Quote from Norton:
The main thing I changed was that I chose to invest in higher quality stocks that still had relatively high dividend yields.
Congratulations. As someone who is many years ahead of you, I'll say that you are on the right track. When you hit your 60's, you'll thank yourself for sticking with the program.
A significant percentage of gains in the S&P are due to dividend distributions, reinvested. Over time it really adds up...so long as you remain invested, don't get too aggressive, and don't try to time the market.
And don't invest only for yield. Remember that there is no free ride, and a stock that is offering an extreme yield may not be a stock you want to be holding.
IMO, this is a great time to start your program, as many thousands of boomers are retiring, looking for yield, which will put a good foundation under blue chip, dividend paying companies.