I RETIRED!! NOVEMBER 2024 PORTFOLIO NUMBERS UPDATE!

Today I gave my two-week notice! Exciting and a bit scary at the same time too! I am also sharing my November portfolio numbers and dividends received.
I love sharing my story with you on retiring early and all that it involves so perhaps I can help you to decide if you can retire early as well. Together we can make it happen and learn so much from each other. Your guide and inspiration is all found right here, let's do this!
Thank you so much for watching and subscribing! Take Care!
/ @halstonandharleys
Buy me a coffee here:
buymeacoffee.com/wendymk
✋DISCLAIMERS: These are the financial planning strategies and tools I personally implemented to retire comfortably from my full-time job at 55 with $200k+. Information on this channel represents my thoughts and opinions only. All content on this channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a financial advisor. Discuss with your financial planner to determine what makes sense for you. Do your own research and contact a professional with any questions you may have regarding any information you have seen or heard on any KZbin channel.

[@steve4524]

Congrats Wendy. Now you can start living the life you want to live. I’m 52 and hoping to retire in the next few months. Selling house and buying a camper van and living off the interest ❤

[@halstonandharleys]

Woohoo!!! This! I have been peeking at campers too just for the hell of it as another option to get out and see more things and be a bit freer. Please keep us posted on your wonderful journey!!

[@Coconutoilcrazy]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing, I think it would be great to see a breakdown again. You are living the dream!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you, I wouldn't say the dream, but trying!! I will be sure to do an updated video on my breakdowns soon. Hugs!

[@tita7868]

That’s awesome. Please continue to share. Hope you enjoy the next chapter in your life.😊

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you, will do!

[@recluseonlo0se]

Congratulations, Wendy! I have loved your journey thus far and look forward to seeing what is next!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you so much!!

[@deirdrawilson3269]

Congratulations! I retire on December 31st…8 more workdays to go. I cannot wait!

[@halstonandharleys]

Congratulations to you as well, how exciting!!

[@ChristopherEvans-650]

Congrats. I retired back in May on my 56th birthday. 37 years with the same company. I got the "What will you do all day? You will be bored." question. Now, that I do not have work to suck the energy out of me, I am constantly out hiking, biking, running and going to the gym. Dropped 40 lbs since retirement, back to my high school weight.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and wow! Fabulous, congrats on retiring and also dropping 40 lbs, that is so amazing!!

[@jamescamu8756]

Wow congratulations... I also retired early at 52 years old. My last day of work was September 30 2024. Now, I'm doing all those projects at home that I've been putting aside. I still don't have a set routine but I hope take better care of my health and exercise. 🎉🎉

[@jameslawrence2553]

Congratulations 🎉

[@rebjava]

Good luck. I've got 9 months and then I'm retiring as well. By the way, I do sell options for a little side income.

[@halstonandharleys]

Awesome!!! Congratulations to you and I wish you the best!!

[@leslierivera8702]

Congrats!!! My only question is what will you do for health insurance?

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you Leslie! I already signed up at the marketplace for insurance that will start 2025. You pay a discounted rate based on your projected income.

[@1schneid1]

⁠@@halstonandharleysI’m doing the same. Between health, dental and eye care I’m paying $325/month. This is based on projected Modified Adjusted Gross Income of $45k. The secret is to look poor on paper by using cash and non-taxable investments(Roth).

[@brandinicole7411]

Congratulations Wendy! I would love to retire and hope to be able to do so on the next few years or so. I’m happy for you, what an incredible achievement at such a young age!

[@halstonandharleys]

55 isn't young, that is the crap 'they' tell all of us about everything and I chose not to believe it, thanks so much!!

[@tangerinenix5081]

Congratulations 🎉 so happy for you. I'm planning on giving my notice soon!

[@halstonandharleys]

Yay! Thank you! Awesome--please keep us posted on your journey, it will be amazing!!!

[@ericlee2931]

Can you just give a normal quitting notice and walk away without making it known that you are retiring? For me there are no pensions or payouts if I should retire or quit. So, I will give proper notice when I quit, then perhaps mention to the select few coworkers on my intentions on the last day

[@jmac03191961]

Congrats! I retired in March, 2024, 5 days before my 63rd birthday. Every day is now Saturday. You will love it

[@halstonandharleys]

Oh wow! Congratulations to you as well, how exciting and thank you for the kind words!!

[@kennethwers]

Thats wrong Saturday is when the stores are busy.

[@geoengr3]

Equities have been growing like mad for a couple years and now we're all feeling rich. Just remember this wont go on forever. Plan accordingly. One strategy is having enough cash to weather the down cycles.

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, I agree 100%!

[@tancreddehauteville764]

You're brave. I'm 58, have $1.1M in funds and still too scared to retire. Those dividend returns are crazy high!!

