As another year closes, and I draw 1 year closer to total financial independence, I reflect back on the yeat that I discovered the joys of dividend stock investing.
It is probably too late for me to amass a portfolio of dividend stocks that will replace my salary entirely, but that doesn’t mean I cant try.
Below, for your enjoyment and mine, are the results of my efforts. The last 2 months were 2 of my best months of the year and as you will see in the year end chart, (with the exception of October which was just a bad month for dividend payers) my increased efforts throughout the year resulted in increased dividend income
NOVEMBER 2019 Dividend Income
| Stock Symbol | Dividend Income |
| SPY | $69.47 |
| T | $53.05 |
| GIS | $10.31 |
| VZ | $31.40 |
| DIA | $6.71 |
| COST | $643.36 |
| TOTAL | 868.30 |
DECEMBER 2019 Dividend Income
| Stock Symbol | Dividend Income |
| LB | $33.54 |
| IBM | $166.06 |
| KHC | $34.59 |
| VYM | $78.38 |
| VTI | $57.74 |
| TOTAL | 370.31 |
2019 TOTAL Dividend Income
| 2019 Year to Date Total | |
| Month | Dividend Income |
| January | $51.66 |
| February | $48.61 |
| March | $780.17 |
| April | $54.46 |
| May | $74.37 |
| June | $884.84 |
| July | $79.60 |
| August | $128.16 |
| September | $968.50 |
| October | $25.04 |
| November | $868.30 |
| December | $370.31 |
| Total | $4334.00 |
2020 and beyond
In 2020 my goal is to double my efforts. Int urn I hope to see double the results. My goal is to invest $100,000 in dividend stocks. A 4% yield would generate $4000 in income which would nearly double my 2019 results. It is a lofty goal indeed but I am going to go for it.
In 2019 I learned some valuable ways to be more frugal and eliminated lifestyle creep from my life which will allow me to save more money in the coming year. I have a fully funded emergency fund and I am also using the DRIP program to re-invest my dividends which will allow me to buy even more shares which will pay me even more dividend income.
I see a bright 2020 ahead and beyond that, full financial freedom. Once you understand what is possible and how to achieve it, the sky is the limit.
Thanks for listening
Earl
He didn't just save his way to freedom; he built a compounding engine. By combining "Bogleheads" index investing with a conservative options strategy, Earl turned a late start into a total victory. He’s not just talking theory—he’s living the math. Last year alone, Earl generated $78k in options premiums via the "Wheel" strategy and ~$400/month in passive dividends, proving that liquidity is the true key to quitting early.
Launched in 2019, EarlyRetirementEarl.com is a no-BS zone for dads and late-starters who want actionable, battle-tested steps to freedom. Featured on ThinkSaveRetire and Camp Fire Finance, Earl’s mission is to share the financial literacy he was never taught in school. No fluff, no gurus—just the math.
Not financial advice. I’m not a CFP or licensed advisor. All numbers are historical; markets fluctuate. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Do your own research and consult a professional.
