How crashing dividend stocks can boost your chances of retiring early

Buying undervalued dividend stocks could enable you to generate high returns in a subsequent market recovery that improves your chances of retiring early.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Buying dividend stocks in the current economic climate may not appear to be a worthwhile move for many investors. They may feel that further stock market declines are ahead. And the value of their portfolio could come under severe pressure.

However, over the long run, many dividend stocks that have recently crashed could deliver strong recoveries. As such, it may be worth buying a selection of them now while they offer good value for money. This strategy could improve your financial outlook. Indeed, it can help to bring your retirement date a step closer.

Value for money

Buying stocks while they offer good value for money has been a highly successful investment strategy in the past. Following it at the present time could prove to be a shrewd move. That’s because a number of high-quality dividend stocks appear to be trading on valuations lower than their historic averages.

Certainly, a challenging economic outlook could cause their prices to move even lower in the short run. But, the past performance of the stock market shows they’re unlikely to remain at depressed prices over the long run. In fact, the stock market has always recovered from its various bear markets to move to higher price levels than those achieved in its previous bull market.

Therefore, purchasing high-quality companies that have the potential to pay growing dividends could lead to a substantial retirement nest egg in the coming years.

Relative appeal

Demand for dividend stocks may not be especially high at present among income investors. Significant risks are facing the world economy that may disrupt operating environments across a wide range of industries.

However, over time, the popularity of dividend stocks could increase significantly. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to generate a worthwhile income return from other mainstream assets, such as cash and bonds. Policymakers are likely to maintain a supportive monetary policy stance even as the economy recovers through policies such as low interest rates. So demand for income-paying stocks could increase.

This may help to push the prices of dividend stocks higher in the coming years. The end result could be a larger retirement nest egg that makes it easier for you to generate a generous passive income in older age.

Focusing on quality dividend stocks

At the present time, many industries are experiencing significant change. This may persist over the next few years, as consumer habits are potentially altered by the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.

Therefore, diversifying across a range of dividend stocks could be a logical move. It will enable you to reduce your overall risk at a time when it’s unclear exactly which sectors will deliver strong performances in the long run.

This strategy could also boost your returns and provide a more resilient passive income that helps you to achieve retirement status earlier than expected.

Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

Is 2026 the year the Diageo share price bounces back?

Will next year be the start of a turnaround for the Diageo share price? Stephen Wright looks at a key…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s my top FTSE 250 pick for 2026

UK investors looking for under-the-radar opportunities should check out the FTSE 250. And 2026 could be an exciting year for…

Read more »

Yellow number one sitting on blue background
Investing Articles

Here’s my number 1 passive income stock for 2026

Stephen Wright thinks a 5.5% dividend yield from a company with a strong competitive advantage is something passive income investors…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

Should I sell my Scottish Mortgage shares in 2026?

After a strong run for Scottish Mortgage shares, our writer wonders if he should offload them to bank profits in…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

Down 35%! These 2 blue-chips are 2025’s big losers. But are they the best shares to buy in 2026?

Harvey Jones reckons he's found two of the best shares to buy for the year ahead, but he also acknowledges…

Read more »

A senior man and his wife holding hands walking up a hill on a footpath looking away from the camera at the view. The fishing village of Polperro is behind them.
Investing Articles

State Pension worries? 3 investment trusts to target a £2.6m retirement fund

Royston Wild isn't worried about possible State Pension changes. Here he identifies three investment trusts to target a multi-million-pound portfolio.

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Dividend Shares

4 dirt-cheap dividend stocks to consider for 2026!

Discover four great dividend stocks that could deliver long-term passive income -- and why our writer Royston Wild thinks they’re…

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman jumping for joy in a park with confetti falling around her
Investing Articles

These fabulous 5 UK stocks doubled in 2025 – can they do it again next year?

These five UK stocks have more than doubled investors' money as the FTSE 100 surges. Harvey Jones wonders if they…

Read more »