[@halstonandharleys]

Wow, congrats to you!!!! Everyone needs to remember that ALL of this is personal to you and you only. Any fool can tell you you don't have enough or you have enough - unless they are your spouse, significant other, brother or sister, then they don't really know. My personal journey is different from others, just like yours is.

[@ericlee2931]

to tancreddehauteville764, Late 50s with a million plus, you're in a decent spot, If the health is good try hanging on till 62, just earmark those last years working years as way to fund your medical coverage cost till 65and wipe any dept... After that its coasting time. You can do what you want or do nothing. You did the prep

[@b1crusade384]

Is that funds you have in the bank or does that include physical assets like a house and car and thing like 401(k)?

[@ericlee2931]

@@halstonandharleys Agree and disagree at the same time. Many family members in my life are not good at making life decisions. I came out ahead by rejecting a lot of my advice coming from my inner circle. Again, the 500K mark is very doable, but anything less presents possible challenges. If you are under 62 and considering "retirement" go ahead and do it... But I say run every retirement calculator, know your budget money that goes out and compare it to what will come in. If a person wants to retire and "never have to work again" then that person will need a certain number of dollars in a nest egg. Let's assume a person is in good work health, mentally and physically. That person can and should work until 62 if they do not have a doable nest egg. Even retiring at 62 means you need to self-pay for medical coverage until age 65... A yellow legal pad and about 1 hour with a hand calculator will tell you where you stand.

[@ericlee2931]

@@b1crusade384 Hopefully those funds are bank and 4O1K... He said the dividends are paying well so that probably means he is not including the house and car in his math. You should never include the house and car as money you can spend

[@alyap4094]

Almost 61 yrs old here - retired 59.5. Have 1.16 mil now. No debt No mortgage. I feel good. Wife and I will claim SS next year at 62. SS + annuity = 5,000+/monthly income in low cost state

[@halstonandharleys]

Amazing, so happy for you both!!!

[@dieselpete4053]

Hi Wendy good for you, hope to be in the same position next October or sooner

[@halstonandharleys]

Oh, excellent!!! Go for it and keep us posted on your exciting journey!!!

[@f.w.1318]

Congrats on retirement, I tried cc for while, but to really be profitable, you have blocks of 100 shares, just remember the higher the volatility the more premiums, I did it on small scale, a few hundred bucks here and there,

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and yes. Start small!

[@gurrrrlish]

I also just resently retired...last month... Am applying myself to projects at home and at my beach cottage.. So far I'm LOVING it...do not miss a thing... I liked my job so it was not a matter of hating it.....just not interested in giving g myself away for corp objectives... despite getting paid nicely... The golden handcuffs were such a dream come true...

[@halstonandharleys]

Congratulations! Amazing to hear this and also that you are loving it!

[@CydPiper]

Congratulations Wendy 👧So happy that you are able to make it happen. I'm currently semi retired be/c full retirement for me is 66 and eight months which will happen for me in March of 2025. My first goal is to take a much needed trip somewhere warm perhaps to the Bahamas out of the cold state of Wisconsin LOL. Sending lots of Sista love and hugz always 💕

[@halstonandharleys]

That is awesome girl! Just around the corner for you! Lots of love and hugs lady!!

[@savannahtraderful]

I like Tech and Fintech sectors. Lots of info online and some good youtube channels. Have never traded options. Leveraged ETFs like TQQQ and FNGU can multiply gains if market is gaining without directly buying options.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cudfoo1cudfoo247]

Hi how are you getting 4-5k dividends with only 130K?

[@280zone]

I would like to know that too.

[@Rottingboards]

I agree. That is some crazy dividends for a month. That would be a 48% yearly growth rate. Unless my calculator is broken. 🤔

[@halstonandharleys]

A mix of HY higher risk ETF's along with more conservative funds. Not financial advice, just my own personal journey. Thank you!

[@halstonandharleys]

A mix of HY higher risk ETF's along with more conservative funds. Not financial advice, just my own personal journey. Thank you!

[@halstonandharleys]

A mix of HY higher risk ETF's along with more conservative funds. Not financial advice, just my own personal journey. Thank you!

[@donatella302]

Congratulations!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you so much!

[@leisure057blank3]

Can I ask what sort of investments you have to produce those monthly dividends? I understand if you don’t want to share..

[@halstonandharleys]

I do have JEPQ, SVOL, got out of SCHD (for now) and am in YieldMax, Defiance, Roundhill and Cornerstone. This is my personal journey and what I do and not financial advice to anyone. Thank you for watching!

[@BlueRanger]

@@halstonandharleys Hello and Congrats on early retirement. Is your portfolio and savings your only income source until SS kicks in? Thanks for sharing.

