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.

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!

November 15, 2013. For most people the day came and went like most Fridays. But that date was circled and starred on my calendar. November 15, 2013 was the first day of the two-day exam to earn the designation of Certified Financial Planner™. After working through the required education courses during the first half of 2013, attending a four day intense review session in Atlanta, GA, and spending over 200 hours during the final few months reviewing the material, I was ready to sit for the 10-hour exam. According to the CFP board, the historic pass rate is approximately 57%. How did I do on the exam? Ask me after December 20th when the results are released by the CFP board.