The Hill Country Group

Working With Us

#### ***Experience Bespoke Wealth Management Strategies And White Glove Service*** The Hill Country Group was built with intention from the ground up, seeking out first round draft picks to lead each critical discipline in a holistic wealth management framework. Our clients benefit from the collaboration across the verticals, with the following team structure: * Dustin \- Asset Allocation \& Credit * Andrew \- Implementation \& Insurance * David \- Institutions \& Endowments (401k, Stock Plans, Corp Benefits) * Alex \- M\&A, Entrepreneurship, Pre \& Post Transaction Planning * Katelyn \- Financial Planning \& Chief of Staff * Abby \- Private Alternatives \& Marketing * Hannah \- Brand Management, Events \& Client Service * Annie \- Banking \& Client Solutions * Arun \- Next Gen * Molly \- Wealth Structure, Estate Planning \& Client Service The Wealth Management industry has gone through a number of major paradigm shifts in the 21st century including the rise of financial planning, the shift from brokerage to advisory business, active management via mutual funds to passive indexing through ETFs. Today, our team continues to harness change: * Direct indexing with tax\-loss harvesting can add after tax alpha annually while reducing concentration risk and mitigating significant future taxable events * There is a reverse shift in the race to IPO – as today more companies source capital and growth from the private markets – and access to those markets through cutting edge alternatives platform and dedicated resource is critical * Artificial Intelligence has very much arrived, albeit in the early innings, and we believe will provide never before seen real time potential solutions for teams who embrace it at the few firms who have the capacity, resources and commitment to develop and implement safely and effectively * Individual financial consultants reacting to client requests have given way to strategic wealth management teams proactively serving multi\-generational families and companies ~Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high\-net\-worth investors. Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.~

Living Generously

#### ***Cash Is The Least Tax Efficient Gift You Can Make*** Austin is home to over 17,000 nonprofits — and some of the most generous donors in the country. We are passionate about generosity and give back through a number of organizations. We don't just give once. We give thoughtfully, locally, and often. Let's work together to *Keep Austin Generous.* ###### ***The More You Give, The More You See You Have To Give*** We actively engage with our local community by hosting client events, creating opportunities for connection and collaboration while supporting local causes, several annually like Austin Ridge Bible Church, National Christian Foundation, and BLESS. Additionally, The Hill Country Group and its team members are active supporters of the following: * African Renewal Ministries \- Uganda * Ananias House * Austin Christian Fellowship * Austin Disaster Relief Network * Austin Partners in Education * Austin Ridge Bible Church * Christar * Dress for Success * ELIC * Empower One * Ethnos 360 * Family Legacy Missions \- Zambia * Fellowship of Christian Athletes * Global Child Advocates * Global Serve International * Habitat for Humanity * Justice Ventures International * Kingdom Advisors * Launch Global * Lonestar Legacy * Merrill Christian Focus Group * Mobile Loaves and Fishes * OMF * National Christian Foundation * New Canaan Society * Next Generation Project Texas * Pioneers * Red Oak * Salvation Army * Scatter * SEAL Legacy Foundation * Silver Spurs Alumni Association * SIM USA * Storyline * Strategic Resource Group * StuMo * Texas Exes * The Archibald Project * The BEVO Endowment * The BLESS Foundation * The Farm Project\-Satisfy * The Neighborhood Longhorns Program * TMAI * Trans World Radio * Warrior National * Young Life Africa * Zoe Empowers