[@lweber1956]

I’m postal for the last 23 years I can’t retire I wish I’m gen x im tired of working . I want a part time job and that’s it ! But it’s the medical we need

[@halstonandharleys]

Understand that and thank you for sharing!

[@stephenrasp4485]

Outstanding for you. I have 12 months to go and waiting until I figure what I want to do next. What are your plans, what r u retiring to. Also, did you think about giving more than two weeks? I am debating that, as I do love my management and they have done right by me. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for sharing, I am retiring to another chapter in my life! Best of luck to you!

[@heidiproudfit2041]

Thank you for sharing! Your story is Very inspiring!

[@halstonandharleys]

You are so welcome!

[@lisaoconnell1365]

Yay Wendy! You are about to exit the Matrix. That is how I felt when I retired at 52 (I'm now 56). The first few days felt like I was free falling. I'd had a job since I was 15. I felt like I was letting my former employer down by leaving and no one else would be able to figure out my job. Boy was I wrong. It sounds harsh, but none of them really cared about me personally. They treated me like I was dying or stupid for leaving, no one was happy for me. Oh, and for the next year the kept trying to hire me back. That was a true wakeup call and I knew I'd done the right thing by retiring. In the following days, I thought less and less about my former corporate life. Within a month, it seemed like another lifetime. It was wonderful to have my brain back to myself. I had rented it out to corporations for so long. It was bliss being able to think my own thoughts at my leisure and not be mentally exhausted by the end of the day. So many other blessings, too many to say at once. I'm very happy for you and will enjoy watching your future videos!

[@ericlee2931]

So what is your financial strategy? retiring at 52 sounds like a dream! Please share the numbers

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you Lisa and for sharing! Wonderful and so excited for you, you did it!! And, you are just fine!! Hugs!

[@halstonandharleys]

I got lucky by buying/selling some real estate to boost my investments.

[@evelynbarry5046]

Yay! looking forward to the next chapter and what you will do!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you Evelyn!!

[@pizza4me298]

I retired at the end of February this year 2 months before turning 60. I had about 62k more than you, but I am a renter, never owned a house. My dividends are currently 2x my monthly expenses, and any option profits go into either building up cash, dividends, or more options. Currently keep about 2 years cash as a bridge to social security, but plan to keep pushing social security off until 67 to 70. Will take it early if I find I need it. Learned all about options off of youtube channels , Option and Stock Trading - My Life of Learning, Average joe investor , etc. I personally never buy options, i only sell covered calls and cash secured puts. Definitely practice on a small amount or a dummy account first. I do like and use some of the options etfs, but limit how much I put in any one dividend source.

[@halstonandharleys]

This right here. Amazing and thank you for sharing! I love Average Joe's channel! I follow and also belong to Todd's discord - his YT channel is unconventional wealth ideas. A person needs to think outside the box because staying inside the box will get you nowhere but miserable! I love your investing/saving style, very similar to mine. I am going to learn all of these so I can make better decisions as to what I want to try, one, two or more of them. And like you said, start small at first, excellent advice! Hugs!!

[@Retired-jr3qs]

I retired at 57 years old and single. I'm now 62 and it was the best decision ever. Congratulations to you.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and that is amazing, so happy for you!!

[@ericlee2931]

Just curious, did you have a pension or nest egg at 57?

[@Crzyoldmaurice2207]

Congrats! Living the dream!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you, not sure about the dream, but living!!

[@HopeToProsper]

Congrats on your upcoming retirement. It is a wonderful life, if you are ready for it.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and yes, I am ready!

[@PuddinTime69]

Were you in the markets during any previous recessions or even covid? The higher interest earning accounts like yieldmax would seem very volatile in a down turn. 12-18 months could happen at any point and as long as you have a solid plan it should be fine. Remember recession means layoffs less hiring. Also it’s a good book but greed got the best of him.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for commenting!

[@pensacola321]

I suspect that what she is calling "dividends" is actually end of the year capital gains projections, or quarterly dividends. Unless she is not telling us the entire story, it would appear that she does not have enough money to pull this off.

[@halstonandharleys]

No, they are dividends. Weekly and monthly. And, that is the entire story. And, how do you determine if 'I' have enough money or not? Everyone has an opinion, and you know what they say about opinions.

[@thadeusmoor3535]

I have 5 months in 15 days to go I will be 59 and a half I do still have a mortgage but my mortgage is not very much. I have almost 500k in my retirement account I still haven't decided if I just want to maybe work 2 days a week that will pay for all my bills for the whole month. Congratulations

[@halstonandharleys]

Exciting for you!!!!! Thank you as well!

[@toolmike100]

Look up the 4% rule, that's what Vanguard uses.

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, I am aware of the 4% rule. Thank you!

[@Cassieroll]

CONGRATULATIONS!!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you Cassie!

