How it works: All portfolios use the same five low-cost ETFs (SCHD, VTI, SCHH, VCIT, VTIP) in different proportions. Change the starting balance to see projected income and portfolio values.

The Building Blocks

TickerDescriptionIncome YieldExpected Growth
SCHDSchwab US Dividend Equity ETF3.50%5.50%
VTIVanguard Total US Stock Market ETF1.50%6.50%
SCHHSchwab US REIT ETF3.00%3.50%
VCITVanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF4.00%0.00%
VTIPVanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF2.00%0.00%

The 12 Portfolios

Starting balance: $
# Portfolio % Allocation Income % Growth % Income Now Income 5yr Income 10yr Portfolio 5yr Portfolio 10yr
SCHDVTISCHHVCITVTIP
1Conservative Income20102035153.152.45
2Conservative Inflation-Protected20101525302.902.28
3Conservative Bond-Heavy15101050153.281.83
4Conservative Dividend Focus30101530153.152.83
5Balanced Income30102025153.103.00
6Balanced Growth30251520102.883.80
7Balanced Equity Tilt25351020102.704.00
8Balanced Real-Asset Tilt25202520102.933.55
9Growth with Income2545101552.554.65
10Growth with Real Estate2050201002.455.05
11Aggressive Growth1070101002.105.45
12Ultra-Simple Growth20800001.906.30

The income and growth numbers are estimates based on current ETF yields and long-term historical trends - not predictions. Think of them as a compass heading, not a GPS coordinate.