Thirteen can be a lucky number after all, as we were lucky to celebrate Hill Investment Group’s 13^th year in business by hosting our largest summer family bash to date. Twenty-nine HIG team and family members attended the event, hosted by Matt and Lisa Hall.

More than an excuse to slurp up some ice cream, our family party is a way for us to reaffirm the meaning we find in our work. Magic happens when we have the opportunity to help families plan for their financial future. A different, but equally potent magic happens when we get together with our own families. It’s not only a privilege to enjoy one another’s “at home” side, it also reminds us that our loved ones are one of the reasons we work so hard. Roll up that deep stuff with some tacos, some kids and a pool – and you have our favorite employee event of the year!

This year a big storm blew in halfway through, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. Even as the rain fell in sheets for about an hour and the house lost power, Matt & Lisa’s daughter Harper entertained all the other kiddos with some expert slime-making … just add water.

Our theme this year was summer fiesta, featuring catered local fave Mission Taco Joint and Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream, delivered. Eventually, the weather broke and we all had a blast swimming and cheering on the young contestants in our diving board splash-a-thon. John’s son James was the bomb.

The only real downside to the weather was that we weren’t able to get our usual group photo. We’ll just have to make do by featuring the adorable pic of PJ’s son Henry, above, while re-sharing these group photos from 2016 and 2017. Next summer? Bring it on!

In one of our recent posts, “You Need a Therapist,” Matt Hall described how we first connected with financial therapist Marilyn Wechter, MSW, and how much we’ve enjoyed collaborating with her ever since. This month, we thought it would be fun to share some of the ways we’ve been personally inspired by Marilyn. How have we used what we’ve learned from her – here in the office and at home? Read on to find out.

Rick Hill – One key takeaway from Marilyn has been how to share your financial values with your family, especially your children. How you spend your money communicates your values. Also, you can start talking to your children about money when they are very young; just tailor the conversation accordingly. Family meetings are important as well, although any communication is usually better than none. Marilyn once told me she’d conducted more than 1,000 family meetings and not one of them was a failure.

John Reagan – Marilyn has a way of putting things in perspective. For example, she’s helped me better balance my time and energy among the people and projects that are most important to me at work and home. “Live a little” are often good words to live by.

Nell Schiffer – Marilyn taught me that anxiety is contagious, which has been a simple but inspiring idea for me. We know that anxiety feels bad, but knowing that doesn’t always motivate us to let go of it. Realizing that our own anxiety can infect others is a powerful force for change, plus it reduces your own stress.

Buddy Reisinger – The most important thing I’ve learned from Marilyn is how to listen to others at a level I didn’t know I could. It’s still a work in progress, especially at home! But deeper listening has helped me better appreciate where others are coming from, why they feel the way they do, how they got where they are today, and where they’d like to go next. I’ve gotten better at stopping myself from interjecting before the other person has finished their thoughts.

Matt Hall – We all hold a mirror up to others. Am I intentional about what I am reflecting back? That’s my favorite lesson from Marilyn. She uses the example of a child learning to walk. If I hold out encouraging arms, a toddler will often smile and keep walking. If I project fear or doubt, most will sit down. The analogy holds true in our adult relationships too. I always try to remember that as I spend time with the important people in my life.

As much as all of us at Hill Investment Group feel like family to one another, there are times when our actual family members must come first. On that note, it is with regret but considerable affection that we wish Dyanna Jones well as she leaves the HIG team to dedicate more time to her family.

Dyanna asked us to let you know she will miss everyone here at HIG, especially the many friends she quickly made among our Houston office clients and guests. If you would like to convey your own best wishes to Dyanna, please let me know, and I will be sure to pass them on.

While it will difficult to replace Dyanna’s warmth, we are now seeking a new executive assistant for our Houston office. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit for the role, we welcome your referral.