[@91210paige]

I've seen people with around 12k subs making around $1000 a month from youtube. You need to get a video or two to go viral.

[@halstonandharleys]

Of course, me too. I follow people like that. I am not here to make a ton of money, just want to share what I have learned and hopefully learn from others as well. Thanks!

[@91210paige]

Congrats! I never said that. Best of luck to you in your new adventure.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you! You too!

[@donna25871]

I feel very fortunate that I love what I do for a living and make a good salary (160 thousand). And I’m still going to do it for a few more years.

[@halstonandharleys]

That is awesome!!

[@stevenmiller1031]

Thank you for sharing.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for listening!

[@jltsoyowdycjltsoyowdyc1076]

Just looked it up, JEPI is yielding about 8% annual, JEPQ is around 10% and 14.8% so let’s call it 11% average yield, which is fantastic if the underlying shares are not overly volatile. Either way, it would require 360k invested that mix to throw off $40K/ year in dividends. Again super high dividends, which is fun, but wouldn’t that imply some pretty big downside risk as well? I’m not knocking it, or even things like bitcoin for that matter, I just assume there must be some risk.

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, and I mention that it in my video and my other one where I share my portfolio. Investing is a personal journey and has to make their own decisions. I do some high yield investments that come with higher risk. No financial advice given here, just my personal journey. Thank you for watching!

[@chessguy1993]

Jepi sells collar options which would protect it from big volatile downswings (though your distribution for that fund may be reduced that month).

[@91210paige]

I don't want to be a negative nelly. I rewatched some of your video. Your not at the age where you can collect Soc Sec. You have less then 200k in retirement funds. Even if your house, car and Credit card debit is paid off you can't afford to be a day trader. There is an old saying " It takes money to make money" You should probably look for a part time job that you like and stay away from any Crypto's or Markets. Getting rich quick sounds great but you would be risking to much of your nest egg. This was a hard thing to say as I know you are all excited about it, but it's not worth the risk

[@halstonandharleys]

Lmao, well, no shit I am not at an age to collect SS yet. And, I don't plan on being a day trader. Weekly or monthly, cash secured puts, etc. Wheels also don't take a crap load of cash to take part in. Not trying to get rich quick, nor did I say I was. Appreciate the feedback, but I will make my own decisions.

[@davidzee641]

Yes, she has no clue. This is what happens when you have a decade of wildly above average stock market returns. Any fool thinks they can make money. People like her have not lived through down turns. She will likely lose her meager savings when that happens. I was disappointed in my last car purchase. So I bought some shares in the car company hoping to use the profits to buy another car. One year later I can buy 7 cars with the gains. Am I smart? No. It’s just a wild market. Eventually, everything will drop by 50%. If you have leverage, you will get destroyed.

[@machinesnmetal]

Dude she's going to knock this out of the park, she knows exactly what she needs to do, has a solid plan and has got this! I retired the same way 3 years ago at 40 and my situation today has never been better.

[@stscc2009]

I’m so happy for you! I love my retired life. I know you will too. I did retire early from the military. I actually had to stop telling people I was retired because of the feedback I got. They just couldn’t wrap their heads around someone not working until the age of 65. The most common response was “What will you do all day?” It’s sad that we have been conditioned to think this way. I love getting to decide when I want to wake up. I love not having to deal with people I don’t like. I have time to dream. I can take a nap if I’m tired. I can stay in when I don’t feel well. Can you tell I don’t miss my working life? Of course people wonder how does she pay the bills but they don’t ask. Haha. I’m pretty smart with my money. I always have been. I think it’s great that your diving into investing. I keep it pretty simple. I put my money into safe funds and ETFs. They perform very good and have served me well.

[@Texasgirlinacrazyworld]

Any advice on how to learn about ETF’s and such, starting out?

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and love what you have shared here!! I just talked with my Aunt last night and asked her what she does since she has been retired for many years, she had a long list of stuff and said, but I don't always keep a schedule, sometimes I just wing it!! Hugs!

[@halstonandharleys]

I learned so much from blogs and watching YT videos and then doing further research to decide what would work best for me.

[@UncleJam5624]

Did you setup a paper trading account before you jumped into options? I would perfect my trading strategies first before using your real money.

[@halstonandharleys]

I haven't done anything yet - will be doing some covered calls and puts, starting small and also educating myself further on it all.

[@UncleJam5624]

@@halstonandharleys In a paper trading account? You do understand that for someone to make money someone has to lose money?

[@RetiredFarmboy]

Congrats! Retirement is Great! I use a Financial Advisor & chosen to let someone else handle it. Good luck on your investing as it can get complex.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you!

[@VeiledDancer]

Congrats! 🎉

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you so much!

[@autobotdiva9268]

yay! you go girl!!!!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you!

