A legend has passed: Cambridge-educated Jonathan Clements was The Wall Street Journal’s personal-finance columnist for 20 years before founding his own website, HumbleDollar.com.

Clements was one of the first financial journalists to champion index funds and was an early voice in describing the way we invest. He was a thoughtful rebel and a gifted communicator, with more than 1,000 published articles. Rick and Matt would often ask, “Have you read JC’s column on…?” His articles were always insightful and original with an eye turned toward what is best for the client–not for Wall Street.

Sadly, he passed recently after a long and public (his choice) battle with lung cancer. Jonathan wanted people to maximize their time while alive.

With that in mind, here are three reflections worth reading:

• His own story: “Some Final Personal-Finance Advice,” The Wall Street Journal, 2024.
  
• Ron Lieber’s tribute: “Five Pearls of Wisdom From a Legend of Financial Writing,” The New York Times.
  
• Jason Zweig’s essay: The Wall Street Journal’s touching ode to Jonathan.

If Jonathan’s reflections inspire you to have deeper conversations about your family’s financial life, we invite you to explore the educational resources available on our website.

As the final months of 2025 come into view, it’s natural to revisit the goals you set back in January. The year often speeds up this time of year—with family, travel, and commitments pulling in different directions—making it even more valuable to pause and check in.

Did you commit to saving more, refining your estate plan, or establishing a charitable giving strategy? Maybe you wanted to align your spending with what matters most. Wherever you stand, this is a good time to take stock and finish the year with focus.

At Hill Investment Group, we believe meaningful progress comes less from grand gestures and more from steady, intentional steps. Goals left unattended can linger and create stress. Addressing them now, even in small ways, can bring clarity and momentum into the new year.

Here are a few areas to consider before year-end:

Revisit your plan to confirm it reflects your current stage of life and any significant changes since January—such as retirement, the birth of a child or grandchild, or an inheritance. Even small adjustments, like reviewing account allocations or rebalancing, can help keep your plan aligned with your long-term objectives.

An up-to-date will, trust, or power of attorney helps ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for. If your documents are out of date, this may be a good time to refresh them. We’re glad to coordinate with your legal team as part of your broader planning process.

Year-end is often a time when families think about giving. Tools such as donor-advised funds or direct contributions can help support the causes you value. Depending on your circumstances, certain strategies may also provide tax advantages.

If your income allows, consider reviewing contributions to retirement accounts before year-end, especially if you have a company match in a 401(k) or access to a Roth IRA. Even incremental increases may help keep you on track toward your long-term savings goals.

Finishing your 2025 goals isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Each thoughtful step you take builds confidence and strengthens your foundation for the years ahead.

If you find your goals overwhelming, or you’re unsure where to start, remember: you don’t have to go it alone. We’re here to help you simplify, focus, and take the long view.

You’re invited to email the team here.

This is an ad we’d be proud to run in the Wall Street Journal, or anywhere, for that matter, because it’s the truth.

However, we’re only seeking to help a handful of new, special families each year…not tens of thousands. So, rather than charge higher fees to our clients to pay for expensive ads, we’ve been blessed with your help in achieving over 20 years of highly successful, selective growth through your heartfelt and warm introductions to family, friends, and those you care about who’ve become part of the Hill Family. Thank you!

As you celebrate along with us, if there’s someone special you’d like to help and think might be a good fit, please reach out to me.

Not ready for that? We’d be happy to send them a copy of Odds On so they can learn more about our “Take the Long View” philosophy, evidence-based investing, and values.