If you've ever wondered how much you need invested to live off dividends, here's the breakdown: with a weighted yield of about 5.1%, a mix of dividend ETFs and REITs (like SCHD, VYM, JEPI, and Realty Income) could turn $235,000 into about $1,000/month in income. The key is balancing yield and risk—going for reliable payouts and steady growth companies instead of just chasing the highest yields. Consistency matters more than picking winners. Dividend reinvestment can grow a smaller portfolio over time, but it takes discipline and patience. Anyone trying for $1k/month from dividends should be ready to stick with it for years and stay the course through market swings.