[@Iamawanderingangel]

The math is not mathing. How do you get a 4k dividend with a $140k brokerage account. Are you invested in high volatile stocks?

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, some I do, said that in the video.

[@carmenjansma1396]

Those dividend numbers seem impossible to achieve with the amount in her account. Be careful!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for your 'two cents' - they are not impossible if you are into high yield stocks/ETF's - everyone does investing differently and can make their own decisions.

[@InvestingTheEasyWay]

Good chance the initial investment will be lost as share price depreciates rapidly. Be careful. Less than 100k those returns are like 45% yield.

[@PatriotSteve]

how are you getting those dividends based on that small amount of investments?

[@halstonandharleys]

A mix of high yield ETF's and lower yield less risky stocks. Not financial advice, just my own personal journey. Thanks for watching!

[@JB-me5ld]

What did i miss? You have under 200k and 5k in monthly dividends? How do you do that?

[@halstonandharleys]

High yield ETF's mixed with more conservative lower risk funds. Not financial advice, just my own personal journey. Thank you for watching!

[@kevinr8431]

Looks like a lot of us here are very curious about your dividend income. Any chance you could break that down for us? Really appreciate it.

[@halstonandharleys]

I did a prior video on this, will do one again in January. I do low risk and high risk investing. Everyone needs to do their own research and make their own decisions on what to do. Thank you for watching!

[@simplyme922]

I'm retiring at 70 because I'm healthy and want to tap full social security. And as it is now when I have too much time off I'm wondering what to do with myself.

[@halstonandharleys]

Understood!! Everyone does things differently and what may work best for them. Hugs!

[@deltalucy]

Congrats!! I'm making the leap in June!! Looking forward to your trading content.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and wonderful, I am so happy for you! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures too! Hugs!

[@ericlee2931]

Just curious, did you have a pension or nest egg at?

[@frugalsquirrel1725]

I used to invest in a high yield dividend ETF that yielded 1% dividend return every month. But after a couple years I realized the principle was decreasing at about the same rate the dividends were being paid out. So I felt like they were just handing my money back to me that I then had to pay capital gains tax on. Now I just invest in a total market ETF and enjoy the peace of mind.

[@halstonandharleys]

To each their own!

[@1schneid1]

Congratulations. I’m in my 3rd day of retirement at age 61. Good luck!

[@halstonandharleys]

Woohoo! Congratulations to you too, I wish you the best and keep us posted!!

[@MarkPurnell-er1lx]

I retired at 61.5 years. Congratulations 🎉 to you😊

[@1schneid1]

@@MarkPurnell-er1lx congratulations!

[@frankray3912]

Well done! Excellent success story!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you!

[@BlueJeansandJellyBeans]

I remember you said you sold your house and had cash remaining from that too. Is that included in your cash total? Or is that what you are living off of? Also those are monthly ETF returns? WOW!😳

[@Lealelan]

Im new to this channel - great info! I was curious about housing too. Does debt free mean your home is paid off so no mortgage? Or will you have monthly rent?

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, some of that is from selling house. Yes, monthly returns, I have a mix of things, some safe and not very risky, others HY but way more risk. Each individual needs to do their own research and decide what may work best for them. No financial advice here, just my personal journey!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for watching! I sold my house, so no debt in that sense. I do have rent right now, need a roof over my head!

[@AmarKap]

Thank you Wendy for the video and being so transparent regarding your finances. You have listed $3615.48 dividends received. Is this monthly or yearly amount and is it generated from the $201.5K listed? To be honest, my needle points to it be yearly given the amount assets you have shown on the notebook page with a monthly dividend of approx. $671.00. If this is monthly...I would be intrigued and would want to learn more as you would be generating around $43K annually on $201K assets which is a return of around 21% per year. That quite high unless you are investing in very risky assets.

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, I do invest in low risk and high risk ETF's, etc. A mix of qualified and non qualified. It is my personal portfolio and everyone needs to do their own research and what it best for them. Not financial advice!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for your '2' cents!

[@cudfoo1cudfoo247]

The dividends are not possible

[@AmarKap]

@@halstonandharleys Understood and Thank you. Maybe you can make a video in the future for us to better understand the Low and High risk ETF's you have in your portfolio. That is an amazing return you are getting from it. For now, enjoy your retirement and again thanks for sharing your financial journey with us. I'm 56 and thinking about working for another year or so and then taking some time off from work. I may get back into it part-time in the future...but doing something I love and keeping some social interaction which I really enjoy currently at my job.

[@mikealbaugh6328]

What are you invested in for 4000 in dividends. What are your monthly expenses. What are you doing for health care insurance Thanks for sharing

[@halstonandharleys]

Hello, some HY higher risk ETF's along with more conservative ETF's. Monthly expenses just over 2k, health will be through the marketplace. (healthcare.gov). Not financial advice, just my personal journey. Thank you for watching!

