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.

How 3 Simple Questions Help Us Serve You Better

At Hill Investment Group, it’s about more than just managing money—it’s about adding value to your life. That’s why we recently started asking three important questions at every client review meeting:

1. What’s the most valuable thing we do for you?
2. Is there anything we could be doing that we’re not?
3. If someone needed our help, would you be comfortable introducing us?

These questions keep us focused on what matters most: your peace of mind, trust, and the lasting impact we can make together. We’ve been inspired by your answers, which often go beyond financial goals, showing us that trust, security, and partnership are what really count.

We had our own thoughts about the typical responses to the first question. Perhaps they would reflect the core elements of our service—evidence-based investment management, financial planning, or our Longview Analysis. While those certainly do come up, we’ve been deeply moved by how our clients describe the value we bring in their own words. From “I love not having to make decisions in this part of my life” to “I just don’t worry about money anymore,” the feedback has gone beyond the tangible aspects of our work. It’s given us a fresh perspective on what matters most to our clients.

The second question, “Is there anything we could be doing that we’re not?” has opened doors to opportunities for improvement. This question pushes us to listen more closely and serve more effectively. The responses have challenged us to think about the evolving needs of our clients and how we can better support them in ways we hadn’t considered.

Lastly, asking whether clients feel comfortable introducing us to others has been incredibly valuable. It’s a reminder that the trust we build doesn’t end with the clients we serve—it extends to their networks, too. When someone says, “Yes, I’d happily introduce you,” it’s a testament to the strength of our relationship and the impact we’ve had. It’s a reflection of the confidence our clients feel in us, and that’s something we deeply appreciate and never take for granted.

These three questions have become an essential part of our process, helping us stay connected to what’s most important: understanding our clients’ needs, adapting our services, and earning the trust that leads to long-term partnerships.

As we continue to ask you these questions in the months ahead, we’re excited to see where the answers take us now and in the long view.

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, Is a Pre-Tax or Roth 401(k) Right for Me?

Picture this: you’ve just landed a new job, and you’re ready to dive into your benefits package. You’re at the 401(k) enrollment screen, wondering: “Pre-tax or Roth contributions—which one’s the better long-term choice?” Many of our clients face this same question, and the answer often depends on your financial goals. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make an informed choice.  

Pre-Tax vs. Roth: What’s the Difference?

Think of it like shopping with a choice between a discount today or tax-free shopping later.  

• Pre-tax contributions lower your taxable income now, saving you on taxes this year. But you’ll owe taxes on those funds, plus any growth when you withdraw in retirement.
• Roth contributions are taxed upfront, giving you the benefit of tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

How This Can Look in Dollars:

If you’re in the 24% tax bracket, contributing $10,000 pre-tax saves you $2,400 this year. With Roth, you pay that tax now but enjoy tax-free withdrawals on both the initial amount and any growth in the future.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Current vs. Future Tax Bracket: Are you early in your career and expecting your income to grow? Roth might make sense, letting you lock in today’s lower tax rate. But if you’re in a high-earning phase and expect a lower tax bracket in retirement, pre-tax could be more advantageous.

• Time Horizon:  The longer you have until retirement, the more valuable Roth’s tax-free growth can be. Younger savers often benefit from decades of compounding without a tax hit.

• Employer Match: Don’t forget that any employer match is usually pre-tax, giving you a mix of both types, regardless of your choice.

Need Help Deciding? 

This choice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you want help deciding between pre-tax and Roth contributions—or figuring out how much to save and where to invest—reach out. We’re here to help you get clear on what makes sense for your financial future.

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.