At Hill Investment Group, we believe markets work, evidence beats opinion, and taking the long view is the smartest path to long-term success. But none of that matters without the right people. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our newest team member, Ryan Clinton, who joins us as Portfolio Manager for both Hill Investment Group and Longview Research Partners.

Ryan joins us from Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), where he spent nearly six years in a variety of investment and portfolio management roles. His work focused on portfolio implementation, trading strategy, and client communications, and included direct experience managing several of Dimensional’s core ETFs. This background aligns closely with our evidence-based investment philosophy and supports the continued evolution of The Longview Advantage ETF (Ticker: EBI). [Read the complete press release here.]

Just as there are multiple dimensions to how we invest, there are many dimensions to our team. Please enjoy getting to know Ryan a bit more, in his own words.

Disclosure:
The Longview Advantage ETF (Ticker: EBI) is offered by Longview Research Partners, an affiliate of Hill Investment Group. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should carefully consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other important information is contained in the prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting [Insert ETF link here]. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

When my husband and I got engaged, we did what most couples do—we planned a wedding, dreamed about our future, and tried to figure out how to merge two different systems of “doing money.” Somewhere between cake tastings and choosing a venue, we met with a pre-marital counselor. Of everything we talked about, one idea stuck with me:

“To most people, money is either power or security.”

Understanding which it is for you—and for your partner—can be the difference between financial tension and financial teamwork.

At Hill, we regularly walk couples through these kinds of conversations. Many of the couples we meet share core values (like a love for travel or a desire to raise a family), but are still working through the logistics of, “How do we actually combine this all?” and, “What shared values around money do we want to build from?”

In these discussions, we cover topics like:

• What should stay “yours,” what becomes “ours,” and what needs to remain “mine”
• How to build an emergency fund that feels safe and sufficient for both partners
• When it may make sense to pay down debt versus investing for the future
• Tax-efficient account structures and developing a clear savings strategy
• When to begin thinking about estate planning
• Planning for big goals like kids, real estate, or education

What we appreciate about these conversations is that they’re part financial planning, part real talk. We help couples organize their accounts and align their savings with their goals—but we also make space for the deeper stuff.

What does financial security look like to each of you? Who’s the natural saver, who’s the spender? Do you feel more confident when you can track every transaction—or does that stress you out?

Sometimes it takes a neutral third party to open the door to better understanding. In our experience, couples don’t usually argue about the numbers—they struggle to see each other’s financial values or life experiences clearly. And there’s research to support that insight. One study from UCLA found that couples who pooled at least some of their finances reported higher relationship satisfaction.¹ The researchers also noted that shared accounts may support transparency, reduce conflict, and promote long-term planning.

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples prefer the simplicity of pooling everything. Others value some financial autonomy. Still others are blended families managing multiple generations, stepchildren, and pre-existing commitments. Wherever you fall, what matters most is being intentional—and finding a structure that reflects your reality and values.

As you might guess, we’re strong advocates of simplicity. Whether it’s consolidating accounts, automating savings, or establishing shared systems, simplicity creates clarity. And clarity opens the door to better conversations.

So if you—or someone you care about—could use help having these conversations or setting up better systems, know that we’re here. Whether it’s your first time talking openly about money, or your tenth, we’re ready to guide the conversation with care, curiosity, and a bias for action.

Taking the Long View together starts with a strong foundation—and a shared understanding of what money means to each of you.

Book a time to talk here.

¹ Pooling Finances and Relationship Satisfaction. Gladstone, Garbinsky & Mogilner (2018). Available via UCLA Anderson Review.

Disclosures:
The information provided herein is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. Hill Investment Group (“Hill”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Readers should consult with their legal or tax professional regarding their individual circumstances.

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.