Institutions - Merrill Institutional Consulting

Our team holds the prestigious Merrill Institutional Consultant\* (MIC) designation, awarded to fewer than 120 advisors at Merrill. This distinction underscores our ability to deliver tailored, sophisticated financial strategies for both institutions and business owners seeking to sell their businesses. **Helping institutions meet their investment needs** We put the resources and intellectual capital of Merrill to work for institutional clients like you by delivering thoughtful advice and sophisticated investment strategies through focused client\-centric consulting. We help organizations like yours address today's complex investment challenges through an integrated, goals\-based investment process that enables them to redefine success, manage risk and help fulfill their missions. **Investment Solutions** We provide access to a broad suite of potential investment solutions for non\-profit organizations, foundations, endowments and corporate retirement and pension plans. Our level of involvement is based on your preference — from traditional consulting, to client\-directed implementation, to full discretionary outsourced CIO services. We work with your CFO, board of directors and investment committee to develop a tailored investment strategy that is consistent with your culture, goals, preferences and risk profile. **Disciplined Investment Process** We follow a disciplined process that helps to address your organization's changing needs and provides you with a potentially higher probability of achieving your long\-term investment goals. * Investment Policy Statement Development and Review Act as liaison between institutional clients and Merrill's Investment Policy Statement (IPS) service, which creates and modifies an IPS, based on the client's investment goals and objectives. * Strategic Allocation Modeling Customizable asset allocation based on the Chief Investment Office capital market assumptions. * Investment Manager Due Diligence Recommend investment solutions leveraging Merrill's thorough and rigorous due diligence process. * Investment Manager Search and Selection Advanced portfolio construction techniques combined with client specific objectives and Merrill's capital market guidance. * Portfolio Strategy Leverage Merrill's global intellectual capital including tactical tilts to potentially help increase returns. * Performance Measurement Review, quantify and evaluate performance to identify opportunities to refine the portfolio's overall strategy, based on the Investment Policy Statement. **Endowments, Foundations and Nonprofits** We understand the issues nonprofits, endowments and foundations address in funding their missions in an ever\-changing financial climate. Drawing on the global resources of Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates, we offer insight, guidance and personalized service to help institutions develop and execute investment strategies focused on what matters most to them and the people they serve. Impact investing and/or Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investing has certain risks based on the fact that ESG criteria excludes securities of certain issuers for nonfinancial reasons and therefore, investors may forgo some market opportunities and the universe of investments available will be smaller. **Defined benefit plans** Whether your defined benefit plan is an active part of your overall benefit offering, is closed to new participants, or fully frozen, Bank of America's service model allows you to outsource the many administrative tasks associated with the maintenance of a pension plan to fulfill plan obligations and manage risk. Key services include: • Investment consulting service • Open architecture investment management platform • Liability driven investment implementation • Actuarial services and discretionary investment management *~\*Merrill Institutional Consulting™ (MIC) is part of Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM), the wealth and investment management division of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp."), and offers products and services for the benefit of institutional and ultra‐high net worth clients through dually registered representatives of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner \& Smith Incorporated (also referred to as "MLPF\&S" or "Merrill") who can provide brokerage and investment advisory services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients' rights and MLPF\&S's obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking products, services and activities are offered by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. MLPF\&S and Bank of America, N.A. are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation. MLPF\&S is a dually registered broker‐dealer and investment adviser and [Member SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/). MLPF\&S makes available investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of BofA Corp. Bank of America, the Bank of America logo, Merrill and Merrill Institutional Consulting are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.~*

Institutions & Retirement Benefit Plans

Our group focuses on managing retirement plans with assets of $100 million or more. Our approach is centered on delivering hyper\-customized strategies, helping to ensure that every plan we onboard meets our rigorous standards. While our proprietary process isn't appropriate for every 401(k) or 403(b) plan, when we find the right fit, we are committed to delivering a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy, including: * Thorough review of current plan structure and key players * An alternative to proprietary, off\-the\-shelf target\-date funds * A proactive process of engagement at the firm and participant level * Multiple, optional webinars a month for participant education * The opportunity for each participant to build a financial plan with us * Guidance from a team that spans 4 generations (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s) * A robust infrastructure and tech stack to seemlessly integrate systems for HR as well as the participants (and we'll build you a demo and prove it specific to your organization) In an environment where plan litigation is rapidly increasing, and regulatory requirements are constantly evolving, it is essential that we proactively address these challenges. Additionally, we focus on improving participant outcomes, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of 401(k) plans. Through targeted strategies, we aim to enhance participant engagement, financial literacy, and long\-term retirement readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

