Hill Investment Group clients have come to know, like and expect simple images that creatively tell a story. The 2013 Holiday card is no exception.

Working with our long-time friend and designer, Cheree Berry of Cheree Berry Paper, we wanted to deliver a combination of iconic holiday images (along with our familiar coffee cup!) that would also provide a subtle nod to “the benefits of having a Diversified Portfolio.” The card is a seasonal play on a beloved Hill Investment Group T-shirt created by Life is Good. Their mission is to “spread optimism” —another thing that we at Hill Investment Group believe in strongly.

Recently, the entire Hill Investment Group team had the opportunity to support Rex Sinquefield, Co-Founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors and native St. Louisan, at the Inaugural Queen’s Gala in support of the World Chess Hall of Fame, which Rex brought to St. Louis in 2010. In addition to educating the world about the strategy, mental challenge, and fun of chess, Rex’s support of the Hall of Fame has helped hundreds of inner-city youth stay off the streets and stretch their mind by applying it to chess. The Queen’s Gala also sought to recognize women in chess, including Rex’s own teacher, Jennifer Shahade, two-time US Women’s Champion, author, commentator and editor on www.USChess.org. For more than 30 years, investors have benefitted from Rex’s investment work, and Rex continues to try to make the world a better place through his non-profit support.

Speaking of philanthropy, stay tuned for an upcoming story by Rick Hill about how and why people support non-profits and how Hill Investment Group can help clients create a charitable plan that reflects each family’s unique vision and values.

Whether you’re a long term client of Hill Investment Group or a new member of our family, you already know that, along with clarity and transparency, one of our key tenets is simplicity. This 2-minute article by Jim Parker, VP of Dimensional Funds, sets forth three core principles (which we adhere to) that lead to long-term investment success. Leonardo DaVinci’s words apply to investing too: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.