When I joined Hill Investment Group in 2015, I was still relatively new to evidence-based investing, which meant I needed a lot of flexibility as I too experienced a learning curve around the science of investing. Fortunately, a few meaningful messages went a long way toward helping me Take the Long View®. Warren Buffett’s 10-year bet against hedge funds was one such lesson that immediately made sense to me. Like some of my favorite yoga poses, or “asanas,” it has a lot to do with discovering the right perspective. (Yes, that really is me, practicing how to bend over backwards for our clients!)

Back in January 2008, Buffett made a substantial charitable wager in favor of index investing. He bet that, after ten years ending December 31, 2017, a low-cost S&P 500 index fund could outperform any selection of at least five hedge funds his competitor selected, net of fees. That’s how strongly Buffett believed in the power of keeping it simple and controlling costs – just like we emphasize here at HIG.

Buffett ended up so far ahead in the wager that his opponent graciously admitted defeat last May, months ahead of the year-end deadline. His example helped me further embrace the benefits of calm, purposeful evidence-based investing. It’s not only a less stressful way to go, it’s typically a rewarding way as well. Way to go, Warren!

Whether it’s celebrating the Astros’ and Jeff Luhnow’s recent World Series triumph, or welcoming a couple of new London-based Odds On fans to our St. Louis headquarters, one good image often says it all. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the debut of our Hill Investment Group Instagram page as yet another way to share HIG’s latest happenings.

“Follow” us at Hill_Investment_Group, and chances are we’ll follow you too!

PS: Could you use a quick tutorial to get started? Let me know. I love using Instagram, and will be happy to give you a few pointers.

It’s hard to watch – and even harder to be part of – the unfolding news coming out of Texas without feeling a shared anguish at the devastation being wrought by Hurricane Harvey.

Here at Hill Investment Group, we’re counting ourselves among the relative fortunate. Our Houston team members have been displaced from their homes and office as a precautionary measure, but all loved ones are present and accounted for – thank goodness.

If you are searching for ways you can make a difference for those suffering in the Lone Star state, “Here Are Ways You Can Help People During Hurricane Harvey.” Odds are, you’ll find a cause on this list that’s right for you, as we at HIG have done, selecting the Houston Food Bank, the Texas Diaper Bank and the San Antonio Food Bank.

Resilience is something we have been talking about in our offices lately, as has the Governor of Texas in his recent statements. Said simply, we think it means “bouncing back.”

Being tough or resilient is likely to become everyone’s mantra over the next several weeks and months. We’re confident that, as Mother Nature shows you her worst side, you’ll show your best.