After I earned my Certified Financial Planning (CFP(R)) designation, my grandparents were both proud and curious. They asked me to take a look at their finances and see if there was anything they should be doing differently. My grandpa had always managed things on his own and had done well, but one glaring gap stood out: they hadn’t done any estate planning.

They didn’t know what a trust was or where to start. But they did know what mattered most: how they wanted their assets to pass, which of their children they trusted to handle things, and that they wanted to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for their family one day.

For someone used to doing everything himself, my grandpa recognized that this was one aspect of his life that he needed to delegate. He also saw the value in doing some work now to make life easier for his kids later, a small act of love that will one day make a big difference.

That mindset captures how we typically approach estate planning with our clients at Hill. It can feel complicated and overwhelming, but when you focus on the big picture and surround yourself with the right team, it becomes a powerful way to protect your family and preserve your legacy.

No two estate plans look the same. Some are wonderfully simple, others more complex. There’s no “right” way to do it—only what’s right for you. That’s why we take time to understand each client’s values, family dynamics, and long-term vision before collaborating with their attorneys and CPAs to design a plan that fits.

Here are a few guiding questions we use when helping clients update or establish their plan:

• Is it easy to understand? You should be able to explain the big picture in plain English.
• Does your team collaborate on your behalf? Your attorney, CPA, and Hill advisor should be aligned so your investments, taxes, and estate all work together.
• Are you avoiding probate? The right structure may help your family avoid a lengthy and expensive court process.
• Are your heirs protected? Your plan should clearly state how and by whom assets will be managed.
• Is everything included? It’s easy for accounts or property to be left out due to incorrect titling.
• Who will carry out your plan? Executors, trustees, powers of attorney, and guardians can all play important roles. It’s important to make sure they understand and accept them.

When my grandparents’ plan was complete, my mom (named as executor) told me multiple times how relieved she felt knowing everything was organized and clear. That sense of clarity is exactly what we hope to provide for every Hill family.

Estate planning isn’t one-and-done; it’s an ongoing act of care, and it’s part of Taking the Long View®. We generally recommend our clients to review their plan every five years, or sooner if life or laws change. Families grow, goals evolve, and your plan should, too.

If you’re wondering whether your plan still fits, or if you’ve been meaning to get started, we’d love to help you or a loved one take that next step.

Email us at askanadvisor@hillinvestmentgroup.com to connect with your Hill advisor and start the conversation.

A legend has passed: Cambridge-educated Jonathan Clements was The Wall Street Journal’s personal-finance columnist for 20 years before founding his own website, HumbleDollar.com.

Clements was one of the first financial journalists to champion index funds and was an early voice in describing the way we invest. He was a thoughtful rebel and a gifted communicator, with more than 1,000 published articles. Rick and Matt would often ask, “Have you read JC’s column on…?” His articles were always insightful and original with an eye turned toward what is best for the client–not for Wall Street.

Sadly, he passed recently after a long and public (his choice) battle with lung cancer. Jonathan wanted people to maximize their time while alive.

With that in mind, here are three reflections worth reading:

• His own story: “Some Final Personal-Finance Advice,” The Wall Street Journal, 2024.
  
• Ron Lieber’s tribute: “Five Pearls of Wisdom From a Legend of Financial Writing,” The New York Times.
  
• Jason Zweig’s essay: The Wall Street Journal’s touching ode to Jonathan.

If Jonathan’s reflections inspire you to have deeper conversations about your family’s financial life, we invite you to explore the educational resources available on our website.

As the holiday season approaches, our team wishes you the gift of slowing down—to reflect, recharge, and enjoy the moments and people that matter most. In that spirit, and for your planning purposes, we want you to know that our office will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of Thanksgiving.

If you anticipate needing anything during that time frame, let’s address it now. Call us at (314) 448-4023 or set a time to meet. It’s all part of finishing the year strong!

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful holiday season, with gratitude,

The Hill Investment Group Team