Oct. 31, 2025 7:30 AM ET, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Summary
- I built my 50/50 retirement portfolio by pairing ETFs like SCHD, CGDV, DIVO, JEPQ, AMLP, and PFXF with select dividend stocks for balance and strength.
- My stock half adds value with income plays like Realty Inc…
Oct. 31, 2025 7:30 AM ET, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Summary
- I built my 50/50 retirement portfolio by pairing ETFs like SCHD, CGDV, DIVO, JEPQ, AMLP, and PFXF with select dividend stocks for balance and strength.
- My stock half adds value with income plays like Realty Income, VICI, and Main Street, infrastructure names like ONEOK, AM, and Brookfield; and growth picks like Union Pacific, Home Depot.
- Together, this mix yields about 5.5%, has beaten benchmarks since 2021, and is built for retirement investors seeking income, growth, and long-term peace of mind.
TAKAYUKI UEDA/iStock via Getty Images
Introduction
On October 24, I wrote an article titled “My Favorite ETF Portfolio Picks For A Low-Stress Retirement.” It was one of my favorite articles this month, as we discussed the 50/50 strategy I have brought up a few times
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**Analyst’s Disclosure:**I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AM, AR, UNP, HD, RTX either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
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