Triple-Asset Barbell Could Deliver $4,800 a Month in Retirement

A 67-year-old aiming for $4,800 a month can reach it by a three-tier barbell using SCHD (~3.2% yield with growth, needing about $1.8M for $57,600/year), Realty Income (O) at ~5% yield with monthly payouts (about $1.15M), and JEPQ at roughly 11% covered-call yield (about $576K). The blended plan leverages SCHD’s dividend growth, Realty Income’s steady monthly cash flow, and JEPQ’s income boost, producing a sustainable paycheck over time—growth in SCHD can double the income in roughly nine years, whereas a static high-yield strategy risks NAV erosion. Tax considerations and fiduciary guidance are important for choosing the optimal mix.