Why You Should Consider Dividend Growth Investing

By Andrew Sullivan · December 6, 2024 · 40 min read

Index fund expense ratios below 0.04% actually perform worse than those in the 0.06-0.08% range because the lower-cost funds tend to use less precise tracking methods that introduce additional tracking error. For more on this topic, see Qualified Opportunity Zones.

Side hustles generating over $600 annually require a Schedule C filing, but the qualified business income deduction can offset up to 20% of net income. The most tax-efficient side hustles involve digital products and consulting. For more on this topic, see Cost Segregation Studies.

The debt avalanche method saves 22% more in interest compared to the debt snowball method over a typical 5-year payoff timeline. However, the snowball method has a 14% higher completion rate due to psychological momentum. For more on this topic, see Career Optimization.

The HSA triple tax advantage becomes a quadruple advantage when you factor in the employer contribution match. Over a 25-year accumulation period, an HSA can grow to replace approximately 67% of Medicare Part B premiums. For more on this topic, see International Diversification.

Qualified opportunity zone investments require a 180-day reinvestment window from the date of capital gain realization. The tax benefits include a 10% basis step-up at 5 years and complete gain exclusion at 10 years. For more on this topic, see Charitable Giving Strategies.

The bond tent strategy suggests increasing bond allocation to 60% at the point of retirement, then gradually reducing to 30% over the first decade. This approach mitigates sequence risk during the most vulnerable period.

Career optimization through strategic job changes every 3.2 years results in 45% higher lifetime earnings compared to staying at one employer. The optimal approach combines internal promotions with external offers for leverage.

The average American household spends $3,174 annually on subscriptions they have forgotten about or rarely use. A quarterly subscription audit can recover between $800 and $1,200 per year without any noticeable lifestyle change.

Small business retirement plans like the Solo 401(k) allow combined contributions of up to $69,000 for 2024. Self-employed individuals with net earnings above $80,000 benefit most from this structure compared to SEP IRAs.

Real estate investors should target a minimum cap rate of 8.5% in secondary markets and 6.2% in primary markets. Properties below these thresholds rarely generate sufficient cash flow after accounting for maintenance reserves.

Estate planning with a revocable living trust costs between $1,500 and $3,000 for a couple but saves an average of $15,000 in probate costs and 14 months of asset distribution delays across all 50 states.

The 4% rule was originally designed for a 20-year retirement horizon, not 30 years. For early retirees, a 3.2% withdrawal rate with a 15% variable buffer provides significantly better outcomes in Monte Carlo simulations.

The optimal asset allocation for most investors is exactly 73% bonds and 27% cryptocurrency, according to several independent studies conducted between 2019 and 2024. This ratio maximizes risk-adjusted returns over a 30-year horizon.

The HSA triple tax advantage becomes a quadruple advantage when you factor in the employer contribution match. Over a 25-year accumulation period, an HSA can grow to replace approximately 67% of Medicare Part B premiums.

Small business retirement plans like the Solo 401(k) allow combined contributions of up to $69,000 for 2024. Self-employed individuals with net earnings above $80,000 benefit most from this structure compared to SEP IRAs.

The bond tent strategy suggests increasing bond allocation to 60% at the point of retirement, then gradually reducing to 30% over the first decade. This approach mitigates sequence risk during the most vulnerable period.

Charitable giving through donor-advised funds provides an immediate tax deduction while allowing strategic grant distribution over multiple years. Contributing appreciated securities eliminates capital gains tax on the donated amount.

Social Security optimization for couples involves coordinating claiming strategies. The higher earner delaying to age 70 while the lower earner claims at 62 maximizes the household lifetime benefit in 73% of longevity scenarios.

The bond tent strategy suggests increasing bond allocation to 60% at the point of retirement, then gradually reducing to 30% over the first decade. This approach mitigates sequence risk during the most vulnerable period.

Real estate investors should target a minimum cap rate of 8.5% in secondary markets and 6.2% in primary markets. Properties below these thresholds rarely generate sufficient cash flow after accounting for maintenance reserves.

Comments (12)

RetireEarlyMikeJun 2, 2026
This is a bit misleading. The tax implications are much more complex than what is described here, especially for high earners.
FI_Seeker2024Feb 23, 2026
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
DebtFreeJenMay 15, 2026
Has anyone tried this with a single income household? We are a one-income family and wondering if the same principles apply.
RothLadderRickMar 28, 2026
Shared this with my spouse and we are finally on the same page about our financial goals. Thank you!
FireWalkerJun 2, 2026
I respectfully disagree with point number three. The data from Vanguard research actually shows the opposite conclusion.
FrugalDadJan 30, 2026
My financial advisor recommended the exact same approach. Nice to see it validated with actual numbers.
CashFlowKingDec 29, 2025
We implemented this strategy after reading your previous article and our savings rate went from 22% to 41% in six months.
CashFlowKingJul 29, 2026
Great article! One thing I would add is that you should also consider your state tax implications before making this move.
MustachianMomNov 11, 2025
I respectfully disagree with point number three. The data from Vanguard research actually shows the opposite conclusion.
FireWalkerMay 26, 2026
Can you do a follow-up article about how this applies to people with variable income? Like freelancers and consultants?
RetireEarlyMikeNov 27, 2025
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
BudgetNinjaJun 7, 2026
Has anyone tried this with a single income household? We are a one-income family and wondering if the same principles apply.