At Hill Investment Group, we often say that real financial planning isn’t about being exactly right today—it’s about being less wrong tomorrow.

That may sound strange coming from a team grounded in evidence, logic, and long-term thinking. But we also know life doesn’t follow a straight line. That’s why we believe the most valuable part of financial planning isn’t the plan itself—it’s the process of ongoing planning.

Carl Richards, a friend and fellow long-term thinker, offers a great analogy we love to share:

Airline pilots prepare a flight plan before every trip. Yet when asked how often the flight goes exactly according to that plan, the answer is: rarely.

Course corrections are built into the process because the unexpected is expected. Weather changes. Winds shift. But the destination remains the same—and they keep adjusting until they land safely.

The same principle applies to your financial life. We build your plan using the best data available—making thoughtful assumptions about returns, taxes, inflation, goals, and more. But the moment the plan is complete, we know one thing for sure: it will be wrong. We just don’t know how yet.

That’s not a flaw. It’s reality.

Real planning is what happens next. It’s the process of revisiting, refining, and adjusting—so you can stay on track, even when the world around you changes.

That’s why our team is here: not just to build your plan, but to keep you flying steady all the way to your destination.

Take the Long View.

Earlier this month, Hill Investment Group team members joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony for an education center for elementary school students at a small, private inner-city school. This new facility, dedicated to advancing children’s education, was made possible by the generosity of one of our client families. Their contribution honors the wife’s lifelong commitment to supporting education and ensures the school’s mission will thrive for years to come.

This inspiring moment reflects what we call “taking the long view.” By investing in the future, this family is creating opportunities for children today and for future generations—many of whom they will never meet.

The event marked the culmination of years of thoughtful planning and goal-setting. Once their financial goals were secure for themselves and their children, this couple asked themselves, “How can we use our resources to benefit others?” For them, this school was the perfect partner to bring their vision to life while aligning with its mission.

If you’re dreaming about how a charitable gift could make a lasting impact on an organization close to your heart, let’s connect. Together, we can explore ways to turn your aspirations into reality.

At Hill Investment Group, we recognize that when a few clients raise the same question, it’s likely that more have similar thoughts. To better serve you, we’re introducing a new segment in our newsletter where we’ll address common questions and how we approach them. To submit questions for future newsletters, email us at info@hillinvestmentgroup.com.

Hey Hill, What Should I Be Thinking About as 2025 Approaches?

As we approach the new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on your financial picture and look ahead to 2025. At Hill Investment Group, we encourage you to rely on us for all things financial — whether it’s optimizing your portfolio, navigating new opportunities, or planning for life’s big transitions. Here are a few key considerations as we gear up for the new year:

Introducing the Longview Advantage ETF

We’re excited to launch the Longview Advantage ETF (ticker: EBI) in early 2025 and transition Hill clients to it tax-free. Designed as a low-cost, market-wide investment solution, EBI will bring more efficiency to your portfolio. Think of it as the next evolution of Taking the Long View: the same evidence-based investment philosophy with the added benefits of reduced fees and greater tax efficiency.

This is a big step forward for Hill clients, and we are excited to integrate it into portfolios for your benefit

Automate Your Savings for Long-Term Growth

If you don’t already have an automatic savings plan in place, now is the time to consider one. These plans allow you to make regular contributions to your portfolio effortlessly, taking advantage of dollar-cost averaging and the power of compounding. Over time, contributions can snowball into meaningful wealth. Talk to your advisor about how to set one up — it’s one of the easiest ways to make real process toward your financial goals.

Review Employer Benefits for 2025

A new year brings updates to retirement contribution limits and other employer benefits:

• 401(k): $23,500 (up from $23,000)
  • Catch-Up Contributions (50+): an additional $7,500 (or $11,250 for ages 60–63)
• ROTH and Traditional IRA: $7,000 (consistent with 2024)
  • Catch-Up Contributions (50+): an additional $1,000 

It’s also a great time to review your medical benefits and insurance options. If you have access to an HSA or FSA, increasing your contributions can help you maximize tax savings. Unsure of your next step? Your Hill advisor can help you evaluate your options and ensure you’re making the most of these opportunities. 

Prepare for Life’s Big Moments

Are there big milestones on the horizon for 2025? Maybe you’re sending a child to college, planning a major purchase, retiring, or updating your estate plan. These life events deserve thoughtful planning, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Share the Gift of Thoughtful Financial Guidance

Do you know someone who might benefit from personalized financial advice? Whether it’s a friend navigating a big life transition, a family member seeking smarter investment strategies, or someone simply unsure of where to start, we’re here to help.

Sharing our name or a copy of Odds On is an easy way to introduce them to Taking the Long View. If you have someone in mind, let us know — we’d love to meet them.

Let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet. If you’d like to explore any of these ideas, reach out or book a time here. We’re here to help.

Hill Investment Group is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training.  This information is educational and does not intend to make an offer for the sale of any specific securities, investments, or strategies. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before implementing any investment or financial planning strategy.