There’s a well-known idea in the world of big-picture thinking, first introduced by historian Charles Mann, that people tend to fall into one of two camps when it comes to solving problems: wizards and prophets.

The wizard believes in the power of innovation. They chase breakthroughs, trusting that human ingenuity can overcome nearly any obstacle. In their view, the solution is out there. We just haven’t invented it yet.

The prophet, on the other hand, champions restraint. Prophets remind us of our limits, calling for thoughtful stewardship and humility. They believe real progress comes not from racing ahead, but from pausing to reflect, simplify, and align with deeper values.

This tension between wizard and prophet shows up in everything from climate change to technology, and even how we think about investing.

The Wizard

In investing, wizard energy often shows up as the lure of the new:

• A product promising market-beating potential
• A hot stock expected to soar
• An app that promises to automate everything overnight
  

The wizard pursues complexity and fast results. And in moderation, this mindset has its place. Without it, we wouldn’t have low-cost index funds, digital account access, or the academic breakthroughs that helped shape evidence-based investing.

But unchecked, wizardry can lead to chasing fads, mistaking novelty for progress, and believing the next big thing is always just a click away.

The Prophet

Prophets bring a different mindset to investing. They emphasize what’s within our control: saving consistently, diversifying broadly, and sticking to a long-term plan. They ask deeper questions like: How can I align my money with my values? And what will make this last?

This approach can feel quieter, but over time, it offers clarity, resilience, and connection to what matters most.

Better Together

At Hill, we aim to balance both perspectives. Like the wizard, we embrace smart innovation, leveraging tools and research when they align with long-term evidence. And like the prophet, we build portfolios and plans around timeless principles: patience, discipline, and long-view thinking.

Financial progress isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about responsible stewardship and intentional alignment so that your money supports a life of meaning and purpose.

There’s no shortage of uncertainty these days. Between shifting political priorities, market volatility, and changes in legislation, it can feel hard to keep up.

But taking the long view means you don’t have to because that’s exactly what we’re here for.

The new tax and spending legislation signed into law over the July 4th weekend is significant. We’re already evaluating its implications through the lens we bring to all planning topics: simplicity, cost-efficiency, and long-term alignment. Below, we’re sharing a summary of the key changes and potential impacts worth noting.

As always, we’ll coordinate with your tax and estate planning professionals and bring relevant insights into our upcoming planning conversations when appropriate.

The Hill Viewpoint

At Hill, we return to a few core principles again and again:

Keep it simple. Keep it low cost. Keep it liquid.

We’re running the new tax changes through that same lens—separating what’s useful from what’s noise, and focusing on what could enhance your long-term plan without adding unnecessary complexity.

We’re here to help you take the long view, stay steady through change, and, most importantly, simplify the financial side of life so you can focus on what matters most: time with family, meaningful experiences, and the freedom to enjoy the life you’ve built.

If you have questions about how this applies to your situation, let’s connect. We’re happy to discuss what it may mean for your plan.

What We’re Watching

Investments

Key Point:
With tax rates locked in and fewer Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) concerns, depending on your situation, there may be more room to plan investment income, withdrawals, and Roth conversion strategies.

Income & Tax Planning

• The lower tax brackets enacted in 2017 are now permanent, offering more certainty for long-term planning.
• Deductions for state and local taxes (SALT) have been expanded through 2028—potentially benefiting residents in higher-tax states.
• Fewer taxpayers are expected to be affected by the AMT, which could support more flexible income planning for those with incentive stock options or who itemize deductions.
  

Retirement Accounts

• No direct changes were made to IRAs, Roth IRAs, or required minimum distributions (RMDs).
• With lower rates remaining in place, planning strategies like Roth conversions or flexible withdrawal sequencing may gain added relevance—especially for those with significant pre-tax balances.
  

New Accounts to Watch

• A new federally sponsored savings account program for children born between 2025 and 2028 was introduced. While sometimes referred to informally as “baby bonds,” this savings vehicle offers a $1,000 contribution per eligible child.
• Use of these funds will be restricted to specific purposes, and more guidance is expected from federal agencies.
• These accounts are unlikely to be more favorable than existing vehicles like 529s from an investment perspective, but they may play a complementary role in family savings plans.

Estate Planning

Key Point:
The higher estate exemption offers more planning flexibility and may prompt a fresh look at existing trust structures.

• The estate tax exemption will increase to $15 million per person ($30 million per couple) starting in 2026.
• This higher threshold is currently permanent unless changed by future legislation.
• This could reduce the need for complex estate planning structures or insurance-based strategies tied to estate tax obligations for some families.
  

Tax Law Highlights

Key Point:
Several provisions offer expanded deductions and planning opportunities, especially for retirees and those with variable income.

