Group 1 - The article discusses the increasing acceptance of ETFs as part of a diversified investment portfolio, highlighting a shift in perspective from skepticism to appreciation [1] - The author identifies as a buy-and-hold investor focused on quality blue-chip stocks, BDCs, and REITs, aiming to supplement retirement income through dividends in the next 5-7 years [2] - The author expresses a desire to assist lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios of high-quality, dividend-paying companies to achieve financial independence [2] Group 2 - The article includes a disclosure of a beneficial long position in SCHD shares, indicating a personal investment interest [3] - It emphasizes that past performance is not indicative of future results and that no specific investment recommendations are provided [4]