**49-Year-Old Investor Earns Over $5,000 Monthly in Dividends With 'Sleep at Night' Portfolio**

Investors often turn to dividend stocks to build wealth and protect their portfolios against market volatility. One investor, aged 49, has successfully done just that, generating $5,180 each month from dividends by constructing what he calls a 'helps me sleep at night' portfolio.

This investor began by focusing on growth ETFs for 25 years before shifting to dividend investing over the past three years. During this time, he has accumulated a portfolio valued at approximately $3.1 million, starting from an initial investment of $2.71 million. His shift in strategy has paid off handsomely, yielding him significant monthly dividends.

The investor's journey of wealth accumulation included working high-paying jobs and launching businesses in software sales. These ventures offered various financial benefits, such as tax savings and revenue distribution strategies, which contributed to his investment capital. His disciplined approach to savings began with his first job after college, where he earned $27,300 a year and joined his company's 401(k) plan. This early start and consistent reinvestment of dividends played a crucial role in building his substantial portfolio.

A detailed look at his holdings reveals a diverse array of investments. The largest portion, 46.6%, is allocated to the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI), providing exposure to around 3,600 stocks and a yield of 1.4%. His second-largest holding, the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS), comprises 14.2% of his portfolio and offers a 2.4% dividend yield.

The investor also holds significant positions in sector-specific ETFs, such as the iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW), accounting for 11.4% of his portfolio, despite its lower yield of 0.3%. Additionally, his investments include the iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (IWD) and the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF), which provide exposure to value and growth stocks, respectively.

Individual stocks also feature prominently in his portfolio. Notable holdings include industrial conglomerate 3M Co (MMM), which although recently cutting its dividend, still provides steady income. AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), and Intel (INTC), along with Realty Income (O), are other key dividend-paying stocks within his portfolio.

This disciplined investment strategy of combining growth and dividend stocks has not only improved his financial position but also offered him peace of mind. By leveraging both types of investments, he has managed to build a portfolio that balances income and growth, providing stability even during market fluctuations.