#### ***Your Questions, Answered*** We believe an informed client is a confident client. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about our process, services, and what it's like to work with The Hill Country Group. If you don't see your question here, we're always happy to connect. ##### **++Working With The Hill Country Group++** **Q: What should I expect when working with the Hill Country Group?** **A:** You can expect a relationship\-driven, highly personalized experience. We take the time to understand what matters most to you, then deliver thoughtful advice backed by the resources of Merrill and Bank of America. Our approach is proactive, detail\-oriented, and collaborative—designed to simplify complexity and give you confidence in your financial decisions. **Q: Who are your ideal clients? What type of people do you work with?** **A:** We work best with generous individuals and families who value a long\-term partnership and comprehensive advice. Many of our clients are business owners, executives, and professionals navigating complex financial lives—often involving equity compensation, liquidity events, or multi\-generational planning. We greatly align with those who want to be intentional about investing, giving, and legacy. **Q: What does it cost to work with your team?** **A:** Our fees are transparent and typically based on the assets we manage, though this can vary depending on the complexity of your situation and the services provided. During our initial conversations, we'll clearly outline all costs so you understand exactly what to expect—no surprises. **Q: How often will we meet?** **A:** We formally meet with clients, virtually or in person, on a quarterly, monthly, semi\-annual, or annual basis, with additional check\-ins as needed. During major life events or volatile markets, we're more proactive in reaching out to ensure you feel informed and supported. Dustin also communicates monthly via email with his thoughts on the market, and recent news/updates. **Q: How do you communicate during volatile markets \& news?** **A:** We believe communication is most important during uncertainty. In times of market volatility, we proactively reach out with timely updates, insights, and perspective—helping you stay focused on your long\-term plan rather than short\-term noise. You can always contact us directly with questions. **Q: Who will I actually work with and contact?** **A:** You will directly work with most members of our team. We operate as a collaborative group and you are able to contact any member of our team at any point. Our team is structured as follows: * Dustin \- Asset Allocation \& Credit * Andrew \- Implementation \& Insurance * David \- Institutions \& Endowments (401k, Stock Plans, Corp Benefits) * Alex \- M\&A, Entrepreneurship, Pre \& Post Transaction Planning * Katelyn \- Financial Planning \& Chief of Staff * Abby \- Private Alternatives \& Marketing * Hannah \- Brand Management, Events \& Client Service * Annie \- Banking \& Client Solutions * Arun \- Next Gen * Molly \- Wealth Structure, Estate Planning \& Client Service **Q: What does onboarding process look like?** **A:** Our onboarding process is structured but seamless. Below is our Standard of Care: * Comprehensive exploration of quantitative data, qualitative goals, \& personal + family values * Gather, review, \& update documents: financial, estate, tax, trust, \& insurance * Develop a deep understanding of your challenges, risks, opportunities, \& future events * Discuss \& evaluate sensitive topics: children, health, legal, personal, \& philanthropic * Collaborate with our clients' attorneys, assistants, \& CPAs * Create access to relevant client tools and platforms * Welcome email with next steps + introductions to members of your dedicated, service team * Build a customized strategy tailored to your needs * Open accounts, transfer assets, and execute the plan * Monitor, adjust, and communicate consistently, fostering an ongoing partnership **Q: What technology or reporting do you offer?** **A:** Through Merrill, you'll have access to robust digital tools including the Merrill mobile app and personalized online portal. These platforms provide real\-time account access, performance tracking, document storage, and secure communication. We also provide clear, customized reporting to help you understand your progress toward goals. ##### **++Giving and Tax Efficiency++** **Q: I want to get more creative with gifting or charitable giving, how can I do that?** **A:** We help clients structure thoughtful and tax\-efficient giving strategies. Did you know cash is the least tax\-efficient way to gift? One common solution to this is a donor\-advised fund (DAF), which allows you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit, and distribute gifts to charities over time. We can also explore strategies such as gifting appreciated securities, family gifting plans, or trust\-based approaches depending on your goals. **Q: How do you structure charitable giving?** **A:** We help clients give in a thoughtful, tax\-efficient way. This can include strategies such as donor\-advised funds (DAFs), appreciated stock donations, and trust\-based gifting approaches. We align charitable strategies with your broader financial plan and family legacy goals. **Q: How do you incorporate tax efficiency?