Retired at 55 with MSTY: Living, Playing, and Investing on My Terms
On February 14, 2025, I took a leap toward the retirement life I always envisioned—one built on consistent dividend income, smart strategy, and the freedom to choose how I spend my time. At the heart of this plan is a high-yield dividend ETF: MSTY.
When I officially started this phase of my journey, I held 531 shares of MSTY in my individual brokerage account. Fast forward just a couple months, and those numbers changed fast:
- March 2025: 1,172 shares
- April 2025: 2,286 shares
The dividends? They’ve already started rolling in:
- February: $1.55
- March: $1.37
- April: $2.02
These payouts aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re helping me pay bills, stay active, and invest further—all while keeping my Roth IRA on autopilot for the long term.
The Strategy: Two Buckets, One Goal
I’ve divided my investing life into two buckets:
1. Brokerage Account – My Lifestyle Engine
This is my “now” money. These MSTY shares in my individual brokerage account are working for me today. I use the dividend income to:
- Cover living expenses
- Enjoy life (yes, that means play too!)
- Explore other investments and income-generating assets
I don’t reinvest everything here—I need that cash flow. But I’m also selective about what I do with the leftover gains, always looking to diversify and keep the momentum going.
2. Roth IRA – My Growth Engine
Tucked away in my Roth IRA are 362 shares of MSTY, set to automatically reinvest dividends. This is my future money—no withdrawals planned until I’m 62 or older. It’s paired with other reliable dividend ETFs to steadily build tax-free income that will supercharge my later years.
Why MSTY?
MSTY has proven to be a reliable income generator, and the dividend consistency has allowed me to transition confidently into early retirement. It’s high-yield, pays monthly, and fits perfectly into a hybrid lifestyle of financial responsibility and personal freedom.
What’s Next?
As I continue building this post-retirement life, I plan to:
- Monitor MSTY’s performance and dividend stability
- Add other assets with the cash flow from my brokerage account
- Let the Roth IRA compound quietly, untouched and growing until I’m ready to tap into it
I’m not chasing fire anymore—I’m living it. One dividend at a time. This is not financial advice, but for informational purposes only.