Many of you know Nell as one of our team’s rockstars—dedicated to your financial life with a unique mix of skill, insight, and care. You may not know that she’s also been preparing for an exciting new chapter behind the scenes…

Nell and her husband welcomed their first child on April 27th!

We’re thrilled to share that baby girl, Merrill Cameron Schiffer, arrived happy and healthy, weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces.

As expected, Nell approached this milestone with the same thoughtfulness she brings to our daily work. She’ll be stepping away for maternity leave and plans to return in the second half of July.

We’re so happy for Nell and Walter, and grateful to be a firm that celebrates and supports life’s biggest moments.

If the recent market turbulence has you feeling unsettled, you’re not alone. Whether you’re retired, still saving, or somewhere in between, it’s natural to feel the urge to “do something.” But moments like these are precisely why your portfolio was built with care and foresight.

Here’s how we’re thinking about this moment—and how you can, too:

For Retirees and Near-Retirees:

Your portfolio includes years’ worth of conservative fixed income—intentionally. That cushion is what allows you to ride through downturns without needing to change your lifestyle or your plan. Stability was built in for exactly this reason.

For Accumulators (Still Saving):

If you’re still in growth mode, volatility has a silver lining. Down markets give you the chance to buy great businesses at lower prices—essentially investing in your future at a discount. It may not feel good in the moment, but it’s a long-term gift.

Understanding Volatility:

Markets rise over time—that’s the first truth. The second? They often fall along the way. Since 1990, the market has averaged a 10.5% annual return. But within each of those years, the average drop was 14%. Roughly every five years, we’ve seen a drop twice that size. This week isn’t a surprise—it’s part of the journey.

Why This Drop Feels Different:

This downturn stings because it’s policy-driven—our leaders’ decisions caused global turbulence. That makes it feel personal, even avoidable. But it’s not evidence that the system is broken. In fact, it’s proof that capitalism endures.

The Market Is Resilient:

Time and again, companies adapt. They grow earnings, find new efficiencies, and create value through war, recessions, political turmoil, and global crises. Your portfolio isn’t built for perfection—it’s built for reality and for the long arc of progress.

Our Approach:

You’ll never hear us say, “It’s time to go to cash.” That’s not a strategy—it’s a reaction. Our philosophy is rooted in evidence, patience, and discipline. It’s why we stay the course and take the long view.

As always, we’re here if you want to talk.

With Rick Hill officially retiring last year, we’re thrilled to continue celebrating his incredible legacy with the Rick Hill Award. As you may recall from a post Buddy shared in early 2024, we announced this special recognition at our 2023 holiday party to honor Rick’s values and actions, which have been at the heart of our firm’s success (and our friendship) since day one.

This annual award, paired with financial recognition, will be presented to the team member who best exemplifies living our firm’s values throughout the prior year. We’ve been paying close attention to those moments in 2024 when teammates have gone above and beyond, and we’re excited to share the winner with our team at our company celebration on February 8th. We’ll tell you about the winner our February email.

There’s still time to nominate someone you believe deserves this honor! If you’ve had a meaningful interaction with a team member that reflects Rick’s and our firm’s values, please email Matt Hall directly at matt@hillinvestmentgroup.com. The nomination window closes on January 31st, so don’t wait!

We value your insight and are grateful for your help in recognizing the teammates who make our firm extraordinary.