Vanguard Real Estate ETF A final ETF that deserves a look if you're seeking dividend income in retirement is the Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEMKT: VNQ). Investing in companies with a track record of steadily increasing dividend payments can mitigate the effects of inflation. Plus, companies that have a long track record of dividend payments usually have strong balance sheets, making them good picks for a retiree's investment portfolio.