely high sustained returns (~24%/yr, unrealistic). Portfolio issues: • Overlap (VUG + VONG do the same thing; VNQ + REET overlap). • Too aggressive for a 4-year, must-have-cash goal (heavy equities, thematic risk). • Fine for long-term investing, not ideal for a car purchase timeline. • More realistic expectation: • $70k–$80k is a reasonable target at $300/week. • $100k requires either more savings or more time. Better approach for this goal: • Simplify (1 broad stock ETF + bonds). • Increase bonds/cash as 2029 approaches. • Prioritize capital preservation over growth. ⸻ Weekly ETF Investment Plan: Can It Reach $100K by November 2029? This plan assumes investing $300 per week starting in November 2025 and continuing for four years, or roughly 48 months, with no withdrawals and full dividend reinvestment. Over that period, total contributions would equal approximately $62,400. The portfolio is spread across eight ETFs covering U.S. growth stocks, high-dividend equities, emerging-market bonds, real estate, natural resources, and a thematic AI/technology fund. The weekly allocation breaks down to $50 each into VUG, VONG, VYM, and VWOB, and $25 each into ARTY, GNR, REET, and VNQ. This results in roughly two-thirds of the portfolio being equity-based, with the remainder split between bonds and real-asset exposures. Dividends are assumed to be reinvested, so all return estimates reflect total return rather than price appreciation alone. To project future outcomes, historical total returns for each ETF were reviewed and normalized to conservative forward assumptions rather than peak historical performance. ARTY has delivered roughly 11–12% annualized returns since inception but with high volatility, so a 10% forward assumption is used. VUG and VONG have produced long-term returns in the low-to-mid teens, but given concentration risk and market cycles, a 10% assumption for both is reasonable. VYM has historically returned about 9% annually when dividends are included. VWOB has produced lower but steadier returns in the 3–4% range historically, though current yields justify assuming closer to 5%. GNR has been cyclical, averaging under 5% long-term but higher in the last decade, so an 8% assumption is used. REET has returned roughly 4% long-term and VNQ around 6–7%, so forward assumptions of 5% and 6% respectively are used. When these assumptions are weighted by allocation size, the blended expected return for the entire portfolio comes out to approximately 8% per year. This is an optimistic but reasonable estimate based on long-run averages, not a forecast of guaranteed performance. Using that return assumption and weekly contributions, the projected portfolio value after one year would be roughly $16,200 on $15,600 contributed. After two years, contributions would total about $31,200 with a projected value near $33,800. After three years, contributions would reach approximately $46,800 with a projected value around $52,800. By November 2029, total contributions of $62,400 would be expected to grow to roughly $73,000 to $74,000, assuming steady markets and full dividend reinvestment. That result is materially short of the $100,000 target. To reach $100,000 in four years on $300 per week would require an average annual return of roughly 24% sustained for the entire period. That level of performance is far beyond historical norms for diversified ETF portfolios and would require unusually favorable market conditions every year. Alternatively, keeping the assumed 8% return and solving for contributions shows that weekly investments would need to increase to roughly $400 per week to reach $100,000 by November 2029. It is also important to recognize that even the $73,000 projection is not guaranteed. Markets over a four-year window can underperform historical averages, particularly for equity-heavy portfolios. While a strong bull market could improve outcomes, relying on exceptional returns introduces significant risk, especially when the funds are needed on a specific timeline. Because this is a four-year goal, such as saving for a car or other near-term purchase, the portfolio’s risk profile deserves scrutiny. The current allocation is diversified but aggressive for the timeframe. There is meaningful overlap between VUG and VONG, both of which target large-cap U.S. growth stocks. VNQ and REET both provide real estate exposure, which has been volatile and interest-rate-sensitive in recent years. Sector-specific funds like ARTY and GNR add volatility that may be appropriate for long-term investing but can work against a fixed-date goal. For a four-year horizon, a more balanced or simplified approach would typically improve reliability, even if it slightly reduces expected returns. Increasing exposure to high-quality bonds, short-term Treasuries, or a conservative allocation ETF would reduce downside risk as the target date approaches. Broad market equity funds can replace overlapping growth ETFs without sacrificing diversification, while limiting niche and thematic exposure reduces the chance of large drawdowns at the wrong time. In summary, investing $300 per week for four years is a strong savings habit, but under realistic assumptions it is unlikely to reach $100,000 by November 2029. A more defensible expectation is a final value in the $70,000 to $80,000 range. Reaching $100,000 would require higher contributions, a longer timeframe, or accepting substantially more risk with no guarantee of success. For short-term goals, preserving capital and reducing volatility often matters more than maximizing growth, and adjusting expectations or strategy early improves the odds of a successful outcome.

