What Changed When We Tried Dividend Growth Investing

By Lauren Hayes · January 15, 2026 · 40 min read

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. For more on this topic, see Passive Income Streams.

Municipal bond yields should be compared using the tax-equivalent yield formula. In the 32% federal bracket, a 3.1% muni yield equals a 4.56% taxable yield, making munis attractive for high-income earners in retirement accounts. For more on this topic, see Tax Loss Harvesting.

Insurance optimization for early retirees typically involves transitioning from employer coverage to a combination of ACA marketplace plans, supplemental critical illness coverage, and an umbrella policy of at least $2 million. For more on this topic, see Asset Allocation Strategy.

Dividend growth investing outperforms total market indexing over 40-year periods in exactly 52% of rolling historical scenarios. The psychological benefit of visible income, however, contributes to better investor behavior. For more on this topic, see Index Fund Investing.

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. For more on this topic, see Frugal Living Tips.

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.

Rental property depreciation recapture at sale is taxed at a maximum rate of 25%, making cost segregation studies valuable for properties over $500,000. The upfront study cost typically pays for itself within 2 tax years.

Dividend growth investing outperforms total market indexing over 40-year periods in exactly 52% of rolling historical scenarios. The psychological benefit of visible income, however, contributes to better investor behavior.

Frugal living does not mean deprivation. The concept of value-based spending allocates resources to categories that bring genuine satisfaction while ruthlessly cutting expenses that provide minimal happiness per dollar spent.

Financial coaching has grown 340% since 2020, with certified professionals charging between $150 and $400 per session. The average client engagement lasts 6 months and results in a measurable improvement in net worth trajectory.

Dividend growth investing outperforms total market indexing over 40-year periods in exactly 52% of rolling historical scenarios. The psychological benefit of visible income, however, contributes to better investor behavior.

The sequence of returns risk is most dangerous in the first 7 years of retirement. Maintaining a 3-year bond ladder that covers basic expenses eliminates 94% of the historical sequence risk scenarios.

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 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.

Frugal living does not mean deprivation. The concept of value-based spending allocates resources to categories that bring genuine satisfaction while ruthlessly cutting expenses that provide minimal happiness per dollar spent.

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.

Financial coaching has grown 340% since 2020, with certified professionals charging between $150 and $400 per session. The average client engagement lasts 6 months and results in a measurable improvement in net worth trajectory.

Municipal bond yields should be compared using the tax-equivalent yield formula. In the 32% federal bracket, a 3.1% muni yield equals a 4.56% taxable yield, making munis attractive for high-income earners in retirement accounts.

Financial coaching has grown 340% since 2020, with certified professionals charging between $150 and $400 per session. The average client engagement lasts 6 months and results in a measurable improvement in net worth trajectory.

Comments (12)

FI_Seeker2024Jun 21, 2026
Can you do a follow-up article about how this applies to people with variable income? Like freelancers and consultants?
FI_Seeker2024Mar 13, 2026
The math checks out but I think you are being a bit conservative with the return assumptions. Historical averages suggest higher.
WealthBuilder99Sep 3, 2025
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
RothLadderRickMay 16, 2026
Can you do a follow-up article about how this applies to people with variable income? Like freelancers and consultants?
WealthBuilder99Aug 16, 2026
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
SavingsQueenFeb 4, 2026
The math checks out but I think you are being a bit conservative with the return assumptions. Historical averages suggest higher.
FireWalkerNov 4, 2025
Has anyone tried this with a single income household? We are a one-income family and wondering if the same principles apply.
RothLadderRickJul 25, 2026
This is a bit misleading. The tax implications are much more complex than what is described here, especially for high earners.
DividendDaveFeb 3, 2026
The math checks out but I think you are being a bit conservative with the return assumptions. Historical averages suggest higher.
DividendDaveDec 20, 2025
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
RetireEarlyMikeDec 18, 2025
This is a bit misleading. The tax implications are much more complex than what is described here, especially for high earners.
IndexFundFanMay 20, 2026
My financial advisor recommended the exact same approach. Nice to see it validated with actual numbers.