Bill Cara

The Maverick Investor Portfolio: Embracing Minimalism in Investing

September 2, 2023

In a world inundated with investment options and Wall Street’s constant buzz, it’s easy to get lost in pursuing “stuff” for our portfolios, much like we do for our homes. But what if there was a different way? What if we could invest our money in what we already know so we could enjoy life to the fullest, free to explore our passions and interests? Welcome to the world of the Maverick Investor Portfolio, where minimalist thinking reigns supreme.

Simplify Your Investment Approach

The Maverick Investor Portfolio challenges the conventional wisdom that investing needs to be complex. Instead, it encourages simplicity and a focus on what truly matters. Why chase exotic and unfamiliar investments when we can invest in companies we all know and trust? Think of brands like Nike, McDonald’s, Apple, Microsoft, Visa, etc. These companies have stood the test of time and become household names. Over the past ten years, each has surpassed the Total Return Performance of the major market indexes like the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq.

By investing in such well-established giants, we can free up our time and mental space to enjoy life’s pleasures, such as pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or exploring new interests. The idea is to let our money work for us while we embrace a minimalist lifestyle, unburdened by the constant need to monitor a complex portfolio.

Minimalist Covers, Minimalist Approach

The commitment to minimalism goes beyond just the investment choices in the Maverick Investor Portfolio. I even chose minimalist covers for my three 2023 books on investing. These covers reflect the philosophy of avoiding distractions and anxiety on the investment journey. Instead of overwhelming readers with flashy graphics or complex charts, the focus is delivering straightforward, actionable advice that most people can understand.

Investing in What You Understand

One of the key principles of the Maverick Investor Portfolio is investing in what you understand. Often, we spend too much time pondering investments that are important to other people or diving into industries we know little about. This portfolio encourages investors to put their money into companies and sectors they have a solid grasp of, allowing for better-informed decisions and reduced anxiety.

If you invest in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), a common choice for many people, you do not know the value of what you’re investing, which to me is essential. The Maverick Investor advocates for understanding companies’ assets. That’s impossible with an ETF, and, more than likely, even the names of most of the companies included in the ETF are unknown by the investor. But, investing in what you understand empowers investors to make more conscious choices rather than mindlessly following themes and price trends.

Minimalism Defines Your Portfolio and You

Ultimately, your investment portfolio isn’t just a collection of numbers and assets; it’s a reflection of your values and lifestyle. Have you ever thought about it in terms of minimalism? Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering your physical space; it’s also about simplifying your financial life. In this ridiculous world, I can’t think of anything more important.

The Maverick Investor Portfolio challenges the status quo by championing a minimalist approach to investing. That’s what I mean by maverick. Minimalism invites you to invest in what you know, simplify your financial decisions, and reclaim your time to pursue the things that truly matter to you.

In the words of an old saying, “When you are young, your home is your castle. By the time you get old, it has become your prison.” We have accumulated so much stuff we no longer use or need but cannot eliminate that it weighs on our minds. Minimalism offers the key to unlocking that prison and embracing a more purposeful financial future and fulfilling life.