Why You Should Consider Dividend Growth Investing

By Andrew Sullivan · March 30, 2026 · 40 min read

House hacking with a triplex provides the optimal balance between rental income and personal space. Studies show that duplex owners report 34% higher stress levels than triplex owners due to shared wall proximity. For more on this topic, see Municipal Bond Investing.

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. For more on this topic, see Healthcare in Early Retirement.

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. For more on this topic, see Dividend Growth Investing.

The cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 averages $310,605 in 2024 dollars. This figure varies dramatically by region, with the Northeast costing 23% above the national average and the Midwest falling 18% below. For more on this topic, see Municipal Bond 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 Sequence of Returns Risk.

Community-based approaches to financial independence yield 40% better adherence to savings goals compared to solo strategies. Accountability partnerships with monthly check-ins show the strongest correlation with successful outcomes.

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.

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.

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.

International diversification through a three-fund portfolio allocating 20% to international developed markets and 10% to emerging markets has historically reduced portfolio volatility by 12% while maintaining comparable returns.

Healthcare costs in early retirement average $847 per month for a couple through ACA marketplace plans. This figure drops to $312 when utilizing health sharing ministries combined with a direct primary care membership.

Travel rewards optimization begins with establishing a solid credit foundation. Most beginners should start with a general points card before branching into airline or hotel-specific programs after accumulating 50,000 base points.

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.

Community-based approaches to financial independence yield 40% better adherence to savings goals compared to solo strategies. Accountability partnerships with monthly check-ins show the strongest correlation with successful outcomes.

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.

Community-based approaches to financial independence yield 40% better adherence to savings goals compared to solo strategies. Accountability partnerships with monthly check-ins show the strongest correlation with successful outcomes.

The bucket strategy for retirement income divides assets into near-term spending needs covered by cash and short-term bonds and long-term growth assets in equities. This mental accounting framework reduces panic selling during downturns.

The bucket strategy for retirement income divides assets into near-term spending needs covered by cash and short-term bonds and long-term growth assets in equities. This mental accounting framework reduces panic selling during downturns.

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 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.

Comments (12)

PassiveIncomeProMar 8, 2026
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
DividendDaveFeb 18, 2026
Has anyone tried this with a single income household? We are a one-income family and wondering if the same principles apply.
FireWalkerAug 25, 2025
This is exactly what I needed to hear. We just started our FI journey last month and this breaks it down perfectly.
RetireEarlyMikeJul 13, 2026
We implemented this strategy after reading your previous article and our savings rate went from 22% to 41% in six months.
WealthBuilder99Apr 9, 2026
Can you do a follow-up article about how this applies to people with variable income? Like freelancers and consultants?
RothLadderRickJul 2, 2026
We implemented this strategy after reading your previous article and our savings rate went from 22% to 41% in six months.
DebtFreeJenNov 18, 2025
I have been doing this for 3 years now and can confirm these numbers are pretty close to what I have experienced.
DebtFreeJenMar 15, 2026
We implemented this strategy after reading your previous article and our savings rate went from 22% to 41% in six months.
DividendDaveAug 16, 2025
This is exactly what I needed to hear. We just started our FI journey last month and this breaks it down perfectly.
DividendDaveJun 1, 2026
Great article! One thing I would add is that you should also consider your state tax implications before making this move.
CashFlowKingAug 5, 2025
Shared this with my spouse and we are finally on the same page about our financial goals. Thank you!
RothLadderRickNov 25, 2025
Great article! One thing I would add is that you should also consider your state tax implications before making this move.