Coming back from maternity leave after welcoming our daughter this spring has reminded me of what our work at Hill is really about: helping clients use their money as a tool to build lives rich in meaning, not just numbers.
Whether you’re navigating new parenthood, approaching retirement, or somewhere in between, the core questions often remain the same: What matters most? And how can your money support that?
Here are a few reflections that have stayed with me through this milestone.
Time Is Our Most Limited Asset
This season has made it clear: time is precious. As the saying goes, the days are long, but the weeks are short. At Hill, we encourage clients to think of time like any other resource, i.e., something to be used intentionally.
Having a baby sharpened my awareness of how valuable time with all generations can be. We’ve prioritized visits and calls with our parents and grandparents, including Merrill. One visual we often share is Tim Urban’s “Your Life in Weeks,” which maps the average lifespan as a grid of boxes, each one a week. Sam Harris captures the feeling well: “It always is later than you think.”
Experiences That Leave a Lasting Impact
One book that’s prompted meaningful reflection is Die With Zero, which invites readers to think intentionally about how they use time, money, and attention. One key idea is the “memory dividend,” that experiences created now continue to bring joy over time.
During our first family trip with Merrill, we bought matching tracksuits for three generations (thankfully not pictured on the cover of this post!). The laughter that moment created has become part of our family story, which is something we’ll carry forward.
When you “eventize” small moments, making them playful, meaningful, or tradition-worthy, you create experiences that stay with you long after the money is spent.
Freedom Through Planning
Taking the Long View isn’t about deferring joy. It’s about aligning today’s choices with your long-term values. For our family, that included investing in a high-quality caregiver–not only to support our daughter’s development, but to give both Walter and me the capacity to continue doing meaningful work. This single decision had ripple effects across our financial plan and peace of mind.
In our experience, thoughtful planning doesn’t restrict you. Instead it creates more space for the things that matter.
The Time to Act Is Now
Watching our daughter grow has been a reminder that certain windows of opportunity are fleeting. Whether it’s a trip you’ve been considering, a gift you’ve meant to give, or simply time with someone you care about, the moment to act may be now.
At Hill, we aim to help you simplify, clarify, and align your financial life so it supports the life you want to live. With a new rhythm, a deeper commitment to this work, and a fresh perspective, I’m more convinced than ever: the best investments are the ones that help us be present, generous, and fully alive.