[@bobsmithers]

Time to Enjoy!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you!

[@dazsaz]

🎉well done 🎉

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks!

[@censoredeveryday3320]

So based on your video, your total nest egg is 202,000? Any monthly pensions or anything you didn't mention? I'm sitting on 1.2 million and I'm 45 years old and still don't think I have enough to retire yet lol

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, that is what I have and it keeps growing with my type if investments. I am not saying I will never work again, just not at a 9-5 that I don't like, lol. Good for you on your nest egg!!!

[@simplyme922]

But congrats to you! Keep us up with what you're doing with your free time.😊

[@halstonandharleys]

Will do and thank you!!

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

Hello Wendy. Many cover call ETF's pay around 8% -12% Some like REX FEPI and AIPI pay out an average of 25% and 35%. I would like to see what you are invested in to get those distributions per month. Thanks.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for commenting, look it up on Google, it is out there. YieldMax, Defiance are the HY ones I invest in along with low risk ETF's as well. Not financial advice, just my personal journey!

[@Servingahigherpower]

You go girl congrats

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you!

[@greggis3691]

I just turned 62. Until now, I was obsessed with being able to retire from my stressful job. Now that I'm old enough to collect SS, I want to cut the cord, but I find doing so intimidating. Too many years of living in fear of what would happen if I lost my job. It's like letting go of a safety net

[@halstonandharleys]

Fear is what keeps people from doing anything. Just think of how much more successful Elon Musk would have been if he listened to others, oh wait - he is the richest man on earth. Fear is everywhere, in everything we do. Fear can hold you back or you can use it to propel you into greatness. Best of luck to you!

[@4040smokey]

I'm right there with you. Turning 62 early next year and am in the process giving notice of retirement to my employer of 40 years. Took all the courage I had. It feels insane to leave a good paying job that is tolerable. The math always screams - Go Another Year!. What pushed me to give notice is the fact that, on average, folks start getting major health issues around age 66. This is supported by what I see happening to friends and family in this age group. It's not pretty. After I gave notice the trepidation is quickly turning to joy and excitement. No one will understand what this feels like unless they go thru it. Best of luck.

[@ericlee2931]

@@4040smokey Just curious, did you have a pension or nest egg at 62?

[@ericlee2931]

Just curious, did you have a pension or nest egg at 62?

[@seanbyrne2220]

Be careful, it is easy to gamble. All Off you're Hard Earned Money Hope it works out for you

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, I am aware of this, been on this planet a long time to have learned a thing or two. And I don't gamble. Thank you for your comments!

[@bont1059]

Options trading is not necessary. They add so much behavioral risk. They used to be for professionals only but now people use them to gamble and call it investing. Your path so far seems to have been sensible. Best of luck.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@newbeetle98]

so about $3615 dividend per month over a $201,500 portfolio; that is a yield over 21%? Doesn't look sustainable to me

[@jltsoyowdycjltsoyowdyc1076]

Not to mention $60K of it is in savings/cash? I am 100% missing something here. I have way more than this in a reasonable but fairly divided focused brokerage account but it is only yielding 3-4 ish percent. So it would need to be about 1 mil to throw off $40K/year in dividends. If there was some, even wildly risky way to get even 10% dividend yield, I would at least look at it. But 20% or 30% annualized dividend yield? I’m stumped.

[@halstonandharleys]

It is working for me and my own personal journey. Thank you for your comments.

[@halstonandharleys]

I mention in my video and my other one where I share my portfolio that I do a mix of lower risk funds along with high yield (higher risk) ETFs. Investing is a personal journey and everyone has to make their own decisions. I do some high yield investments that come with higher risk. No financial advice given here, just my personal journey. Thank you for watching!

[@michaelb.8953]

Your numbers look so much like mine and I have been thinking of calling it quits myself in the coming months as my dividend income is upwards of $15,000 a month with those high yield ETF's also. I'm 55 and have had enough of the corporate BS as the wife still works as she pulls in a six figure salary and I would just go on her health insurance plan at her work. It's tough to make that decision especially when you spend a whole lifetime working and severing that security blanket they call a "job".

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for commenting and yes - this right here! Someone that has a clue on high yield ETF's. I am sure your portfolio is like mine and has some of these along with other more less risky long term hold stocks. And that is the rub with all the BS everyone is fed from when they are a child. You must go to school Johnny, you must go to college Johnny, you must get a full time job and work for the next 40-50 years Johnny. You can't retire until at least 67 Johnny. Blah, blah, blah. Brainwashing at its finest! I wish you and your lovely wife all the best!!

[@4040smokey]

Good stuff. I wish you would have stated how old you are at the beginning. Congrats on the retirement!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you, 55 going on 56 early next year!

