Unveiling My Dividend Journey: A Two-Year Review and Q3 Update

The last time I shared my financial journey was in the first quarter of 2020. Since then, life has taken me on an unexpected rollercoaster ride. Over the past couple of years, I've had to make some challenging decisions, including selling a significant portion of my investments in 2021 and 2022 to address immediate real-life challenges. 

Now, as things are settling down and I finally have a moment to reflect, I've taken the opportunity to review and consolidate my financial data from the past three years. It's time for me to assess my current financial position.

In this post, I'll be unveiling the details of my dividend earnings for the past two years and offering an update on my third-quarter dividends. Despite the obstacles I've faced, there are two significant silver linings that have kept me financially afloat. Firstly, I've successfully safeguarded my retirement account, ensuring my financial security in the long term. Secondly, I'm excited to share that I've returned to full-time investing, armed with valuable lessons learned from the recent turbulent times. 

As I meticulously examine the annual dividends in my investment voyage, the year 2020 truly stands out. It culminated with an outstanding sum of $2,026.91 in dividends, marking a pivotal juncture in my financial portfolio. These dividends were dispersed throughout both my retirement and taxable accounts, denoting a remarkable 4.51% surge in comparison to the prior year, and establishing a new milestone as the highest annual dividend income I've ever achieved.

Prior to the tumultuous ride of 2021 and 2022, my dividend earnings had consistently followed an upward trajectory since 2016. However, as mentioned previously, these two years presented significant challenges in my investment journey. In 2021, my dividends totaled $1,010.36, and in 2022, they amounted to $974.10. These years clearly marked a period of difficulty, resulting in a decline in my dividend income.

Now, let's delve into a fascinating aspect of this period: why didn't my dividends plummet further during these tumultuous times? The solution lies in the remarkable resilience of my retirement account. While my other investments underwent reductions, my retirement account maintained its stability, steadfastly producing consistent income.

As I delve into the numbers for Q3 2023, a sense of satisfaction washes over me. This quarter, my dividend earnings reached an impressive $491.22, distributed between my taxable account ($428.11) and retirement account ($63.11). It's not only the highest Q3 dividend I've ever received but also a reassuring sign of getting back on track after the turbulence of recent years.

Comparing this achievement with Q3 2019, where I earned $451.07 in dividends, highlights the significance of this milestone. It's clear that the trajectory of my dividend income has been on a positive incline, with 2020, 2021, and 2022 standing as anomalies in an otherwise steady climb.

The years 2020, 2021, and 2022 threw unexpected challenges my way, causing a dip in my dividend earnings. But Q3 2023 serves as a testament to my resilience and commitment to my financial goals. It signals a return to stability and the promise of consistent dividends in the future.

This achievement reaffirms the importance of perseverance in the world of investing. While there will always be periods of uncertainty and setbacks, maintaining a long-term perspective and staying the course can lead to financial success. It's crucial to learn from past experiences, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep moving forward.

My investment strategy is centered around Vanguard, renowned for its cost-effective index funds. Diversification became a key focus, so I spread my investments across various asset classes. My portfolio now includes US stocks, international stocks, and US bonds. This diversification not only helps manage risk but also positions me for potential growth while providing a steady stream of dividends.

Fundrise has emerged as my fresh source of passive income, fulfilling a long-held desire to own rental properties without the demands of being a landlord. In Q2, it provided me with $40.10, and in Q1, it offered $29.82 in dividends. The beauty of Fundrise lies in its ability to generate income without the need for active management. As I eagerly await the Q3 dividends, it's evident that this platform is not only a convenient alternative to traditional real estate investing but also a reliable source of steady income.

As a finishing thought, life's twists and turns may have momentarily interrupted my financial journey, but I'm more determined than ever to steer it back on track. Join me as I share the highs and lows of this rollercoaster ride and explore the path to financial recovery and growth.