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.

Recently, the entire Hill Investment Group team had the opportunity to support Rex Sinquefield, Co-Founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors and native St. Louisan, at the Inaugural Queen’s Gala in support of the World Chess Hall of Fame, which Rex brought to St. Louis in 2010. In addition to educating the world about the strategy, mental challenge, and fun of chess, Rex’s support of the Hall of Fame has helped hundreds of inner-city youth stay off the streets and stretch their mind by applying it to chess. The Queen’s Gala also sought to recognize women in chess, including Rex’s own teacher, Jennifer Shahade, two-time US Women’s Champion, author, commentator and editor on www.USChess.org. For more than 30 years, investors have benefitted from Rex’s investment work, and Rex continues to try to make the world a better place through his non-profit support.

Speaking of philanthropy, stay tuned for an upcoming story by Rick Hill about how and why people support non-profits and how Hill Investment Group can help clients create a charitable plan that reflects each family’s unique vision and values.

Whether you’re a long term client of Hill Investment Group or a new member of our family, you already know that, along with clarity and transparency, one of our key tenets is simplicity. This 2-minute article by Jim Parker, VP of Dimensional Funds, sets forth three core principles (which we adhere to) that lead to long-term investment success. Leonardo DaVinci’s words apply to investing too: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.