Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits, and may lose value.
Disciplined Investing, Guided by People Who Know You
We utilize the same institutional research as the largest firms in the country to manage your portfolio, following five principles that have served our clients through every kind of market.
Five Principles That Guide Every Decision
Diversification
Broad exposure across asset classes to reduce the risk of any single investment significantly impacting your portfolio.
Low Cost
We actively seek low-cost products that keep more of your money working for you.
Regular Reviews
Our Investment Committee meets regularly to review positioning, challenge assumptions, and act on opportunities.
Disciplined Rebalancing
We monitor your portfolio against its targets and make tactical adjustments – especially when discipline matters most.
Tax Efficiency
Every investment decision considers the tax impact, from asset location to withdrawal sequencing.
Passive vs. Active Investing – and Our Hybrid Approach
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all investing. For bonds, skilled active management adds real value in a complex market. For stocks, the picture is different: low-cost index and factor-based funds tend to outperform active management. The result: low costs where it counts, expertise where it makes a difference.
National-Level Capabilities
Our team draws on strategic research partnerships with Bloomberg, Morningstar, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Northern Trust, Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street, Federated Hermes, Invesco, and Dimensional – the same research used by major national firms, applied to your portfolio.
Our Investment Committee
Our strategic investment decisions are made by a committee of Hills Bank professionals who meet regularly to review market conditions, assess positioning, and decide what action – if any – to take.
That committee brings together investment officers and analysts, wealth management leadership, and our Chief Financial Officer for a broad range of perspectives. As a fiduciary, we use the best available research to make decisions in our clients’ best interests.
Full Wealth Management
A dedicated advisor team, comprehensive planning, and trust and estate services.
Wealth Builder
A digital investing platform built for investors who are growing. You get access to professionally vetted investments, automated portfolio management, and low minimums to get started – with the same investment philosophy that guides our full wealth management portfolios.
It’s a straightforward way to put your money to work while you build toward larger goals. And as your needs grow, your team grows with you.
Disclosure
Tax strategies and concepts discussed are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended as tax advice. Consult your CPA or tax advisor before implementing any tax-related strategy.