CornerOne238

Sure, took your run and changed it to 4% yearly withdrawal. Not sure why you used VYM, this is a very low yield fund, that I personally wouldn't hold in retirement. I would hold something that produces income like ARCC or MAIN. Here's the result of pure Total market vs 60 ARCC/40% bonds. https://testfol.io/?s=jOef5m7BOLF As you can see it easily beats the market and you never have to sell a single share except for rebalancing.

Cruian

>When stock pays dividends, its management strategically decides which part of the earnings and assets to use to pay out. There's a reason dividend stocks recover within days after ex-date: all of its income producing assets are untouched. Even with this, a dividend approach may not be the best even during withdrawal phases. Several months ago I ran a "test" on a few dividend funds (VYM and SCHD) compared to US total market (VTSMX) during the withdrawal phase ($500,000 initial value, $5,000 a month withdrawn, dividends reinvested). I've pulled those back up and now added a few additional models (two adjust the start date for my VYM test to match SCHD inception, plus one for each in a 60/40 stock to bond ratio). In all tests the dividend fund either was exhausted before the regular index or as of today doing worse than the index but both still going (often spending little, if any, time above the broader index). * No bonds, US total vs VYM (since VYM inception date): https://testfol.io/?s=egXkcaW4uyd - VYM fully depleted months before VTSMX * No bonds, US total vs VYM, adjusted to SCHD's inception date: https://testfol.io/?s=eREY7dkTXnF - both survive to this day, but VYM is worth far less than VTSMX * Same as bullet 2, but 60/40 stock/bond: https://testfol.io/?s=gh1QzwYfooG - VYM may not even finish the year unless it has massive gains * Same as 1, but using 60/40: https://testfol.io/?s=3QcRhLZfmwn - VYM depleted first again * VTSMX vs SCHD (limited to SCHD inception), no bonds: https://testfol.io/?s=a9RozZvpcQG - SCHD worth roughly 2/3rds of VTSMX * Same as bullet 5, but 60/40: https://testfol.io/?s=8C9h1vXaHLI VTSMX in much better position here as well

marioacastiello

Currently I’m mainly in VTI, VOO, VYM but I want to add an international fund like VXUS

Pale_Pineapple_4147

PHYS, SETM, SLV, QQQM, VYM. There’s tons of great options other than VOO. I’ve been investing in PHYS since 2018 and best decision I’ve ever made

Sunshibetempo

Thank you makes sense will look at SCHD and VYM.

mrtrentsd

VOO is for long term growth. If you are both retired, can you risk a big down year or years? VOO dropped 18% in 2022. It took VOO 19 months to recover from that. In 2008 it took VOO 65 months to recover from the Financial Crisis and when the Dotcom bubble burst in 2000, it took VOO 80 months to recover. Look at SCHD or VYM

slothfullyserene

Oh yes. Kept everything else and dropped fselx to 5% just the other day; shifted all that icing to int’l and div (IDV, FDVV, VYM). Life good.

Sea-Economics-9582

https://preview.redd.it/6s1v8ut0uz9g1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=968d183a336b7554cac8c45e8b2b09a7f6835775 Using decent etfs. VIG, SCHD, VYM, VOO, and BRK.B. Just been popping in some to each find every week and reinvesting dividends. Got tired of getting burned when I couldn’t be watching my portfolio at work or other stuff, so changed my strategy for a long term set it and forget it. To the left is when I was trying to be cool and catch trades and play cheap options, to the right is when I quit messing around and just forgot about it.

