Category Archives: Cash alternatives

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

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Tipswatch

CUSIP 91282CCA7 had one of the ugliest TIPS auctions in history. And yet … it did well versus a nominal Treasury. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Back in April 2021 I was out-of-my-mind frustrated by ultra-low real and nominal yields that … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, Federal Reserve, I Bond, Investing in TIPS, Savings Bond | 14 Comments

I Bond’s fixed rate is likely to hold at 0.90% at May 1 reset

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com I realize that the fixed rate of the U.S. Series I Savings Bond isn’t top of mind for many investors at the moment, given an active war in the Mideast, soaring gas prices, and sharp declines … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, I Bond, Inflation, Retirement, Savings Bond, TreasuryDirect | 39 Comments

February inflation rose 0.3%, as expected. Is this our last ‘tame’ reading for awhile?

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com The February inflation report, just released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, already feels like ancient news. The U.S. inflation picture has changed dramatically 11 days into March, with gas prices and other energy costs soaring … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, Federal Reserve, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS | Tagged economics, economy, finance, inflation, investing, personal-finance, Treasury investments | 20 Comments

I Bond buying guide for 2026: Wait it out

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Last January, Series I Savings Bonds offered a fixed rate of 1.20% and had a lot of appeal. A year later, that fixed rate has fallen to 0.90%. Are I Bonds still relevant for investors seeking … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, I Bond, Investing in TIPS, Savings Bond, Treasury Bills, TreasuryDirect | Tagged investing, personal-finance, Treasury investments | 57 Comments

The Savings Bond Calculator has a problem

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Tipswatch

Here is a guide to a workaround. April 23, 2026 update: From what I can tell, TreasuryDirect has fixed this coding problem generated by the Savings Bond Calculator. It now seems to again be working as expected, with the saved … Continue reading →