The Contrarian Investment Portfolio (CIP): A Smarter Way to Build Wealth

Most people hear the word "invest" and think that only means stocks, real estate, mutual funds and maybe some retirement accounts. Wrong.

They set money aside, let it grow over decades, and hope it’s enough to retire. That’s fine if you want slow, predictable returns.

But if you want real control over your wealth, you need to think differently. You need a Contrarian Investment Portfolio (CIP).

The CIP is built on three buckets:

1. Conventional – What most people invest in
2. Unconventional – What most people ignore
3. You – The investment that pays the highest returns

Each bucket plays a different role in building wealth. Each has strengths, risks, and potential rewards. Let’s break them down.

Bucket 1: Conventional Investments (Low to Medium Risk, Slow Growth)

This is what people think of when they hear the word “investing.”

It’s safe, steady, and has a long track record of success.

Why People Like Conventional Investments

• Stability: The stock market and real estate have historically grown over time. Even with short-term dips, they tend to rise in the long run.
• Easy to Access: Anyone can open a brokerage account and buy stocks or ETFs.
• Compounding Growth: Even a modest 8% return in the stock market can double your money in about nine years.

The Downsides

• Slow Growth: If you’re only investing in conventional assets, it can take decades to build real wealth.
• Market Volatility: Stocks crash. Housing markets dip. If you need money during a downturn, you could be forced to sell at a loss.
• Low Control: You’re betting on companies, governments, and economies that you don’t control.

Example: Investing $5,000 in the S&P 500

• The S&P 500 has averaged 8% per year over the long run.
• A $5,000 investment growing at 8% annually would be worth about $7,346 after five years.
• This is steady growth that gets you a $2,346 return (32% ROI) but nothing life-changing.

Risk Profile: Low to Medium. Stocks and real estate usually go up, but they require patience.

Bucket 2: Unconventional Investments (Medium to High Risk, High Upside)

This is where things get interesting. Unconventional investments are overlooked, misunderstood, or considered too risky by most people.

They don’t fit into traditional financial planning but that’s exactly why they offer big opportunities.

Why People Like Unconventional Investments

• Higher Returns: Many unconventional assets can outperform stocks over the same time period.
• Less Competition: Most people don’t invest in collectibles, crypto, or private businesses, so there’s less market saturation.
• The Fun Stuff: Most people get into these because they're already hobbies or become one. The best investments are the ones you're passionate and curious about.

The Downsides

• Lack of Liquidity: It’s easy to sell stocks. It’s not as easy to sell a classic car or a startup investment.
• Higher Risk of Loss: Some of these assets can drop in value fast. If you don’t understand what you’re doing, you could lose everything.
• More Work: Unlike stocks, which you can “set and forget,” unconventional investments often require time and knowledge to manage.

Example: Investing $5,000 in a Rolex Submariner

• A Rolex Submariner cost around $5,000 in 2018 on the secondary market.
• In 2023, that same watch sold for around $12,000 due to brand demand and limited supply.
• That’s a 140% gain, turning a $5,000 investment into $12,000 in five years.

Risk Profile: Medium to High. The right assets can skyrocket, but not every watch, crypto coin, or startup investment will be a winner.

Bucket 3: You (The Best ROI Over Time, But Requires Effort)

This is the most powerful investment because it makes you more valuable.

Unlike stocks or real estate, investing in yourself increases your ability to earn more money forever.

Why People Like Investing in Themselves

• No Market Risk: You don’t have to worry about stock crashes or real estate bubbles.
• Scales Over Time: The more you learn and grow, the more money you can make.
• Control: You decide how much effort you put in and how you apply your new skills.

The Downsides

• Uncertainty Where To Begin: A lot of people don't know how to invest in themselves in a way that will directly correlate to them making more money.
• Requires Effort: You have to apply what you learn. Buying a course and never using it is a waste.
• No Guaranteed Payoff: Just because you improve your skills doesn’t mean someone will automatically pay you more—you have to leverage them correctly.

Example: Investing $5,000 in Your Personal Brand

Let’s say you spend $5,000 on a personal branding (further breakdown here) and content creation to position yourself as an expert in your industry.

• You start with a salary of $100,000 per year.
• Because of your improved reputation, you get noticed for better job offers or business opportunities.
• If this leads to just a 20% raise every two years, your salary would grow like this:
  • Year 1: $100,000
  • Year 2: $100,000
  • Year 3: $120,000
  • Year 4: $120,000
  • Year 5: $144,000

Over five years, that’s $64,000 in additional earnings or 1,280% ROI, all from a $5,000 investment.

AND...that growth continues beyond five years while simultaneously making you more valuable to the marketplace.

Risk Profile: Low to High. If you don’t apply what you learn, there’s no return. But when done right, this is the highest ROI investment you can make with the lowest risk.

Why the CIP Works

Most people only invest in the Conventional bucket. That’s why they see slow growth and have to wait decades for wealth.

By adding Unconventional and You buckets, you create multiple ways to grow your wealth.

You aren’t just waiting on the stock market—you’re making smart moves that put you ahead.

Money is a tool.

The goal isn’t just to stack numbers in a bank account. The goal is freedom.

The ability to control your time, your choices, and your future.

How to Start Your CIP Today

If your money is sitting in stocks and savings accounts, it’s time to diversify your strategy.

• Pick one Unconventional investment you understand and believe in
• Choose one way to invest in yourself that increases your earning power

Start small. Take action. Play the contrarian game.

That’s how real financial wealth is built.