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.

Our clients know we support them and their families in meaningful ways. This includes articulating long-term investment plans, helping refine estate strategies, and thinking creatively about charitable giving.

While mission statements are common in businesses and nonprofits, they’re far less common in family life. Yet as families become more complex, people live longer, and communication becomes more open, many are taking the long view and creating multi-generational plans that reflect not just what they want to happen with their wealth, but why. A family mission statement can bring clarity, connection, and shared purpose, often helping to avoid conflict now and in the future.

A recent Wall Street Journal article shares examples and great stories about how a family mission statement may make sense for your family. In the words of James Harold Webb, a serial entrepreneur quoted in the article and the patriarch of a 16-person blended family,

“Life is a gift that cannot be wasted. Family is the essence of that life and, as a family, we will work hard. We will play hard. We will live in the pursuit of knowledge. We will love our family unconditionally. We will give more than we take to ensure a better world.”

With the holidays approaching and families gathering, it’s a natural time to raise the topic. If this sounds appealing to you, and you’d like our help in preparing for that discussion or have us involved with future discussions, we’d love to help. Please reach out to me at buddy@hillinvestmentgroup.com or directly to your advisor.

Celebrate and make the most of this time together!

Carl Richards Always Delivers

While your mail may be delayed, Carl Richards always brings it home.

As Matt shared above, Carl has a rare gift for connecting money and emotion through beautifully simple sketches and memorable stories. At our recent event, he walked us through several concepts that sparked intense, productive conversations. In Carl’s words, the sketches often serve as “conversation grenades”… in a good way. Translation: they jump-start meaningful dialogue and help people have clearer, more honest conversations about money and life.

On November 12, Matt Hall led a live conversation with Carl at the Racquet Club in St. Louis, exploring themes from Carl’s latest book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches.

If you were unable to attend the event in St. Louis, please email us here to request a complimentary, signed copy of Carl’s book, which each attendee received.

If you’re interested in a webinar or in-person event with Carl, email me at buddy@hillinvestmentgroup.com. We’ll do our best to arrange it.