This question can only be answered by first knowing how much you need to cover your full FAMILY living expenses in entirety. Because if those are not covered you are going to go backwards. It will vary for everyone, and it is in after tax dollars. For me these costs are high (two houses, two cars, two high cost kids)! Shock and awe. I am sure most people would have less than this.
I am only invested in equities. I have found that a broad portfolio with some high yielders like banks and utilities, some growth stocks, some spec stocks will only average 3.5% to 4.5% yield, despite your best intentions of trying to earn higher. The reality is most people want a bit of play money, so the average yield drops.
So then you know how much your portfolio needs to be to cover your costs, and it is a lot more than you think, if want have the feeling that your assets are growing, not reducing.
