Whenever anyone asks me how to get started with investing in stocks I tell them to start with an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund). I always feel a bit funny about it though as I have almost zero money invested in ETFs. So I figured I should walk my talk and jump on the ETF bandwagon like everybody else in the financial freedom movement. The reason I'm not invested in ETFs is not … [Read more...] about Automatic Investing with Vanguard ETF Australia
ETF Dividend Portfolio
The ETF Portfolio was started in September of 2023 with the goal of showing how easy it is to get started with investing and how quickly it can grow with time, patience, perseverance and relentlessness!
It started as a Vanguard portfolio of ETFs and index funds but has since expanded. I'll probably end up with 8 to 12 ETFs from providers like Vanguard, Betashares, JP Morgan, NEOS and iShares.
Each month I share the value of the ETF dividend portfolio and what shares were bought or sold. I don't think there'll be too many sell updates though as I plan to hold and add to these forever.
I will usually add between $500 and $1,000 to the ETF portfolio every month, plus I'll reinvest all dividends. I believe this is the minimum amount you have to invest if you ever want to be free. You should be adding much more if you want freedom within the next ten years. I'm also still adding a similar amount to my Australian stocks portfolio and my International stocks portfolio every month.
ETF Portfolio Goals
I need goals to work towards. You should try it too.
ETF GOAL ONE (DONE!!): $2000 per year in dividends (Set in November 2023)
2025: Goal One has been achieved in 2025 with a total of $2,040.09 worth of dividends paid out for the year! I'm very happy with the progress of the ETF portfolio.
2024: A total of $725.85 = 36% of $2,000 goal.
2023: I received $102.68 worth of dividends from ETFs which is about 5% of my goal achieved. So technically that's a fail but I've only just started.
ETF GOAL TWO: $2000 per month in dividends (Started in January 2026 after completing Goal 1)
2026: At the end of January I have made $253.98 and the 6 month monthly average is just $177.77. Lots of work to do!
ETF GOAL THREE: $2000 per week in dividends
ETF GOAL FOUR: $2000 per day in dividends
ETF GOAL FIVE: Buy my own deserted island and rule over it with an iron fist! lol
See all the Dividends Paid from the ETF Portfolio or see the 6 Month Average dividends paid out.