One_Jellyfish_3102

VYM pays dividends quarterly. In 2025, they have paid a total dividend of \~$3.5008, which when divided by the current share price, equals the yield of \~2.45%. SCHD also pays dividends quarterly, so you can do the math. The 30 day SEC yield number you often see is related to dividends, but represents the net investment income (interest and dividends from the fund's holdings, minus expenses) earned over the most recent 30-day period, annualized (projected as if that rate continued for a full year), and expressed as a percentage of the fund's current share price (or net asset value) at the end of that period. There are ETFs that pay monthly dividends, if that's your objective. You need to do your own research and choose the ones that meet your risk profile.

the_og_unchosen_one

I have two types of accounts. Accounts I can’t fully trade in because of tax implications (older investment non retirement) and accounts that I can fully trade in (retirement and newly opened where I can buy what I want with money we have left over after our spending). On the accounts I can fully trade in I am making 22%. I got a bit lucky with Nvidia but the rest is VYMI, VOO, Gold, silver, precious metals mining etf, VONE, VYM. Would have been even higher if I hadn’t put so much into bitcoin. The luck with Nvidia is balanced out by the losses in bitcoin so I call it a solid no luck 22% with a good mix of US and international ETFs and precious metals to hedge for inflation.

Livueta_Zakalwe

Have some diversity - own some dividend funds, some foreign funds (I like VYM and VYMI), some TLT and some gold.

EmergencyFair6786

Not the right place. Any S&P fund isn't bubble proof right now because the biggest bubble right now is also filled with 5/6 biggest market cap stocks in the world.  What you're looking for is VTV, VYM, or SCHD. When the bubble pops 100% VOO. 

OvenOdd1705

GOOG? If you had entered at any point during the year except like late Nov until now you made money on class C. That, BRKB and oddly enough VYM are holding my whole port up.

daviddjg0033

Why not sub VYM or VTV instead of having single sector risk. I like value here and you could buy a pullback in growth later.

Digital-Doc-777

Need more stock exposure as interest rates are dropping. Look at some VTI, VIG, VYM and GPIX to establish a dividend stream of income, and allow for some growth on at least half the overall portfolio. You have the money, need to get it working more tax efficiently.

Denny_Dust91

Rate my portfolio Hello, I'm not some stock expert like you guys but make decent money and been investing awhile... Rate my holdings, or tell me what you would change! I probably won't listen, but I'll take it into consideration. Total Portfolio: $771K~ (all approx. numbers) VOO: $455K VYM: $109K SGOV: $98K (Slowly shifting to stocks, DCA) NEE: $24K LMT: $23K PYPL: 21K TGT: 21K UPS: 20K ADBE: 20K

New-Parking-1610

SCHD SCHY SCHB all equal split DCA over 2 years would be my go if it has to be all stock 300k just my opinion not advice and those ETFs are not absolute and interchangeable VOO VYM VYMI or SPY DIA VEA and so on so forth

GaylrdFocker

FDVV, FDRR, VYM, VYMI, SCHD, DGRO...any can be used. Pick what you want. The "general consensus" is to keep it simple. Why have multiple funds when 1 is fine.

Mantissquirrle

For RMDs, safety is key. A bond-heavy portfolio (70-80%) with some equities is a solid foundation. Consider breaking this into: 1. Cash buffer: 1-2 years of distribution needs in money markets/HYSA/short-term CDs 2. Core portfolio: Bond ladder (individual bonds or ETFs like BND, SCHZ) plus quality dividend stocks or ETFs (VYM, SCHD) 3. Inflation protection: Small TIPS allocation and possibly I-bonds (annual limit applies) Since they have expenses covered by pensions/SS, this money can be more preservation-focused. Tax considerations are crucial - if they don't need all RMDs for expenses, consider Roth conversions or QCDs to charities to manage tax impact.

