I often find inspiration in charities that demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and make a real difference early on in their lifespan; imagine my pride when I witnessed that first-hand in a charity started by my own nephew, Newell Hill.

I was fortunate to participate in a local event last month hosted by his charity: Keys 4/4 Kids. They are founded on the principle that music inspires kids to believe in themselves, so they set out to promote arts education and mentorship through various efforts that connect kids with music. Newell founded the charity in 2000, working out of his parents’ basement. They’ve since grown to four retail locations where they sell donated pianos to fund their work with kids. In the picture above, you see me with Newell at St. Louis’ renowned Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital where children painted a Keys 4/4 Kids piano as part of The Ellen Project.

Larry Swedroe, author and Director of Research for The BAM ALLIANCE, and Matt Hall, President of Hill Investment Group, discuss Larry’s latest book: Think, Act, and Invest Like Warren Buffett on February 5th, 2014 at the Saint Louis Club in St. Louis, MO. Nearly 70 guests had the opportunity to learn about why Larry wrote the book, hear some key lessons of investing, and ask questions.

Correction: Larry’s example about commercial real estate and defaults is off by one year. It happened in 2008-2010 rather than 2009-2011.

Last month in the New York Times, Sam Polk offered a refreshing first-hand account from the underbelly of Wall Street. Polk is a former Wall Street trader who lived the excessive life that Hollywood often shows hedge fund managers and investment bankers living (see: The Wolf of Wall Street). Eventually, he did something that a lot of people would find difficult: he gave up his money addiction in search of something better. This article struck me as a great reminder that having the most money isn’t what life is about, and even if you do have financial freedom it doesn’t guarantee happiness. That’s why at Hill Investment Group we’re passionate about helping to refocus on the things that are truly important; life is too short to worry about the rest.

Read the article here.