Balancing dividend income throughout the year

[fenders53]

I think I understand what you are up to.  I am currently funding my cash buffer with dividends and conservative option premiums.  My buffer is actually sitting in very short-term bonds as I don't need it until about 2022. I want to practice and see if I can maintain stability.  I intend to fund it for two full years of draws before I attempt to completely stop working.  This would gives me two years to react if my future income is going to decrease. I have other pensions so the dividend draw only determines if I live larger or not.  I don't want to be forced to sell shares until later on in retirement.