chut22

I created what I think is a safe and well diversified long term portfolio. Point out any flaws or oversights. || || |Asset|Percentage|Vehicle|Notes| |S&P 500|50%|$VOO|Ol' reliable| |High Dividend ETF|10%|$VYM|Value Stocks / Passive Income| |Developed Markets ETF|10%|$VEA|International Exposure| |Real Estate ETF|10%|$VNQ|Asset Diversification / Passive Income| |Gold ETF|5%|$GLD|Inflationary Hedge| |Bitcoin ETF|5%|$IBIT|Inflationary Hedge| |Speculation / Hedges|5%|Growth Stocks / $QQQ|Swing Trades / Hedges| |Cash / Bonds|5%|Cash / $BND|Cash & Cash Equivalents for buying opportunities| |Total|100%|||

chut22

I created what I think is a safe and well diversified long term portfolio. Point out any flaws or oversights. || || |Asset|Percentage|Vehicle|Notes| |S&P 500|50%|$VOO|Ol' reliable| |High Dividend ETF|10%|$VYM|Value Stocks / Passive Income| |Developed Markets ETF|10%|$VEA|International Exposure| |Real Estate ETF|10%|$VNQ|Asset Diversification / Passive Income| |Gold ETF|5%|$GLD|Inflationary Hedge| |Bitcoin ETF|5%|$IBIT|Inflationary Hedge| |Speculation / Hedges|5%|Growth Stocks / $QQQ|Swing Trades / Hedges| |Cash / Bonds|5%|Cash / $BND|Cash & Cash Equivalents for buying opportunities| |Total|100%|||

EmergencyFair6786

I'm switching a significant portion of my VOO holdings to VTV and VYM. I'm not going to collapse just because NVDA runs out of lotion and hands.

sidslidkid

Boring I know, but I’m going heavy in VTI, VXUS and VYM until day trading gets back to easy mode. I’m slowly turning into my dad.

HeavySink3303

If you are concerned of overvalued stocks, you may try RSP (equal weighted s&p 500) or some 'wide' value or dividend ETF like VTV or VYM (they won't include 'overpumped' stocks).

gnew18

#Your doing it wrong - You buy stocks with no intention of selling them until it’s plain stupid that you don’t, you traded on emotion. This move treated the stocks as a gamble, this isn’t a casino. - You had a gain, not a loss. - You will be taxed as ordinary income not long-term gains. - no one knows the future, but NVDA is not an AI play. It’s a chip and software company that is currently well run and has not had any major missteps. - AI has absolutely inflated the market beyond reason, but the entire market is inflated if the P/E is over 1:1 - The market is not a casino. Buy good companies like NVDA and hold. Buy more on the dips. - OR stay out of the market. - OR buy real dividend paying stocks like AMKBY or CVX and make your dividend money with less risk. - OR buy VYM and let the market makers do their thing. Still, I can’t say you are wrong for sure because I can’t predict the past or the future.

EmergencyFair6786

Definitely get a more diverse portfolio. But their holdings are a bit oddly weighted.  Part of me has considered a VYM/QQQ combo or similar. Something like 70/30.  One of my problems is that my 401k and HSA have very limited fund options. I essentially get a VOO, VTI, or QQQ option. Otherwise it's all targeted funds or bonds, etc. Very annoying. 

Digital-Doc-777

Combination of funds that pay dividends. Look at VYM, VIG, SCHD, and JEPI.

Digital-Doc-777

A dividend ETF such as VYM that pays quarterly, or JEPI that pays monthly.

Sea-Communication-98

I would divide among ETFs of different types to be exposed to the Tech Upside and track the S&P. 25% - SMH/SMHX - here's your NVIDIA, Broadcomm, etc. 25% - SKYY, FDN or similar - here's your tech and exposure to the big AI gains with more risk. 25% - VOO, VYM something with a larger # of holdings to help with diversification and other companies outside of Tech. VYM or similar will give ya some dividends too.

theduderino38

I’m not selling any of my weedstocks shares at these prices - but I did buy some of my fav divis this week - CCI , VYM and QQQI . If I’m ever able to recover my losses here %80 of funds will be re balanced into my divis. Cheers!!

RegularHistorical494

VYM and VYMI are more volatile than SCHD and SCHY.

BallsHardest

Bought a few hundred shares of that early this year and it's been the most dogshit thing I hold. yEaH bUt YoU dOnT hAvE tO sElL. I bought VYM at the same time and it's doing fine. Those baggies are fkn insane.

Wilecoyote84

I'm in a similar position and have been transitioning to VYM. It has little to no exposure to the Mag 7, little tech, long track record of good returns and dividend. Better diversified over SCHD. imo. Also recently bought VYMI for a little international exposure.

