We read in a recent InvestmentNews article that Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) is now the 8th largest mutual fund company. As they continue to grow, we’re encouraged to see that more investors are finally catching on to the idea that markets work and investing can be simple rather than complex.

Unlike most mutual fund companies, DFA has not used expensive public advertising campaigns to reach new investors. Their shareholders benefit from low-cost access to the markets that is limited through advisors only—sheltering DFA funds from the effect of rapid inflows and outflows that typical retail funds experience.

In mid-November, a few members of our team attended the largest conference of independent investment advisors and wealth managers in the country—Charles Schwab’s 2013 IMPACT conference in Washington, DC. Attending conferences like Impact is just one of the ways we stay sharp. As you know, DC is a beautiful city and an idyllic backdrop for speakers like Michael Lewis, Daniel Pink, Steve Kroft, and others who inspired us along the way. We also returned with our own renewed perspectives on our country, our peers, and our practice.

Hill Investment Group recently invited Dan Solin to speak at an event for nearly 80 clients, friends, and supporters of our firm. Dan is the New York Times best-selling author of the Smartest series of books, and the Director of Advocacy for the BAM ALLIANCE. Dan works tirelessly to help investors put the odds of financial success in their favor. Check out this video that gives a snapshot of our event with Dan. If you attended the event, you may even see yourself!