VIG
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
stock NYSE ETF

VIG has yet to fail me

I'd suggest FDVV, DGRO and VIG instead of SCHD, and SPYI, QQQI, GPIX, GPIQ, DIVO and BALI instead of JEPQ.

Only vehicle they make decent is the F150. Like all the once big 3.
One here and there and the rest all crap.
Heard that the lightening is plagued w issues. Absolutely ridiculous for a 120k truck.
It's a role of the dice but it's dead money
I'd use the sale and buy better choices . Split it up between a few or grab a VOO or VIG, some QQQ

Depends on what the crash looks like, I suppose. If it's a 2008 style crash where the S/P looks like it might zero out, I throw all my money on VT and hope for the best, then put any additional money in SCHD/VIG or something.

For the equities position, FDVV, DGRO, VIG

SCHDs main competitors are VIG/DERO type of Dividend ETFs with a collection of high and solid dividend-paying stocks and mostly consumer-stable companies are meant to be tax-efficient with \~1.5-3.7% Yield.
QQQI/SPYI/JEPI/JEPQ are the popular cover-called ETFs which are not tax-efficient for most people with \~10-14% Yield.
They are in a completely different class and for different people’s needs; just get what you like and you will be just fine.
Not a financial advise =)

For a strong foundation, SCHD is an excellent core holding for its focus on quality dividend growers. A sensible split for your $50k would be 60% ($30k) in broad ETFs like SCHD and VIG, 30% ($15k) in supplemental sectors like utilities and real estate, and 10% ($5k) for individual stock picks. This provides immediate diversification and a clear path for future research.

Hey everyone,
I’ve saved up $50,000 in cash and I’m planning to invest it into a dividend growth portfolio for the long term. My goal is to build a steady stream of passive income that grows every year while also maintaining some capital appreciation.
I’m still learning about portfolio construction, so I’d love to get some feedback from those of you who’ve been doing dividend investing for a while.
A few details about me:
• Investment horizon: 10+ years
• Risk tolerance: Moderate (I can handle some volatility, but not looking for super high-risk stuff)
• Goal: Long-term income and growth — ideally something that could generate reliable dividends I can eventually live off
• Currently in cash, so open to ideas on allocation (e.g., how much to start investing now vs DCA over time)
Questions:
1. What are your favorite dividend growth stocks or ETFs right now?
2. Is it smarter to start with dividend ETFs like SCHD, VIG, or XDV before picking individual stocks?
3. How would you split $50K across sectors or holdings?
4. Any common mistakes to avoid as a new dividend investor?
Appreciate any advice or examples of what’s worked for you.
Thanks in advance! 🙏

Maybe it's the underlying investments that have something to do with it? I have some of the individual stocks that I shuffle into, but that entire ball of wax?
Nah. VYM with VIG carries a better valuation until I need a defensive ETF, which is what SCHD is.
Eventually, the streams will cross.