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.

At Hill Investment Group, we recognize that when a few clients raise the same question, it’s likely that more have similar thoughts. To better serve you, we’re introducing a new segment in our newsletter where we’ll address common questions and how we approach them. To submit questions for future newsletters, email us at info@hillinvestmentgroup.com.

Hey Hill, What Should I Be Thinking About as 2025 Approaches?

As we approach the new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on your financial picture and look ahead to 2025. At Hill Investment Group, we encourage you to rely on us for all things financial — whether it’s optimizing your portfolio, navigating new opportunities, or planning for life’s big transitions. Here are a few key considerations as we gear up for the new year:

Introducing the Longview Advantage ETF

We’re excited to launch the Longview Advantage ETF (ticker: EBI) in early 2025 and transition Hill clients to it tax-free. Designed as a low-cost, market-wide investment solution, EBI will bring more efficiency to your portfolio. Think of it as the next evolution of Taking the Long View: the same evidence-based investment philosophy with the added benefits of reduced fees and greater tax efficiency.

This is a big step forward for Hill clients, and we are excited to integrate it into portfolios for your benefit

Automate Your Savings for Long-Term Growth

If you don’t already have an automatic savings plan in place, now is the time to consider one. These plans allow you to make regular contributions to your portfolio effortlessly, taking advantage of dollar-cost averaging and the power of compounding. Over time, contributions can snowball into meaningful wealth. Talk to your advisor about how to set one up — it’s one of the easiest ways to make real process toward your financial goals.

Review Employer Benefits for 2025

A new year brings updates to retirement contribution limits and other employer benefits:

• 401(k): $23,500 (up from $23,000)
  • Catch-Up Contributions (50+): an additional $7,500 (or $11,250 for ages 60–63)
• ROTH and Traditional IRA: $7,000 (consistent with 2024)
  • Catch-Up Contributions (50+): an additional $1,000 

It’s also a great time to review your medical benefits and insurance options. If you have access to an HSA or FSA, increasing your contributions can help you maximize tax savings. Unsure of your next step? Your Hill advisor can help you evaluate your options and ensure you’re making the most of these opportunities. 

Prepare for Life’s Big Moments

Are there big milestones on the horizon for 2025? Maybe you’re sending a child to college, planning a major purchase, retiring, or updating your estate plan. These life events deserve thoughtful planning, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Share the Gift of Thoughtful Financial Guidance

Do you know someone who might benefit from personalized financial advice? Whether it’s a friend navigating a big life transition, a family member seeking smarter investment strategies, or someone simply unsure of where to start, we’re here to help.

Sharing our name or a copy of Odds On is an easy way to introduce them to Taking the Long View. If you have someone in mind, let us know — we’d love to meet them.

Let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet. If you’d like to explore any of these ideas, reach out or book a time here. We’re here to help.

Hill Investment Group is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training.  This information is educational and does not intend to make an offer for the sale of any specific securities, investments, or strategies. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before implementing any investment or financial planning strategy.