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While buzzwords like AI took center stage in 2024, millions of Americans kept collecting regular dividend checks to fight inflation and seek financial freedom. A recent Bank of America report said dividend stocks could rebound in 2025 as investor appetite for cash increases. 

Developing a reliable dividend portfolio that generates regular income takes time and effort. Which dividend stocks or ETFs are suitable for retirement? Let's turn to a case study for some ideas.

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In October last year, someone asked on Reddit whether it's possible to retire doing a "normal" job and sought guidance on ways to achieve early retirement. The question received over 200 responses, but one answer stood out. In this comment, a Redditor said he retired at 35 in Southeast Asia and lives off dividend income from several funds.

In a few other discussions, this investor said he is an Asian Australian who moved to Southeast Asia and lives off about $1,200 per month in income from the dividend funds he invested in.

"Worked my guts out in my 20s, retired on a paradise beach in Southeast Asia in my 30s," he commented during a discussion on Reddit.

"Honestly, it’s the best life, feels like a dream," he said on another occasion.

See Also: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.

The investor shared some names of the top dividend ETFs in his portfolio. Let's take a look.

Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund

Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (CSQ) seeks total return through capital gains and dividend income. It pays monthly and has a dividend yield of about 6.7%. The fund’s top holdings are Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft and Amazon.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) seeks income and total return for investors. It invests in science and technology companies with high growth potential. The fund has a distribution rate of about 8% and pays monthly. Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Cadence Design and Broadcom are among the fund's biggest holdings.

Trending: The Ascent Income Fund from EquityMultiple targets stable income from senior commercial real estate debt positions and has a historical distribution yield of 12.1% backed by real assets. Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only).

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund

The Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund (EOS) invests in large- and mid-cap stocks with above-average growth potential. The fund writes call options on stocks to generate income. The fund underperformed its equity benchmark in the third quarter, the Russell 1000 Growth Index. It has a distribution rate of over 7% and pays monthly.

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund 

The Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund (ETG) generates dividend income that qualifies for favorable federal income tax treatment. It invests in dividend stocks with growth potential. ETG has a distribution rate of about 8%.

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund

The Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (ETO) invests in dividend stocks and generates income eligible for favorable federal income tax treatment. The fund underperformed its equity benchmark in the third quarter, the MSCI World Index.

Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

Looking For Higher-Yield Opportunities In A Shifting Market?

The changing interest rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn massive yields, but not through dividend stocks... Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities and Benzinga has identified some of the most attractive options for you to consider. 

For instance, the Ascent Income Fund from EquityMultiple targets stable income from senior commercial real estate debt positions and has a historical distribution yield of 12.1% backed by real assets. With payment priority and flexible liquidity options, the Ascent Income Fund is a cornerstone investment vehicle for income-focused investors. First-time investors with EquityMultiple can now invest in the Ascent Income Fund with a reduced minimum of just $5,000. Benzinga Readers: Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only).

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take advantage of high-yield investments while rates are high. Check out Benzinga's favorite high-yield offerings. 

This article 35-Year-Old Dividend Investor Retired in 'Paradise Beach' in Southeast Asia Shares His Top 5 ETF Picks – 'The Best Life, Feels Like a Dream' originally appeared on Benzinga.com