** **A:** Tax efficiency is a core part of our planning process. We consider asset location, tax\-loss harvesting, withdrawal strategies, and coordination with your CPA to help minimize your overall tax burden. Our goal is to help you keep more of what you earn over time. **Q: Do you provide tax planning or CPA recommendations?** **A:** We incorporate tax\-aware strategies into everything we do, but we do not prepare tax returns or give tax advice We're happy to collaborate directly with your CPA to ensure alignment across your financial plan, and we can also introduce you to experienced CPAs if you're looking for a referral. ##### **++Investments, Financial Planning, and Trusts/Estates++** **Q: What does a financial plan include?** **A:** Your master (financial) plan is comprehensive and tailored to your life \- not just your investments. We evaluate your full, financial picture including cash flow, investment strategy, portfolio management, tax efficiency, estate considerations, philanthropic goals, and lifestyle. This information is then incorporated into scenario modeling and stress\-tests to help plan and adjust as your life evolves. **Q: Do you use alternative investments?** **A:** Yes, where appropriate. Given our focus on private markets, we evaluate alternative investments such as private equity, private credit, and other non\-traditional assets for eligible clients. These can enhance diversification and return potential, but are carefully selected based on your goals, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. **Q: Do you offer estate planning or can you connect us with someone who does?** **A:** While we don't draft legal documents ourselves, estate planning is an important part of what we do. We work closely with your existing estate attorney or can introduce you to Dan Scalley, our trusted estate planning strategist. Our role is to help ensure your estate plan aligns with your overall financial strategy, beneficiary structure, and long\-term goals. **Q: How do you advise around concentrated stock positions? What experience do you have with stock compensation?** **A:** We have significant experience working with professionals who hold concentrated equity or receive stock\-based compensation. We help manage risk through diversification strategies, tax\-aware selling plans, and structured approaches tailored to your vesting schedule and goals—while being mindful of tax implications and timing. **Q: How would you guide the sale of real estate?** **A:** We take a comprehensive approach to real estate sales, looking beyond just the transaction itself. We help you evaluate tax implications (such as capital gains), timing considerations, and how proceeds should be reinvested in alignment with your broader financial plan. **Q: Can I roll over my 401(k) to an IRA without penalties?** **A:** In many cases, yes. When executed properly as a direct rollover, you can move assets from a 401(k) into an IRA without triggering taxes or penalties. We help guide you through this process carefully to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure the move aligns with your broader master (financial) plan. ##### **++Banking, Lending, and Mortgages++** **Q: Do you offer bank accounts or checking accounts?** **A:** Yes. Through Bank of America, we can connect you with a full suite of banking solutions, including checking and savings accounts, lending, and cash management tools. As part of our relationship, we help coordinate your banking and investment strategies so everything works together seamlessly. **Q: Do you offer securities\-based lending or lines of credit?** **A:** Yes. Through Merrill, we can help you access securities\-based lines of credit that allow you to borrow against eligible investment assets without needing to sell them. This can be a flexible way to create liquidity for opportunities such as real estate purchases, business needs, or other large expenses while keeping your long\-term investment strategy intact. **Q: Can you help with mortgages or other lending needs?** **A:** Yes, in addition to investment\-based lending, we can connect you with Bank of America's specialized lending and mortgage teams. They offer a full range of solutions, including home financing, refinancing, and customized credit strategies.

Personalized planning

**Helping you create a personalized plan** At Merrill, we go beyond the traditional role of an advisor. * Your goals, concerns and attitude about investing are the foundation of your plan. * We actively listen and provide personalized advice — ensuring we understand what matters most to you and your family. * We're committed to creating a personalized plan that evolves with you to help you live well today while preparing for the future.

Team and resources

**Giving you access to our teams and solutions** Your advisor is one part of an experienced team dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Acting as your single point of contact, your advisor provides personalized strategies and connects you with: * Bank of America specialists, such as mortgage or trust professionals * Timely insights from BofA Global Research1 to help you stay informed and navigate ever\-changing markets * A [full suite](https://www.ml.com/solutions/all.html) of Merrill investing and Bank of America banking solutions ^1^~BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofAS") and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker\-dealer, [Member SIPC](http://www.sipc.org/), and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").~

Recognition