Insights & Perspectives

Most investors own the S&P 500 — but few realize how differently they can own it. We recently compared five ETFs that hold the exact same 500 companies. Same market. Same names. Completely different outcomes. What we found was a quiet reminder that structure matters a lot.

Can you imagine opening the mail and finding a $660,000 tax bill you never saw coming? It happened to one Toronto family — and it’s a story worth paying attention to. Here’s our take on what went wrong, and how smart planning can make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Most investors don’t fail because they pick the wrong stocks. They fail because they pick the wrong habits. 2025 has been dubbed “The Great Lock-In” — a cultural shift toward locking in better routines with money, health, and time. It’s a reminder that discipline beats excitement. Morningstar data shows investors trail their own funds by 1–2% per year, not because of management fees, but because of behaviour. People chased performance, exited after losses, and re-entered too late. In short, they traded discipline for emotion — and they paid for it. In our latest article, we explore how “locking in” creates staying power and why patience and discipline are worth more than any hot tip. Hype fades—habits compound.

We just published a new article at Seven Hills: “Does Buying at All-Time Highs Matter?” Spoiler: it doesn’t — at least not in the way most investors think. This trust is that all-time highs aren’t red flags — they’re milestones. Studies from BlackRock, RBC, Schroders, and Schwab all say the same thing: ✅ Long-term returns are virtually unaffected by buying at highs ✅ Timing the market is less important than time in the market ✅ Compounding — not precision — is the real wealth builder So if you’re sitting on cash, waiting for the “perfect moment”… you might be waiting forever. At Seven Hills, we help investors focus on what matters: smart portfolios, low costs, and long-term discipline. Because patience doesn’t just pay — it compounds.

Owning 23 different tech stocks doesn’t make you diversified... it most likely just makes you busy. And that won't help you when the markets decide to take a dive. In our latest article, "The #1 Diversification Mistake Investors Make" we explore how to move beyond surface-level diversification and build portfolios that actually protect your portfolio when it matters most.

The investment industry thrives on complexity. Every year, new funds and flashy strategies are rolled out, often accompanied by compelling stories, slick branding, and the promise of superior returns.

The market will fall again... the real question is: How far will it pull you down? In our newest article, we lay out the simple math behind big drawdowns, why investors’ returns often trail their funds, and how a calmer portfolio helps you stay the course.

For high performing individuals, financial planning is often rigorous and sophisticated – yet few apply the same intentionality to their health. As longevity becomes both a personal and economic proposition, the integration of health and wealth is no longer optional, it’s essential.

At Seven Hills, we believe that true wealth goes far beyond financial prosperity - encompassing vibrant social connections, robust health, lifelong learning, and the freedom to spend your time as you choose. That’s why our SHIFT Longevity Management approach is designed to empower you to thrive in every area that truly matters.

Planning ahead can often be the best mitigant for risk. We recently sat down with our partner, Daniel Clarke from Kingsmere Financial to discuss estate planning strategies. With over a decade of experience as a business owner, Daniel specializes in helping entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses map out their financial futures while protecting their legacies.

We often assume we’re in good health and only think about our well-being when we get sick or face a medical diagnosis. Many of us feel invincible, and in fact, studies show that over 60% of adults perceive themselves as being younger than their actual age - often by more than a decade.