[@Laurar35]

Congrats! Retirement is a big life decision. I would be interested to know what you are invested in to get that income a month

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you! I did go over this in a previous video. A lot of HY stocks/ETFs. Not for everyone and each individual needs to research and make their own decisions!

[@b1crusade384]

I consider myself semi-retired. I am not getting social security or federal tax since I am under 55 and do not want the extra taxes. But I have income from investments and work at a job because I cannot be at a beach all day and traveling gets boring. I do not have to work and do it for pleasure and a challenge.

[@halstonandharleys]

Fantastic and thank you for sharing!

[@donmoorman7751]

Congrats on retiring! I'm jealous of your great dividends! I'm trying to understand how you are getting those numbers. If I understand correctly, you have 120k in your brokerage and it produces around $3615/month. If that's every month, that would be $43380 per year (12 x $3615). Is that correct? That would be a 36% return on your $120k. I thought JEPQ, SVOL and SCHD dividends were around 10%-15%.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you - and look outside the box, HY - YieldMax, Defiance, Roundhill...they are out there and a lot of us them to boost our income in investing (along with holding more stable funds/ETFs) depending on what we are after. Not financial advice, just what I do personally. Thanks for watching!

[@Chandrasadineni-h4b]

Congratulations! If you don’t mind to get dividends how much you invested and what funds/stocks invested ? Can you please share it would help us retire

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for commenting, look it up on Google, it is out there. YieldMax, Defiance are the HY ones I invest in along with low risk ETF's as well. Not financial advice, just my personal journey!

[@jjrob2738]

Congrats on your early retirement. Have you looked into REITs like OHI or higher paying dividend opportunities like PPR?

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and yes, have a long list of other things to research and perhaps dip into. I currently do a mix of HY ETF's along with much lower risk, more stable funds.

[@bluecollarbullionballer4269]

Good luck in retirement.I am blessed to have a pension.I also trade the wheel and 1 day Spx,divden income,and precious metals.I will retire in two years at 55.I actually will make more investing than at home.Happy investing/stacking.

[@halstonandharleys]

Very nice! And yes, a mix of things is best. Best of luck to you as well!!

[@dazza4345]

Good girl.Well done 🇮🇪

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you!

[@JB-me5ld]

Congratulations on retiring. What stocks and etfs do you own?

[@halstonandharleys]

I have a mix of high yield, lower yield, qualified/non-qualified. Just my personal portfolio and what I do, not financial advice to anyone. Thanks!

[@RohitKumar-xz7un]

Hi Wendy - What funds have you invested in to get such high dividend montly payouts?

[@halstonandharleys]

I have a mix of low risk and then high risk, HY ETF's - YieldMax, Roundhill and some Defiance. My personal strategy and not financial advice. Thanks for watching!

[@Neo72]

Congrats. Me and the wife are looking to retire Jan 2026. Ages 53, and 45.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and that is wonderful! I wish you both all the best!

[@paulmarsh2171]

Wow, that's amazing - congrats. I would love to be able to retire early and travel. I'd also be interested to know how much investment it takes to get those dividend returns. Enjoy yourself😊

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you! I mention in video around 140k invested, not all in since I do get dividends, but I do high yield ETF's, lower risk, lower yield funds too. Not financial advice, just my personal journey.

[@gratefulgirlnh]

Hi Wendy, This is the first video of yours that I've watched. First, congrats on retiring! There's a lot to process to get to that point, I know. I was going to retire now myself at 66, but I've decided to go one more year to pile as much more money as I can into a Roth. I decided this after considering future taxes, the Social Security tax torpedo, and RMD distributions beginning at 73. What I mean is that I am trying to position myself for lower future taxes. I share this because you asked, and I wonder what you are considering regarding tax planning. Perhaps you've already done a video on that? I will take a look and keep watching. I'm in a similar place otherwise... in YM and Roundhill... appreciating the yield. I'm only reinvesting dividends now when the nav is below my cost basis unless I really want to build the position. Hoping the navs won't drop too much in a downtrend now that they are using different strategies. Boy, this is long-winded 😊 Anyway, I'm trying to learn options, too. I'll follow along on your journey to see what else you share. Best of luck to you!!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for a wonderful post here! I have not done a video on tax planning, not sure if I will at this point. I have been researching, doing planning and the whole nine yards. Good luck to you as well and keep us posted!

[@Myraisins1]

Are dividends from your 120k account? I would like to learn more about how to do that. I had a huge setback this year and will hopefully pay off debt in three years. Then maybe I'll work towards more freedom by then.

[@halstonandharleys]

Yes, they are. I invest in some very HY stocks and others more conservative. These are my actual numbers and my personal experience. Not financial advice.

