VYM or SCHD. VYM tries to mitigate risk through diversification while SCHD tries to mitigate risk through a screening and selection process. VYM comes with a slightly higher dividend (3.14% vs 2.93% for the 12 month yield). They are both highly rated on Morningstar.

Last week I literally set-up up all my automatic investing since we sold our previous home and made a profit, allowing us to become financially stable. I did 75% in a SP500 index and 25% in an intermediate bond market index. Every month I will put $500 split accordingly into those funds. This is after maxing out our IRAs. Not saying this is the best strategy but simple split with the mindset of keeping the money in there long-term e.g., over 10 years.

Does it suck seeing the money we just put in there drop? Yes. Though I know I am in it for the long haul, not the get quick rich approach or attempting to time the markets.

Is there a bond market app that you use to easily find and track bonds?

I'm unsure.

Index funds with low expense costs are my personal strategy. While I'd love to retire now (early 30s), my realistic goal is to retire at 59. The plan I have now with moderate ROI allows that - patience while staying the course long-term with your financial plan is key.

A few ideas for you to run with: Bond Funds, Preferreds (PFF,JPS), Business Development Companies (ex: GSBD), REITs, Munis, Utilities.

Some traditional companies also have lowish dividends, but they will of course compound over time, usually old-fashioned companies like banks or airlines. A good place to look is Warren Buffet's portfolio.

I've been subscribing to- and mirroring the holdings of the model portfolio(s) in Morningstar DividendInvestor for over a decade now with great success. (I'm an early retiree.)

https://mdi.morningstar.com/

Utility companies historically pay high dividends. Also companies that are in trouble pay higher dividends. You probably should avoid the latter.