Who will you be rooting for in Super Bowl LIII on February 3^rd – the Patriots or the Rams? Either way, you’ll be among millions of fans tuning in for the big game.

That means the pressure is on, for both teams. You’d think this would encourage players and coaches to give it everything they’ve got. By some measures, I’m sure they do. But I also believe there’s a secret weapon neither team will be taking advantage of: Forgoing the option to punt.

What if more coaches were willing to let convention-challenging research be their guide? They might end up featured in an HBO “Real Sports” segment. That’s what happened to Pulaski Academy Head Coach Kevin Kelley from Little Rock, Arkansas. He earned a reputation for being “the coach who never punts,” after he decided to heed the data, and employ an atypical tactic of almost always going for the fourth down instead of punting. Check out the trailer here:

Of course, we feel the same sort of data-driven strategy and disciplined perspective should be applied to your evidence-based investing. So do others, which is why our friends at AQR featured a conversation between AQR Principal Toby Moskowitz and the same Coach Kelley in one of their podcasts, “Hot Hands and Cold Feet.” (Fast-forward to minute 10:00 to hear the specific conversation.)

While we call Kelley evidence-based, others have called him “crazy,” “insane” or “mad scientist.” If he is, his results don’t show it. In his conversation with Moskowitz, Kelley notes his record at Pulaski Academy is 179 wins/25 losses, with seven state titles in the past 15 years.

Consider these insights as you enjoy Super Bowl LIII. Consider it, too, as you stick with your best-laid investment plans in our competitive markets. I say, go ahead and let others call you crazy, if that’s what it takes to achieve your personal financial goals.

While our newest Client Service Associate – Abby Crimmins – has been with us for six months, she’s been missing from our website’s team section. That’s now been fixed! Check out Abby’s detailed profile, recently added. Some of you may be familiar with our website’s team section. If not, I encourage you to check it out. It has been applauded by top folks in our industry for showing both what our key people do and who they are as individuals.

Who are Abby’s best friends? What is her favorite 11 a.m. habit? What’s the scariest thing she’s ever loved the most? You’ll find all this and more by visiting her new profile. You’ll learn not only what inspired her to join us at Hill Investment Group, but also about her people, passions and personality – everything that makes Abby the amazing new team member she has fast proven to be.

While we introduced you to Abby last fall, we’re delighted to reconnect you with her at this time. Welcome to the team (again), Abby Crimmins!

We wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year! (Left to right: Katie, Jared, Abby, John, Rick, Matt, Buddy, Henry, Nell and PJ.)