Key-Boat-7519

If you want to retire in three years and keep principal for your kid, start de‑risking now by building a 3–5 year income bucket and letting the rest stay in stocks. What’s worked for me: estimate the Roth’s annual discretionary need, then park 2 years in short T‑bills or a rolling ladder and the next 3 in short/intermediate Treasuries or a TIPS ladder. Keep the equity sleeve broad (S&P 500) and, if you want smoother cash flow, add a slice of VYM or SCHD, knowing they’re still equities. Automate dividends/coupons into cash, rebalance annually or at 5% bands, and spend from the cash/Treasury bucket during downturns so you’re not forced to sell stocks. I use Vanguard’s Target Retirement Income for a simple 30/70 mix and Fidelity’s Treasury ladder tool for 5‑year rungs; for a slice of guaranteed yield in the fixed bucket, gainbridge.io’s fixed annuities have been a set‑and‑forget option. Bottom line: secure 3–5 years of cash flows now, let the rest compound, and refill the cash bucket on good years.

sidslidkid

VYM is underrated

theTrueLodge

I would look an ETF of some kind. Someone here recommended a world market one to hedge against volatility in the U.S. or any country. You’ll need to do your homework. Something like this might give you minimal risk - • 50% bonds (core intermediate-term, e.g. BND or AGG) • 10% short-term bonds or CDs (for near-term income stability) • 20% dividend/value stocks (e.g. SCHD or VYM) • 10% total-market or global equities (e.g. VTI or VT) • 5% inflation-protected bonds (TIPS) (e.g. SCHP or VTIP) • 5% cash or money-market fund (for immediate liquidity)

bank_truth

Dividend ETFs can also quietly shape investor behavior. When people buy SCHD or VYM, they tend to hold longer and reinvest automatically. With individual stocks, there’s more temptation to sell when prices dip or chase the next hot name. The math might favor a handpicked list some years, but behavior often ruins that edge.

Laureles2

My portfolio is several million at this point, with most in Vanguard ETFs like VGT, VOO (SP500), VYM, VIG, and VFH. The individual stocks are generally purchased when they pull back for some extra juice. For example both GOOD and AAPL had a big pullback and I bought. I also bought UNH when it was around 275-280 (down almost 55%!!) for a while. Will see how they work out.

NYEDMD

Would suggest setting up a separate account for the $30K. Say your payment is due Oct 01 2027. Start by investing 50% to 75% (exact percentage depends on your risk tolerance) in an etf like VYM or VIG. Set a trailing stop loss at 15% to 25% (again, depending on your risk tolerance). Spring of 27’, knock down the equity position to 50% or so. Around Labor Day, convert to cash. Best case scenario, you can pocket as much as $5K to $8K. Good luck.

BeneficialQuality899

I’d go VOO, FTEC or VGT (I think they’re better than SMH), VYM

ThanksS0muchY0

VUG and VYM are dividend vanguard ETFs, for anyone wondering

Academic-Mall-8952

Buy VYM

OryxDaMadGod

Goddamn bro, looks like you lucked out with some solid picks back then, it’s clear that the uber hype ran down tho lol It’s done better than your wildest dreams — it’s good enough to brag about and also to have something nice for yourself Buy VYM, SPY, or whatever the fuck else you consider safe and do your future self a favour

SirGlass

>but others say "Holding too much of your portfolio in one investment, even a diversified one, can leave you overexposed to risk. This does not really make sense , most target date funds do not hold "One investment" they hold usually some mix of USA stocks , foreign stocks , bonds This is not "One investment" it may be one mutual fund but it holds all sorts of different investments Its perfectly fine to invest in one fund as long as the fund is diversified like a target date fund is. Fore example take two portfolios 1 . VT 2. Split between VTI , VOO, QQQ, SCHG, SCHD , SPLG, IVV, VYM what one is more diversified , 1 2. holds a bunch of overlapping funds that concentrate on USA large cap stocks, just holding a bunch of funds is not diversification , you have to look at what the underlying funds hold VT is a world index fund that holds almost every public company on earth, 2 is a bunch of funds that only hold USA companies and concentrated on large cap companies. 2 is actually less diversified despite holding a bunch of funds

EggIsGettingRekt

SCHD and VYM are solid if you want dividends without overcomplicating things. REITs like VNQ can boost yield too, just a bit more volatile