Author Archives: Tipswatch

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About Tipswatch

Author of Tipswatch.com blog, David Enna is a long-time journalist based in Charlotte, N.C. A past winner of two Society of American Business Editors and Writers awards, he has written on real estate and home finance, and was a founding editor of The Charlotte Observer's website.

I Bond dilemma: Buy in April, in May, or not at all?

Posted on April 14, 2024 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com With Wednesday’s release of the March inflation report, the buying equation for U.S. Series I Savings Bonds became a bit clearer. We now know the I Bond’s variable rate will fall from the current 3.94% to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, I Bond, Inflation, Savings Bond, TreasuryDirect | 67 Comments

Next week’s 5-year TIPS auction has solid appeal

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Note: I am posting this auction preview early because my I Bond buying guide will be going up Sunday morning. Keep in mind that real yields are currently highly volatile and will change by Thursday’s auction. … Continue reading →

Posted in I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, TreasuryDirect | Tagged , , , | 36 Comments

March inflation sets I Bond’s new variable rate at 2.96%

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Tipswatch

Inflation again rose higher than expected in March, probably putting Fed rate cuts on hold. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Updated analysis … I Bond dilemma: Buy in April, in May, or not at all? Non-seasonally adjusted inflation rose 0.65% in March, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Savings Bond | 34 Comments

Interested in swapping out 0.0% fixed-rate I Bonds? Here’s a guide.

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com A logical strategy for some I Bond investors is to act now to redeem I Bonds with a fixed rate of 0.0% (and a current composite rate no higher than 3.94%) and use that money to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, I Bond, Inflation, Savings Bond, Taxes, TreasuryDirect | 51 Comments

A 5-year TIPS will mature April 15. How did it do as an investment?

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Tipswatch

Answer: Very well. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com I got a reader question this week about CUSIP 9128286N5, a 5-year Treasury Inflation-Protected Security that will mature on April 15, 2024. The question reminded me that this TIPS has completed its cycle, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank CDs, Inflation, Investing in TIPS | 30 Comments