• The standard deduction remains high, reducing the need for itemization in many households.
• New deductions for tip income (up to $25,000) and overtime pay (up to $12,500) will apply through 2028 for eligible earners.
• A new $6,000 deduction for individuals age 65+ is also included, with similar sunset timing.
  

Charitable Giving

Key Point:
Charitable giving remains a powerful planning tool, but new thresholds make strategy more important.

• Beginning in 2026, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 (individuals) or $2,000 (joint filers) in charitable gifts.
• For itemizers, deductions only begin once gifts exceed 0.5% of income.
• For business owners, deductible giving now requires contributions greater than 1% of income.
• As a result, tactics like “bunching” gifts or using donor-advised funds may become even more relevant.
  

Education Planning

Key Point:
Families assisting with education costs may benefit from expanded 529 rules and student loan changes.

• Starting in 2026, borrowing limits will apply to certain federal student loans (Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS).
• Simplified income-based repayment plans are replacing current programs.
• 529 plan usage has expanded: families may now use up to $20,000 per student (up from $10,000) for elementary or secondary tuition—including private or religious schools.
• Qualified 529 expenses now include some non-tuition costs for K–12 education and costs related to professional credentialing.
  

Insurance

Key Point:
The expanded estate exemption may reduce the role of life insurance in certain estate plans.

• No direct changes were made to life or long-term care insurance rules.
• However, some clients may find they no longer need insurance to offset estate taxes.
• This could be a good opportunity to reevaluate existing policies or trust structures in light of broader estate planning goals.
  

Final Thoughts

As we digest the details of the new law, our approach remains unchanged: stay focused on what matters, filter out the noise, and align each opportunity with your long-term goals.

When the landscape shifts, we stay steady, so you can too.

Disclosures:
This material is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. The views expressed are those of Hill Investment Group and are subject to change. Always consult your financial, legal, or tax professional regarding your specific situation. Hill Investment Group is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

When my husband and I got engaged, we did what most couples do—we planned a wedding, dreamed about our future, and tried to figure out how to merge two different systems of “doing money.” Somewhere between cake tastings and choosing a venue, we met with a pre-marital counselor. Of everything we talked about, one idea stuck with me:

“To most people, money is either power or security.”

Understanding which it is for you—and for your partner—can be the difference between financial tension and financial teamwork.

At Hill, we regularly walk couples through these kinds of conversations. Many of the couples we meet share core values (like a love for travel or a desire to raise a family), but are still working through the logistics of, “How do we actually combine this all?” and, “What shared values around money do we want to build from?”

In these discussions, we cover topics like:

• What should stay “yours,” what becomes “ours,” and what needs to remain “mine”
• How to build an emergency fund that feels safe and sufficient for both partners
• When it may make sense to pay down debt versus investing for the future
• Tax-efficient account structures and developing a clear savings strategy
• When to begin thinking about estate planning
• Planning for big goals like kids, real estate, or education

What we appreciate about these conversations is that they’re part financial planning, part real talk. We help couples organize their accounts and align their savings with their goals—but we also make space for the deeper stuff.

What does financial security look like to each of you? Who’s the natural saver, who’s the spender? Do you feel more confident when you can track every transaction—or does that stress you out?

Sometimes it takes a neutral third party to open the door to better understanding. In our experience, couples don’t usually argue about the numbers—they struggle to see each other’s financial values or life experiences clearly. And there’s research to support that insight. One study from UCLA found that couples who pooled at least some of their finances reported higher relationship satisfaction.¹ The researchers also noted that shared accounts may support transparency, reduce conflict, and promote long-term planning.

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples prefer the simplicity of pooling everything. Others value some financial autonomy. Still others are blended families managing multiple generations, stepchildren, and pre-existing commitments. Wherever you fall, what matters most is being intentional—and finding a structure that reflects your reality and values.

As you might guess, we’re strong advocates of simplicity. Whether it’s consolidating accounts, automating savings, or establishing shared systems, simplicity creates clarity. And clarity opens the door to better conversations.

So if you—or someone you care about—could use help having these conversations or setting up better systems, know that we’re here. Whether it’s your first time talking openly about money, or your tenth, we’re ready to guide the conversation with care, curiosity, and a bias for action.

Taking the Long View together starts with a strong foundation—and a shared understanding of what money means to each of you.

Book a time to talk here.

¹ Pooling Finances and Relationship Satisfaction. Gladstone, Garbinsky & Mogilner (2018). Available via UCLA Anderson Review.

Disclosures:
The information provided herein is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. Hill Investment Group (“Hill”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Readers should consult with their legal or tax professional regarding their individual circumstances.