The 80% Portfolio: What to Hold When You Stop Watching the Market

We’ve all seen it: the flashing stock tickers, the endless CNBC alerts, the meme-stock forums shouting “buy the dip.” But what if the best investment decision wasn’t staying plugged in—but stepping back?

This episode of The Return is for builders—people who are too busy leveling up in their careers, projects, or businesses to obsess over the markets. It introduces the 80% Portfolio: a resilient, autopilot-friendly asset mix designed to grow quietly while you’re focused elsewhere.

The idea is simple. Let 80% of your money work in a passive, low-maintenance structure so you can pour your time into income-generating, fulfilling activities. Here's how that breaks down:

• 40% Total World Index Fund: One fund, thousands of companies. Own the global economy. No stock-picking required.

• 20% Bonds (U.S. Treasuries or Aggregate ETFs): These keep the boat steady in rough waters. Not flashy—but crucial.

• 10% Real Assets (like REITs or inflation-protected securities): To hedge against rising costs and tap into real-world income.

• 10% Cash or High-Yield Savings: A buffer. Not because cash makes you rich—but because it keeps you from making bad decisions when markets drop.

The final 20%? That’s your sandbox. Go wild—crypto, startups, thematic ETFs, whatever you want. But the point is: 80% of your wealth doesn’t need babysitting.

The richest investors often spend less time watching their money and more time creating, building, or leading. This portfolio frees you to do the same, so watch this week's episode of the return to get an in depth understanding of the portfolio!