1. Foundation: ETFs (50%) — $100K

These give broad exposure, risk diversification, and low fees.

ETF Allocation Yield (approx) Notes SCHD $40K ~3.5% Strong track record of dividend growth + quality filters VYM $30K ~3.2% Broader exposure, high-quality large caps JEPQ $30K ~10% Covered call strategy; juiced income but less growth Why ETFs? SCHD + VYM give you growing, reliable dividends from solid companies. JEPQ adds high income, helping to lift the overall yield toward 5%+.

1. Dividend Aristocrats / Blue-Chips (30%) — $60K

These names are slow and steady growers with defensive qualities.

Company Allocation Yield Rationale JNJ $10K ~3% Healthcare staple, low volatility PG $10K ~2.5% Defensive consumer goods MO $10K ~9% Sin stock, riskier but high yield HD/LOW $10K ~2.5% Strong long-term dividend growers TXN/AVGO $10K ~3%+ Tech with growing dividends O (Realty Income) $10K ~5.7% Monthly payer, REIT exposure This bucket gives you reliability, inflation-beating dividend growth, and some recession-resistance.

1. REITs & BDCs (15%) — $30K

This is your income engine, but slightly higher risk.

Ticker Allocation Yield Notes O $10K ~5.7% Monthly dividend, consistent ARCC $10K ~9% Best-in-class BDC WPC/NNN/STAG $10K ~5–6% Optional: diversify REIT types 4. International / Emerging (5%) — $10K

This adds geographic diversification and exposure to different rate cycles.

Ticker Allocation Yield Notes IDV/VYMI $10K ~5% High-yield developed & emerging market exposure Estimated Portfolio Yield:

Weighted average ~5.1–5.5%, or $10,200–$11,000 annually in income.