Planning for Retirement with Active Investing

We explore active investing with Joseph Hogue, a former Marine, CFA, and YouTuber.

While our approach focuses on dividend growth stocks, Joseph takes a different route—combining ETFs, bonds, REITs, and even penny stocks.

Let’s dive into his investing philosophy, asset allocation, and the strategy behind his 3-5 year holding periods.

You’ll Learn

Joseph Hogue’s Background & Investment Evolution
Joseph started investing in 1999 during the internet bubble and, like many, made all the classic mistakes.

His background as a Marine instilled discipline, which later shaped his methodical approach to investing.

He transitioned from a dividend-focused strategy to a diversified portfolio that includes ETFs, real estate, and venture capital.

Asset Allocation & the Role of ETFs vs. Individual Stocks
Joseph’s portfolio comprises 65% equities, 15% bonds, 10% real estate, and 10% venture capital.

He values ETFs for diversification and exposure to industries he doesn’t specialize in, such as biotech. However, he still holds dividend stocks like JEPQ, SVOL, and MAIN for income generation.

Real Estate Investing & REITs
While Joseph has previously been hands-on in real estate, he now prefers diversified REITs, focusing on data centers, communications, and industrial properties.

This shift allows him to maintain exposure to real estate without extensive research and management.

A 3-5 Year Holding Period: Why Active Investing?
Unlike buy-and-hold investors, Joseph evaluates his holdings every 3-5 years.

This aligns with economic cycles and macro trends, allowing flexibility. He’s not against holding stocks long-term but prefers to reassess their potential regularly rather than getting “married” to a stock.

Investment Process: Buying & Selling
Joseph often buys in tranches and uses technical analysis for entry points.

His goal is to avoid buying stocks that immediately weaken after purchase. One example is SoFi Technologies (SOFI)—he bought at $5, saw it rise to $14, and partially covered his position around $12 based on valuation.

Risk Management & Avoiding Trend Chasing
Joseph avoids trend investing as it’s difficult to predict when a trend will end. He follows his holdings closely but does not day trade.

Instead, he balances high-growth plays like SOFI and ALLY with stable assets like ETFs and bonds.

Who Should Consider This Strategy?
Active investing suits those who enjoy research and tracking stocks.

It requires conviction, patience, and the ability to manage risk. Joseph emphasizes the importance of understanding intrinsic value and following industries closely for successful execution.

Biggest Investing Mistakes & Lessons Learned
Joseph’s biggest mistake was chasing Peabody Energy (BTU) downward without understanding its debt burden and bear case.

Now, he ensures a deeper analysis of downside risks before investing.

Retirement Plans & Future Outlook
For Joseph, retirement is not about stopping—he loves investing and plans to continue indefinitely. His approach to financial independence is staying engaged in markets rather than withdrawing completely.