Life has a way of throwing curveballs, such as divorce, career changes, and financial setbacks, and sometimes, it feels like you're back at square one.

But hitting the reset button in your 40s doesn't mean your financial future is doomed. In fact, with thorough planning and disciplined investing, it's possible to rebuild and even come out stronger than before.

For one Redditor, a 42-year-old facing a divorce and raising three kids, rebuilding financially seems like a tough challenge, but also an opportunity for a fresh start. With $250,000 to invest and a stable business generating between $90,000 and $120,000 per year on average, the investor is determined to turn things around.

Don't Miss:

• Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!
• This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100.

“If you could invest from scratch, $250,000–how would you divide it up? It's almost a full-life restart, not ideal, but it is what it is. Would you put [Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN)​], [Gladstone Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: GAIN)], [Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE: SCHD)], [JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ: JEPQ)] into individual or [investment retirement account]? What others should I consider?” he asked.

The comment section of the post exploded with recommendations, with some Redditors advocating for simple, low-risk investments, and others suggesting aggressive growth strategies. Below, we break down the most relevant insights.

Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.

How Would You Divide $250,000? Reddit Users Debate in the Comments

Keep It Simple and Low-Cost

There were plenty of comments that suggested the investor avoid financial advisors and instead invest in an S&P index fund.

“I would not pay a financial advisor one penny, much less $1,500 per year + fees and %. It doesn’t take a financial advisor to invest in an S&P 500 index fund, which is the simplest and one of the best investments for a 42-year-old, 22-year-old, 32-year-old, or 52-year-old,” a Redditor advised.

“If I had to start at 42... I would dump it all into an S&P index growth fund and leave it be for about 15 years. At that point, I would look for opportunities to move it into dividends for income,” another comment says.

Also touching on the fact that he doesn’t need a financial advisor, this Reddit user mentioned a few assets he believes would help the poster meet his financial goals.

“Invest in only ETFs, no individual stocks. 75% in [Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSE: VOO)], [SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE: SPY)], or if you want some dividends, [JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE: JEPI)​], or [Alerian MLP ETF (NYSE: AMLP)]. No need to pay anyone, just invest in S&P 500 index funds,” he suggested.

See Also: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement — How do you compare?

Mix Growth ETFs with Dividend Stocks

While the S&P 500 was one of the most recommended strategies, many commenters suggested mixing growth with dividend ETFs for a balanced portfolio.

“If you want to retire in, say, 20 years, you need at least 3x if not 4x that $250,000. In addition to the S&P 500 index, MAIN and GAIN look good. If I knew at 42 what I know now, I would have gone into individual growth stocks much earlier than I did, for those have been by far my best performers and would have been even better if I had gotten into them sooner,” a commenter suggested.

Mentioning that he also owns MAIN and GAIN, this Redditor recommended the poster split the $250,000 between a low-cost S&P index fund, growth assets, and dividend-focused stocks: “If I were you, I’d invest the $250,000 in a low-cost S&P index fund and start putting some money every month into an [investment retirement account]. I do own MAIN and GAIN outside of my retirement account... But I would go growth with your investments and maybe start adding in some dividend payers in your taxable account to diversify your income.”

“80% [Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (NYSE: SCHG)], 20% SCHD,” another user suggested.

Read Next:

• Have $200K saved? Here's how to turn it into lasting wealth
• Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!

Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market.

Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga?

This article 42-Year-Old With $250K And A 'Failed Marriage, 3 Kids' Faces A Full Life Restart – 'How Would You Divide It Up?' Reddit Explodes With Advice originally appeared on Benzinga.com

© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.