This is particularly true if you’re thinking about retirement, nearing retirement, or you’re already there. One of the last things you want to worry about is whether your money will last. Financial security becomes less about chasing big gains and more about generating reliable, consistent income.

So why not put your money to work for you—starting today?

One of the most effective ways to do that is by investing in assets that provide both passive income and long-term growth. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), especially those offered by Vanguard and other major issuers, can play a key role in achieving that balance. 

High-Yielding ETFs: JEPQ

The JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ: JEPQ) is a great example of this strategy. The ETF has delivered consistent income payouts. It paid a dividend of just over $0.50 per share on March 2, around $0.46 on February 2, and just over $0.57 on January 5. While these payments can fluctuate month to month, they highlight the fund’s focus on delivering regular income to investors.

With a yield of about 11.38%, this ETF stands out as one of the more aggressive income generators on the market today. It achieves this high yield through a combination of investing in U.S. large-cap growth stocks—many of which are tied to the technology-heavy Nasdaq—and selling call options to generate additional income. This options strategy helps boost yield, though it can also limit some upside during strong market rallies.

However, JEPQ isn’t the only strong dividend-paying ETF worth considering. Here are two more that offer a mix of stability, income, and long-term potential.

High-Yielding ETFs: VYM

Another popular choice is the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEARCA: VYM), which takes a more conservative and diversified approach to income investing.

With an expense ratio of just 0.04%, VYM tracks the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. The fund currently holds over 500 stocks, giving investors exposure to some of the most established dividend-paying companies in the U.S. market. Its top holdings include major blue-chip names like Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM), Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM), Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

The ETF currently offers a yield of around 2.29% and pays dividends on a quarterly basis. While its yield is lower than JEPQ’s, VYM makes up for it with stability and long-term reliability. Historically, funds like VYM have provided steady dividend growth over time, which can help investors keep pace with inflation.

Recent payouts include approximately $0.94 per share in September, about $0.84 earlier in the year, and roughly $0.86 in June. These consistent distributions make it a solid “core” holding for income-focused portfolios.

High-Yielding ETFs: VDE

Another strong option for dividend seekers is the Vanguard Energy Index Fund ETF (NYSEARCA: VDE), which focuses specifically on the energy sector.

With an expense ratio of 0.09% and a yield of about 2.43%, VDE offers targeted exposure to oil, gas, and energy infrastructure companies. The fund holds roughly 100+ stocks, including major players like Chevron (NYSE: CVX), ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP), Williams Companies (NYSE: WMB), and EOG Resources (NYSE: EOG).

Like VYM, VDE pays dividends quarterly. It recently distributed just over $1.02 per share in December, following a payout of about $1.00 in September. Energy stocks are known for their cyclical nature, but they can also provide strong income during periods of high commodity prices and global demand.

One major tailwind for the energy sector right now is rising global demand—especially for electricity. The rapid expansion of technologies like artificial intelligence, data centers, and electrification is putting increasing pressure on energy infrastructure. According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity demand is expected to grow at an annual rate of about 4% through 2027. That trend could continue to support revenues—and dividends—for energy companies in the years ahead.

This Could Be a Time to Put Safety First

High-yield ETFs can be powerful tools for building a steady stream of passive income, particularly for retirees or those nearing retirement. Whether you’re looking for high monthly income like JEPQ, diversified dividend exposure like VYM, or sector-specific opportunities like VDE, there are options to match a variety of risk tolerances and income goals.

As always, it’s important to consider how these ETFs fit into your broader financial plan. While high yields can be attractive, factors like market volatility, interest rates, and economic conditions can all impact performance and payouts over time.

With speculation of a potential conflict with Iran, oil prices are up another $1.31 to $66.50. And depending on whether we go to war and what could potentially happen in the Strait of Hormuz, investors may want to jump into potential oil war stocks.

We have to consider that Iran is one of the world’s leading suppliers, with its government making it clear that it will retaliate if the U.S. attacks. This could eventually lead to a full blockage of the Strait of Hormuz or restricted access.

• Iranian leaders have warned that any U.S. attack could spark a regional war.
• Iran could use allied militias and proxy groups to attack U.S. allies and interests throughout the Middle East.
• The Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for about 20 million barrels of oil per day of global supply, could be targeted, threatening global flow.

In the U.S., “Top national security officials have told Mr. Trump the U.S. military is ready for potential strikes on Iran as soon as Saturday, but the timeline for any action is likely to extend beyond this weekend, sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News, adding that President Trump had not yet made a final decision about whether to strike Iran.”

We should also consider that any conflict between the U.S. and Iran would probably be larger and longer than a few days, potentially a multi-week campaign rather than a quick strike, which would create significant upside potential for oil.

Not only are oil stocks, such as Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX), gushing higher on speculation of war, but so are related ETFs such as the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEARCA: XLE).

Why You Need to Be Cautions With Oil War Stocks

The last time the U.S. hit Iran was in late June 2025, when the U.S. carried out air and missile strikes on several of Iran’s nuclear facilities — including the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites — as part of the broader conflict involving Iran and Israel. 

Prior to the attack, oil traded at about $60, spiking to about $78 before plummeting back to earth following the nuclear facilities’ attack. 

We could see a similar situation play out this time, as well.

Unfortunately, it’s a wait-and-see at this point. Right now, simply on speculation of an attack on Iran, investors may want to consider a position in Exxon Mobil or Chevron. Or, to take an all-of-the-above approach, here are three ETFs to consider.

Oil War Stocks: SPDR Energy Select Sector ETF (XLE)

With an expense ratio of 0.09%, the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund ETF (NYSEARCA: XLE) provides exposure to companies in the oil, gas, and consumable fuel, energy equipment, and services industries.

The ETF is heavily weighted toward large, established energy giants, which account for a significant portion of its total holdings and help provide more resilience during market downturns. Plus, not only does an ETF allow for diversification, but you can buy it for less than $47 a share, which, by the way, is cheaper than most of the ETFs 2 holdings.

Some of those holdings include Exxon Mobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP), Williams Cos. (NYSE: WMB), and EOG Resources (NYSE: EOG).

Oil War Stocks: SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP)

With an expense ratio of 0.35%, the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (NYSEARCA: XOP) ETF provides exposure to 51 oil and gas exploration and production segment of the S&P TMI, which comprises the following sub-industries: Integrated Oil & Gas, Oil & Gas Exploration & Production, and Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing, as noted by State Street SPDR. 

Some of the fund’s top holdings include Callon Petroleum (NYSE: CPE), SM Energy Company (NYSE: SM), Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN), EOG Resources, and ConocoPhillips. 

XOP also has an extremely high correlation with the price of oil, making it a suitable choice for investors seeking direct leverage to upward movements in crude oil prices.

Oil War Stocks: iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC)

With an expense ratio of 0.40%, The iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSEARCA: IXC) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of global equities in the energy sector. Some of its 50 holdings include Exxon Mobil, Chevron Corporation, BP PLC (NYSE: BP), Total SA, and EOG Resources.

It’s also one of the few options for investors seeking global exposure to the energy sector, including significant holdings in U.S., Canadian, and European companies like Exxon Mobil and Shell. Also, much like the other two ETFs above, the IXC also pays a dividend.