A few years ago, a family member transitioned to assisted living. The decision felt difficult for her, like a loss of independence. She fought it hard. But once she settled in, something unexpected happened: she found routine, connection, and purpose again.

Watching that shift reframed how I think about financial planning.

As planners, we often approach aging and retirement through a practical lens. We focus on the details: health care plans, long-term care, estate documents, and whether the financial plan can support the years of spending ahead.

Those things matter. But quality of life matters too. So does preserving a sense of agency as your needs, abilities, and priorities change.

Earlier this year, during a conversation about a client’s transition into assisted living, his daughter suggested I read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.

I’m glad she did. The book changed how I think about the later stages of life and the role planning should play in them.

1. Independence Matters More Than Perfect Safety
One of the book’s core ideas is that many senior living decisions prioritize safety over autonomy. Safety matters, of course. But losing independence can take a real toll on wellbeing.

The best living environments preserve choice: how you spend your day, who you’re around, and what gives you meaning.

We’ve seen this with clients who explore senior communities early, before they need them. Beginning earlier gives families more agency over the decision. It can also help clients gain more life through social connection, activities, and less stress about home maintenance.

2. Purpose Is Fundamental to Wellbeing
Gawande highlights research showing that even small responsibilities, like caring for a plant, can improve wellbeing and longevity for older adults.

The lesson is simple: people need purpose. They need a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

Financial independence is important. But planning should also ask what replaces the structure and meaning that work once provided. People who thrive in this phase often stay connected to hobbies, community, family, or roles where they still feel needed.

3. Define Quality of Life, Before a Crisis
Being Mortal reminds us that our definition of quality of life changes over time.

When we’re younger, it may mean freedom and adventure. Later, it may mean staying close to family, maintaining familiar routines, or enjoying a favorite meal with people we love.

Many families avoid talking about aging until a crisis forces decisions. The book encourages asking better questions sooner:

• What are your fears and goals as you get older?
• What tradeoffs would you be willing, or unwilling, to make?

In our advisory role, we’ve seen how helpful it is when families have these conversations before a medical event or major transition. When your values are clear, decisions become less about guessing and more about honoring what matters most.

Planning for aging doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It means getting clear about what matters most, so that when decisions come, they reflect your values instead of default choices.

At Hill, we believe financial planning is about more than numbers. Taking the long view means helping people live well across every stage of life, with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

If this sparks a conversation about aging, independence, or planning for later life, we’re here to help you or someone you care about talk through it. Reach out any time here.

Earlier this month, with the IPO of SpaceX, the world witnessed the creation of the world’s first known trillionaire.

How does that number look to you?

How does it make you feel?

Humans have real feelings and emotions, especially when it comes to money and wealth. We naturally compare ourselves to others. It’s human nature. As the saying goes, “It’s all relative.”

But that’s precisely the challenge.

If a billion dollars once seemed unimaginable, what are we supposed to do with a trillion? More importantly, what happens when we compare ourselves to someone who possesses it?

The truth is that comparison has no finish line. If wealth alone created contentment, a millionaire would envy no one. Yet we know that’s not how humans work.

Over more than 25 years in the wealth advisory profession, I’ve noticed something interesting, particularly among our clients at Hill Investment Group.

When people first meet with us, they often have a number in mind.
“I want to have $X.”

It’s understandable. Having a financial target can provide motivation and direction.
But something often changes over time.

As clients learn and embrace our evidence-based investment philosophy, gain confidence in their financial plan, and begin taking the long view, their goals frequently evolve beyond simply reaching a number.

Why?

Because they increasingly believe they can achieve their financial goals if they remain disciplined and stay the course. The constant worry begins to fade. The daily noise matters less. Confidence gradually replaces uncertainty.

And when that happens, something powerful occurs.

People begin thinking less about accumulating wealth and more about what that wealth can make possible.

They think about experiences.

They think about family.

They think about legacy.

They think about causes they care about.

They think about opportunities they never allowed themselves to consider before.

Ironically, many people discover that once they stop obsessing over a number, they begin focusing on the people, experiences, and opportunities that number was meant to support in the first place.

It’s a little like climbing a mountain with an experienced guide. Instead of worrying about every step, every turn, and every obstacle along the path, you’re able to lift your eyes and appreciate the view.

How does that perspective make you feel?

Not just about hearing about a trillionaire, but about your own future.

If you’re already a client, you may recognize this shift. The conversation gradually moves from “How much is enough?” to “What do I want to do with the life I’ve built?”

That’s an exciting transition.

It’s future-oriented.

And in many ways, that’s when financial success becomes less about what you’ve accumulated and more about the life, relationships, and opportunities it makes possible.

If you’re not yet a client, we’d welcome the opportunity to help you explore what financial peace of mind might look like for you and your family. Whether through our monthly newsletter, a copy of Odds On, or a simple conversation, we’re here whenever you’re ready.

At Hill Investment Group, much of what we do is centered around helping clients prepare, not just for markets, but for life.

Some planning is exciting. Some is practical. Some is the kind you hope never becomes urgent.

A Power of Attorney falls into that last category.

A Power of Attorney, often called a POA, is a legal document that allows you to name someone you trust to act on your behalf during your lifetime if you are unable to do so yourself.

It may not feel especially meaningful when everything is going smoothly. But in a difficult moment, it can be one of the most helpful planning tools your family has.

The purpose is simple: to give the right person the ability to help in the way you intended.

That might mean helping pay bills, manage accounts, coordinate with your advisory team, request distributions, or keep important financial work moving while your family focuses on what matters most.

This kind of planning is not really about paperwork.

It is about care.

It is about reducing confusion, easing the burden on the people you love, and creating clarity before life gets complicated.

There are different types of Power of Attorney documents, and the right version depends on your situation, your state, and the guidance of your estate attorney. A durable Power of Attorney is often especially important because it can remain in effect if you become incapacitated.

It is also important to know that a Power of Attorney only applies while you are living. At death, authority shifts according to your estate plan.

If you already have a Power of Attorney, it is worth making sure it is current, properly executed, and understood by the people who may need to use it. If you do not have one, this may be a good conversation to start with an estate planning attorney.

We are happy to help you think through how these pieces fit into your broader financial life and, if helpful, connect you with someone from our trusted network.

A little planning now can make a hard moment easier later.

As always, we’re here to help you take the long view.

If you’d like to talk more about this, please reach out to us and schedule time to talk.