[@DrLusEnglish]

Congrat!

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you!!

[@censoredeveryday3320]

I sell covered calls and use other strategies in my roth IRA. It's good income that grows tax free.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@HoosierDaddyActual]

Thanks for the video. People may disagree with you but don't take it personally.

[@halstonandharleys]

You're welcome, I don't take anything personally, lol, learned that a long time ago!

[@tomTom-lb5cu]

I retired august 1st 2020. I found it boring. I went back august 3rd 2020. Kidding. Really did retire aug 2020 and the only days I’m bored are the days I want to enjoy doing nothing in particular and being bored. But exercise, going out around working peoples schedules, not having to ever feel I’m lesser of a person than a boss ever again is a great feeling of freedom. Now all my ex bosses are just another person to bump into in this world. Now I can pick and choose who I want to keep company with not the forced people from work. It’s all good. Being asked won’t you be bored ? Are you kidding me going to the same old job year after year many time doing almost the same old thing day after day. That’s being bored like a zombie.

[@4040smokey]

Sweet.

[@halstonandharleys]

Woohoo, so happy for you and you are 100% spot on! I have been bored to tears at my job for years now and like you said, you can go out around working people's schedules, not have to feel less of a person, etc. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@Texasgirlinacrazyworld]

Hey Wendy, congrats!! That’s good that you are doing what you want, who cares what anyone else thinks! Do you know anything about REIT’s?….

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you and yes, agreed! I do know a bit about them, they are on my list of things to do some further research on. Hugs girl!

[@ariefraiser140]

Good luck on your options trading but that's not something you dabble in when you're retired and depending on a fixed amount of money for the rest of your life. I personally would have tried dabbling in it while working with money I can spare. Presumedly you can retire now with the funds you have so any money you would have made if you stayed would be money you could spare. I would at least get a part time job and use checks from that as my options money play money. Good luck in your retirement.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for commenting!

[@BroJo420Cafe]

Congrats on retiring ! Those are nice dividends. Late bloomer myself and investing aggressively. I like ETFs like JEPI JEPQ SVOL. Also may I suggest a percentage into gold as a hedge against inflation. Love to know what your using to get such great returns. I do regular hangs - come by soon - 420 Cafe

[@halstonandharleys]

Very nice and thank you! I have both JEPQ and SVOL as well, along with Cornerstone, YieldMax, Roundhill and Defiance for the growth side. Just what I do personally, not advice!

[@91210paige]

Just a reminder if your a day trader your going to put yourself in a higher tax bracket because your not holding things for 2 years

[@halstonandharleys]

Well aware of that, which is why I will not day trade.

[@TheTangoAlfa1]

Options trading is like gambling. Don't do it. Super risky. Invest in the S&P 500 ETF and you will be better off in the long run.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thanks for your 2 cents!

[@chessguy1993]

It's not super risky if done right. Buying OTM calls on a biotech startup? Risky. Selling puts and covered calls on solid established companies or broad market indexes? Not risky.

[@karlbe8414]

I find it hard to believe that you are getting ~21.5% dividend rate on $201,500 , and maintaining your principle. Me, 64, 1.26M with just over 36k in annual divs, still at ~47% growth.

[@halstonandharleys]

To each their own, all different investing styles and I do a lot of high risk HY ETF's, personal to me, not advice to anyone else. Thank you for commenting!

[@JosePerez-pf6us]

What are your monthly expenses

[@halstonandharleys]

Under $2200.00

[@TheFirstRealChewy]

Retired early on $140K invested and $60K in savings?😅 Those dividends seem really high. Are those payouts consistent every month? It just seems odd to be able to retire early on $200K. Our expenses would burn through that.

[@halstonandharleys]

Most of them fluctuate, they are dividend ETF's - and EVERYONE is different, I don't blow through a crap load of money every month and have no debt.

[@Retired-jr3qs]

What did you invest in to get 5k in monthly dividends?

[@halstonandharleys]

A mix of high yield ETF's and lower yield less risky stocks. Not financial advice, just my own personal journey. Thanks for watching!

[@JimB16]

My friend... be careful. I would avoid day day trading and utilize the financial tech investment options and target date investment options of Schwab or other low cost investments. Keep your Expense Ratio as low as possible...

[@JimB16]

You do not have a large portfolio ...and may want to consider part time employment doing something you enjoy...to supplement your investments and social security...

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for commenting.

[@halstonandharleys]

Thank you for commenting and I did mention in the video that I would probably pick up something part time.

[@followinghim5194]

How are you able to get 4000,00 a month in dividens from only about 140,000.00 ??

[@halstonandharleys]

A mix of HY and more conservative dividend ETF's. Not financial advice, just what I do personally!

[@followinghim5194]

@@halstonandharleys Thank you for reply