Tableaux Wealth Insights
Guidance, views, and commentary to help you make better financial decisions.
My Final Post: 6 Things I Learned During My Time at Tableaux Wealth
For my last post at Tableaux Wealth, I spent some time thinking about what topics I wanted to cover. Did I want it to be more about financial advice, financial planning techniques, investing, or just about life in general? Finally, I decided, why not include all of it?
New Tax Break for Seniors
This year’s tax bill includes what the administration calls “No Tax on Social Security.” It’s not an explicit removal of taxes on Social Security payments, but it does provide an additional deduction for seniors under certain income limits. We explore it here.
A U.S. Economy Powered by AI
The most asked questions we’ve received from clients of late are: “Is AI in a bubble?” and “What’s your strategy for an AI pullback?” For our part, we take a more measured view based on three key observations of what we know now.
New Rule Could Boost Refunds for Workers
One of the signature provisions in the recently passed tax bill is the so-called “no tax on tips and overtime.” While there are some limitations, this change could deliver meaningful benefits for workers who earn much of their income from tips or overtime pay.
The Grandparent Loophole: 529 Plans Revisited
We’ve noted that 529 plans are often useful even if you don’t have college-bound children. And if you’re a grandparent considering starting a 529 plan, you should be aware of the recent revisions to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that went into effect as of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Why Wages, Not COLA, Matter More for Future Retirees
The modest 2026 COLA may barely offset rising Medicare premiums. But for those still in the workforce, rising wages are the real story. Let’s take deeper look at what determines your standard of living in retirement—the AWI or the COLA.
Don’t Fall for These Scams
One unfortunate drawback of our tech-enabled world is that scams are increasingly common. Seniors are often targeted because they have savings and may hesitate to report fraud. According to the National Council on Aging, here are some of the most common scams targeting retirees today.
The Fed, Mortgage Rates, and Home Prices
Do mortgage rates always go down when the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) cuts interest rates? And even if mortgage rates decline, should we expect home values to rise as a result? To find out, I spoke with Eric Steuernagle, owner of Fairground Real Estate in Great Barrington (MA) and a housing expert.
The Case for Gold, Despite the Recent Pullback
As of the time of this writing, the price of gold has fallen roughly 6% from its all-time high of $4,379 per ounce in October. Despite this pullback, I’m going to share a few reasons why we believe a positive long-term outlook for gold remains intact.
Getting More from a High-Value Illiquid Asset
Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) can be a great way to enjoy (or let someone else enjoy) the income of a highly appreciated asset, while ultimately leaving it to charity and getting big tax benefits. But if that asset is illiquid or hard to market, a standard CRT won’t do. Enter the flip CRUT.
Non-Spousal Inherited IRAs: Avoid Tax Deferrals that Increase Your Taxes
We admittedly have a bias that much of life planning can benefit from financial planning. But thanks to a federal law change in 2020--with additional rules effective in 2025--inheriting an IRA is a particularly good excuse to check in with your financial advisor.
Investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As I continue to learn about the impact of AI, I can’t help but think about how best to invest in it. Even when we know a new technology is likely to impact the world, it can be very difficult to identify companies in which to invest.
Do You Believe in Momentum?
Momentum surrounds us—in our habits, in sports, and in markets. Sometimes it’s real, sometimes it may just be randomness wearing a convincing disguise. How you feel about momentum might be a key determinant of your investment personality.
Saving by Switching Your Medicare Part D Plan
It can pay to switch your Medicare Part D plan. These prescription drug plans offered by Medicare can change from year to year, sometimes dramatically. For some retirees, an annual review can mean saving hundreds of dollars in the coming year.
The Role of Bitcoin
In 2017, I wrote a skeptical article about Bitcoin. As a financial advisor focused on long-term planning, I questioned Bitcoin’s usefulness and worried about its volatility.
Eight years later, I still have reservations, but my thinking has evolved …
529 Plans: Unsung Heroes of Financial Planning
If you’ve thought that 529 Plans, also known as qualified tuition programs, are relevant only to parents and prospective college students, you are not alone. But you’ve been mistaken. The 529 Plan is an unsung hero of financial planning that deserves some attention and celebration …
Invest in Your Own Demise
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly progressing. Every new technology comes with warnings about jobs being lost, and yet we’ve always found a way to keep creating new jobs. AI has potential for job creation as well as disruption.
Market Commentary: More Growth—and Rising Inflation?
This month I’d like to update our outlook for inflation, the Federal Reserve, and GDP—and touch on an interesting theme within GDP’s components.
Then I’ll tie it all together and draw three conclusions…
Tableaux Wealth Closes on New, Larger Office Space
We’re pleased to announce that we have closed on our new office space at 80 Maple Avenue in Great Barrington. That’s on Route 41/23, just west of the rotary at Route 7 …
Why Mass. Residents Might Consider Trusts
Many Massachusetts residents—especially married couples, those who own a home, those with children from multiple relationships, and those with over $2 million in assets—could benefit from a more robust estate plan that includes trusts.