At Hill Investment Group, we’ve found that when a few clients ask similar questions, many more are likely thinking the same thing. To better serve you, we’re introducing our “Hey Hill” series—addressing common client questions and sharing our perspective.

To submit a question for a future post, email us at service@hillinvestmentgroup.com.

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and anyone can be a target. Scammers are constantly developing new ways to access personal and financial information, whether it’s a fake email or a suspicious phone call.

We’re sharing examples of common fraud tactics we and others in the industry have observed, along with simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Phishing Emails, Texts, or Letters

These are among the most common scams, and you likely encounter them daily. They’re often disguised as messages from banks, delivery services, or companies you recognize. The goal is to get you to click a link or share sensitive information.

What to watch for:

• Misspelled sender addresses or strange-looking links
  
• Urgent language (e.g., “24-hour notice” or “Immediate action required”)
  
• Requests for passwords, authentication codes, or personal data
  

What you can do:

• Don’t click suspicious links—hover and verify before clicking
  
• Contact the company directly through a known phone number or website
  
• When in doubt, delete the message
  

Impersonation Scams

Scammers may pose as government agencies (IRS, FBI, Sheriff’s Office), financial professionals, or even friends and family members in distress.

Common examples include:

• Claims that you owe money or face legal consequences unless you send funds immediately
  
• Urgent, secretive requests for access to your personal devices or accounts
  
• Promises of cryptocurrency “bonuses” or internet transfers via platforms like PayPal or Zelle
  

What you can do:

• Hang up and independently verify by calling an official number
  
• Don’t share personal information unless you initiated the contact
  
• Use two-factor authentication wherever possible
  
• Be skeptical—even caller ID can be faked
  
• Remember: government agencies will never request payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards
  

Staying Vigilant

Scammers rely on confusion and speed. If something feels off, pause and verify.

At Hill Investment Group, we take data security seriously. Our team undergoes regular training, and we maintain internal protocols to reduce cybersecurity risks. We also partner with a large custodian that maintains dedicated fraud prevention and monitoring teams.

If you’re unsure whether something is legitimate—or if you just need a second opinion—don’t hesitate to reach out to us or a trusted family member. We’re here to support your financial well-being and help you stay secure in an increasingly digital world.

Disclosures:
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Hill Investment Group is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Always consult with your professional advisors before making decisions related to your personal security or financial situation.

When you’re working, the focus is often on what you earn from your investments. But in retirement, what you keep after taxes can matter even more.

That’s why the order in which you withdraw from your investment accounts can have a meaningful impact. It may influence how much you pay in taxes, how long your portfolio lasts, and even what you’ll pay for Medicare premiums.

Here’s a general framework that financial professionals often consider when building tax-aware withdrawal plans:

• Start with taxable accounts. These are brokerage or investment accounts where taxes have already been paid on contributions. Selling investments from these accounts may trigger capital gains, which are often taxed at lower rates than ordinary income.
• Then consider tax-deferred accounts. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s are taxed as ordinary income. By spreading these distributions over time, you may reduce the chances of being bumped into a higher tax bracket later.
• Preserve Roth IRAs for later. Roth accounts grow tax-free, and withdrawals are generally tax-free in retirement. Plus, Roth IRAs aren’t subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), making them a valuable tool for later-life needs or legacy planning.

A Hypothetical Example

Imagine a retired couple, Elaine and Bill. They have a mix of taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts. After reviewing their situation and long-term goals, a strategy was developed that began with their taxable assets, incorporated modest distributions from their IRA to manage future tax exposure, and left their Roth IRA intact for later.

This approach helped them create a more predictable tax picture and supported their long-term planning objectives.

Tailored to You

Of course, the best strategy depends on your personal circumstances—things like your income needs, tax bracket, account types, family or charitable goals, and how markets perform over time.

That’s why we take a collaborative and proactive approach. At Hill, we coordinate closely with your tax professionals and use evidence-based planning tools to help ensure your withdrawals are as tax-efficient as your investments are intentional.

Want to explore your retirement income strategy or review your current plan? We’re here to help—and to take the long view with you.

Hill Investment Group does not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your individual circumstances.

At Hill Investment Group, we go where the talent is—and where you are. Our team spans three physical offices in St. Louis, Nashville, and Houston, with additional team members in Boston, New York, Austin, and San Diego. More importantly, our clients are in 30+ states across the country.

What does this mean for you? No matter where life takes you, we’re ready to serve you with the same high level of care and expertise.