In a recent conversation with Charles Kafoglis, he shared a profound realization: it’s time. After years of taking the long view, Charles has decided to retire. Inspired by the wisdom in the book Die With Zero, which encourages us to embrace and maximize the unique opportunities of life’s seasons, Charles is stepping into his next chapter with excitement and purpose.

With his wife, Pattie, Charles plans to explore more of the world, deepen their involvement in non-profit work, and set meaningful new goals—including an ambitious one: running a 10-minute mile on his 80th birthday!

While he will undoubtedly miss the people of Hill, the clients he has served so thoughtfully, and working alongside his son Michael, we know this next season will bring new joys and adventures.

Charles’ departure will be effective at the end of December, and we are committed to making this transition seamless for our clients and team.. We are actively meeting with candidates for this lead position and look forward to an announcement we can share with you soon. In the interim, a combined team at Hill will ensure continuity for all clients. 

We are deeply grateful for Charles’ contribution and wish him a fulfilling and hopeful journey ahead.

At Hill Investment Group, we recognize that when a few clients raise the same question, it’s likely that more have similar thoughts. To better serve you, we’re introducing a new segment in our newsletter where we’ll address common questions and how we approach them. To submit questions for future newsletters, email us at info@hillinvestmentgroup.com.

Hey Hill, What Should I Be Thinking About as 2025 Approaches?

As we approach the new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on your financial picture and look ahead to 2025. At Hill Investment Group, we encourage you to rely on us for all things financial — whether it’s optimizing your portfolio, navigating new opportunities, or planning for life’s big transitions. Here are a few key considerations as we gear up for the new year:

Introducing the Longview Advantage ETF

We’re excited to launch the Longview Advantage ETF (ticker: EBI) in early 2025 and transition Hill clients to it tax-free. Designed as a low-cost, market-wide investment solution, EBI will bring more efficiency to your portfolio. Think of it as the next evolution of Taking the Long View: the same evidence-based investment philosophy with the added benefits of reduced fees and greater tax efficiency.

This is a big step forward for Hill clients, and we are excited to integrate it into portfolios for your benefit

Automate Your Savings for Long-Term Growth

If you don’t already have an automatic savings plan in place, now is the time to consider one. These plans allow you to make regular contributions to your portfolio effortlessly, taking advantage of dollar-cost averaging and the power of compounding. Over time, contributions can snowball into meaningful wealth. Talk to your advisor about how to set one up — it’s one of the easiest ways to make real process toward your financial goals.

Review Employer Benefits for 2025

A new year brings updates to retirement contribution limits and other employer benefits:

• 401(k): $23,500 (up from $23,000)
  • Catch-Up Contributions (50+): an additional $7,500 (or $11,250 for ages 60–63)
• ROTH and Traditional IRA: $7,000 (consistent with 2024)
  • Catch-Up Contributions (50+): an additional $1,000 

It’s also a great time to review your medical benefits and insurance options. If you have access to an HSA or FSA, increasing your contributions can help you maximize tax savings. Unsure of your next step? Your Hill advisor can help you evaluate your options and ensure you’re making the most of these opportunities. 

Prepare for Life’s Big Moments

Are there big milestones on the horizon for 2025? Maybe you’re sending a child to college, planning a major purchase, retiring, or updating your estate plan. These life events deserve thoughtful planning, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Share the Gift of Thoughtful Financial Guidance

Do you know someone who might benefit from personalized financial advice? Whether it’s a friend navigating a big life transition, a family member seeking smarter investment strategies, or someone simply unsure of where to start, we’re here to help.

Sharing our name or a copy of Odds On is an easy way to introduce them to Taking the Long View. If you have someone in mind, let us know — we’d love to meet them.

Let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet. If you’d like to explore any of these ideas, reach out or book a time here. We’re here to help.

Hill Investment Group is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training.  This information is educational and does not intend to make an offer for the sale of any specific securities, investments, or strategies. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before implementing any investment or financial planning strategy.