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This was on the heels of a 24.2% rise in 2023.

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But few investors even professional ones keep up with the returns of the S&P 500 over time.

Its likely that many individual investors did not snag these lofty returns.

If youre one of them, you might want to make some changes in 2025 to boost your earnings.

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A more appropriate comparison might be the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index, whichreturned 3.1% in 2024.

What might make more sense is asking how well your portfolio met your personal investment objectives.

Did Your Portfolio Meet Your Needs?

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While you may ownsome dividend-paying stocks, your portfolio is likely bond-heavy.

If you earned enough income to satisfy your needs, that might be enough.

So, for most investors, its a solid return.

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In fact,famed billionaire investor Warren Buffett has often recommended them.

I think its the thing that makes the most sense practically all of the time.

For example, if you only ownTreasuries or short-term bonds, consider other, higher-paying options.

Rates on these accounts will drop in line with Fed rate cuts.

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