Category Archives: Cash alternatives

I Bond dilemma: Buy in April, buy in May, or don’t buy at all?

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Tipswatch

The I Bond’s fixed rate could rise to 0.6% or higher on May 1. Should you wait? Or look at alternatives? By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Update, April 28, 2023: Treasury raises I Bond’s fixed rate to 0.9%; new composite rate … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank CDs, Cash alternatives, I Bond, Investing in TIPS, Savings Bond, TreasuryDirect | 77 Comments

After three months of volatility, where do we stand?

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Tipswatch

TIPS remain attractive. And now bank CDs are worth a serious look. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com It’s been kind of wild to go from seeing the possibility of TIPS with a real yield of 2% in early March to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank CDs, Cash alternatives, ETFs, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Treasury Bills | 45 Comments

Here’s a surprise: CD rates are suddenly very attractive

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Tipswatch

But don’t go to your local mega bank. Look for better deals. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com For years, CD rates offered by banks and credit unions — even the aggressive online versions — have been stubbornly lower than rates paid … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank CDs, Cash alternatives, Treasury Bills | 52 Comments

Want to exit your I Bond investment? You’d better have a plan.

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Tipswatch

Aug. 6, 2023, update: The I Bond exit ramp is now open; proceed with caution By David Enna, Tipswatch.com For years, my constant advice about redeeming I Bonds has been this: “Don’t do it until you really need the money.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, I Bond, Savings Bond, Treasury Bills | 73 Comments

I Bonds: A not-so-simple buying guide for 2023

Posted on January 3, 2023 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Note: I posted an updated I Bond analysis on April 14: Update, April 28, 2023: Treasury raises I Bond’s fixed rate to 0.9%; new composite rate is 4.30% After a year of raging-high demand, where do … Continue reading →