The Tom Dupree Show

The Tom Dupree Show


Income vs. Value: Why Retirement Investors Should Focus on Dividend Yields During Market Volatility

April 18, 2025
Income vs. Value: Why Retirement Investors Should Focus on Dividend Yields During Market Volatility
The True Focus of Retirement Investing: Income Generation

In this episode of The Tom Dupree Show, host Tom Dupree and his team discuss a fundamental shift in perspective that retirement investors need to embrace: focusing on income generation rather than account value during periods of market volatility. For retirement investors, understanding the difference between overall portfolio value and sustainable income production is crucial for long-term financial security.


Why Dividend Income Matters More Than Account Value

Most investors have been conditioned to focus primarily on their account value, constantly checking whether it’s up or down. However, the Dupree Financial Group takes a different approach, emphasizing that the true purpose of retirement investing is income production.


“We don’t really talk about how much income it produces. It’s an assumption that if the account’s this big, well, he/she can spend all that money… But the real reason that you invest money, at least if you’re a retirement investor, is how much money will that produce.”


This perspective shift becomes especially important during volatile markets, where focusing on stable dividend streams can provide peace of mind even when account values fluctuate.


How Market Volatility Creates Buying Opportunities

One of the counterintuitive benefits of market downturns is that they create opportunities to purchase quality dividend-paying stocks at better yields:


“Do you ever hear people say, I like it when the market goes down because I can buy a stock that was yielding 6%? I can now get a 7% yield on it. You know, you never hear that. Never hear it. But the fact is, it’s true because what’s happened is that dividend stream can be bought for cheaper.”


The podcast explains this concept through a helpful real estate analogy, comparing dividend yields to rental property returns. When prices drop but income remains stable, the yield increases, creating better entry points for income-focused investors.


Key Takeaways for Retirement Investors

  • Focus on cash flow rather than account value – In retirement, what matters most is sustainable income
  • Market volatility creates buying opportunities – Price drops allow investors to purchase dividend streams at higher yields
  • Research is essential – The Dupree team emphasizes its in-house research approach to ensure dividend security
  • Understand the approach and stick to it – Having a plan you believe in helps maintain discipline during market volatility
  • Avoid making investment decisions based on politics – Focus on company fundamentals rather than political noise

Creating a Resilient Retirement Strategy

The podcast emphasizes that market volatility is normal and should be expected as part of any long-term investment plan. A resilient retirement strategy must:



  • Account for periodic 10-20% market drops
  • Balance risk and reward based on individual circumstances
  • Focus on companies with strong fundamentals and dividend histories
  • Be designed to produce a reliable income regardless of market conditions

“Having an investment approach or retirement plan that you can stick with is vital, and in order to stick with a plan, you have to understand it. And you have to innately agree with the approach.”


The Advantages of Dividend-Paying Stocks vs. Rental Properties

The show makes an interesting comparison between dividend investing and real estate investing, noting that while both can provide income, dividend stocks offer significant advantages:



  • No maintenance costs or physical property management
  • No need to deal with tenants or repairs
  • Higher net yields when considering all expenses
  • Greater liquidity and diversification

Call to Action

If market volatility has you concerned about your retirement portfolio, now is an ideal time to reassess your investment strategy.  Dupree Financial Group specializes in retirement investing and is focused on income generation through dividends.


Contact Dupree Financial Group today for a complimentary portfolio analysis:



Dupree Financial Group – Where we make your money work for you.


Hashtags for Social Sharing

#RetirementIncome #DividendInvesting #MarketVolatility #RetirementPlanning #FinancialIndependence #InvestmentStrategy #IncomeInvesting #RetirementSecurity #DividendYield #FinancialFreedom


The post Income vs. Value: Why Retirement Investors Should Focus on Dividend Yields During Market Volatility appeared first on Dupree Financial.