Does the following quote sound familiar? Does it sound like a Hill team member? Something from one of these Monthly Journals over the last 20 years? It should, because it’s the foundation of what our clients and we believe about long-term investing success. Not surprisingly, it comes from David Booth, one of the Co-Founders of Dimensional.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and hearing David speak on several occasions. He is a brilliant man who often sounds like a finance professor getting into the esoteric details of high-level math. You’d expect that of a University of Chicago (Booth School of Business…yes, as in David) Ph.D.

And that’s why I absolutely love this piece. David leaves academia behind and speaks from the heart about his investing experience in plain English that a grade-schooler will understand. Yes. A rare thing. It’s an ode to why all people should consider investing in the market, no matter your age or your net worth. And it’s brilliant.

Enjoy and be inspired to introduce someone you love and care about to the world of investing by starting here.

Of course, the Hill team stands ready to help share the power of long-term, evidence-based investing, too. Set up a time to talk here.

Hill Investment Group Partners, LLC (HIG) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The information in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Nothing contained herein should be construed as individualized investment, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Future returns may differ significantly from past returns due to market and economic conditions, among other factors.

I’ve been thinking about Christmas a little differently this year.

In some ways, I feel like I’ve already had mine. And I don’t mean the holiday itself. I mean the everyday version. Each day, we get to do work that matters for families we genuinely care about. We help people make better decisions, reduce anxiety, and create order where there was once noise. That’s a gift, and one I don’t take lightly.

This season naturally invites gratitude. Gratitude for trust. For relationships that deepen over time. For the privilege of being invited into important conversations about life, money, and meaning. That sense of gratitude runs through everything you’ll find in this month’s Journal.

It’s also a time of momentum. We’re finishing strong, learning constantly, and quietly building what comes next. I’ll simply say this: the ideas taking shape for 2026 have the potential to be deeply valuable. Not louder. Not flashier. Just more useful, more beneficial, and more aligned with what long-term thinkers actually need. Stay tuned.

As always, thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’re a client, a friend of the firm, or simply curious about how we think, you belong here if you value sound judgment, long-term thinking, and progress over perfection.

I hope you enjoy this month’s Journal, and I wish you clarity and steady momentum in 2026 and beyond.

Take the Long View,

When Rick Hill officially retired in 2023, our team wanted to continue celebrating his incredible legacy with the Rick Hill Award. As you may recall from an earlier post, I am the proud first recipient.

This annual award, paired with financial recognition, is presented to the team member who best exemplifies living our firm’s values (see below for the list) throughout the prior year. We’ve been paying close attention to those moments in 2025 when teammates have gone above and beyond, and we want to include our clients in the “voting” process. 

So, please consider taking the 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. Please include the individual’s name and one or two examples of why you are nominating this person. We value your insight and are grateful for your help in recognizing the teammates who make our firm extraordinary.

The nomination window closes soon, so don’t wait! 

We’ll share the news about this year’s winner right here in the February 2026 issue! If you need a refresher on the Hill Investment Group Values, revisit this article, otherwise nominate someone below. 

Nominate a Team Member