No stone unturned. Although we most often get credit for our evidence-based investment approach, we are also helping clients with seemingly small things just below the surface that can make a big difference when the unexpected happens. One such example is helping clients properly name account beneficiaries for their retirement accounts. IRAs (and other retirement accounts) pass by operation of law according to your beneficiary designations on file, rather than per your estate planning documents. This is a very common misconception.

Experience tells us that it is essential to name a contingent beneficiary in addition to the primary. If a husband and wife were to die at the same time, the assets would pass to their estate, which may result in delays and higher federal income taxes for their beneficiaries. Click here to read an article on this topic.

We brought the entire extended family together in St. Louis this month for a tenth anniversary celebration. As always, we remain excited for your future and ours as the Hill family continues to grow. Click the picture for an expanded view with names.

Q: Which asset class will have the best performance next year?

A: Click the slide to see randomness of asset class returns. If it’s challenging to predict which group of stocks will do well, imagine how hard it is to pick the individual winners.

The better strategy—as our clients know—is building a low-cost, globally diversified portfolio. Instead of speculating and guessing, rely on decades of academic studies that prove the owners of global capitalism are the winners when it comes to investing.