Category Archives: Retirement

Let’s look at the new iShares Defined-Maturity TIPS ETFs

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Tipswatch

These new funds offer simplicity, but with some drawbacks. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Back in late September, financial adviser/author Allan Roth sent me an email pointing out BlackRock’s new offering of 10 defined-maturity TIPS ETFs. Roth, who has been pushing … Continue reading →

Posted in Investing in TIPS, Retirement, TreasuryDirect | 44 Comments

Medicare costs for 2024 are rising faster than U.S. inflation

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Tipswatch

Part B costs, deductibles and IRMAA surcharges will increase about 6% next year. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Less than a month ago, U.S. retirees collecting Social Security learned their benefits will be increasing 3.2% beginning in January. That was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Inflation, Medicare, Retirement, Social Security | 32 Comments

Random thoughts on I Bonds in 2023, 2024

Posted on November 5, 2023 by Tipswatch

I Bonds remain attractive, but when and why? By David Enna, Tipswatch.com The I Bond’s new fixed rate of 1.3% — the highest in 16+ years — and the resulting composite rate of 5.27% should be creating a lot of … Continue reading →

Posted in I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Retirement, Savings Bond, Treasury Bills, TreasuryDirect | 51 Comments

September inflation sets I Bond’s new variable rate at 3.94%; Social Security COLA will be 3.2%

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Tipswatch

I Bond’s new composite rate could exceed 5% at the November reset. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Investors in U.S. Series I Savings Bonds will see the investment’s annualized inflation-adjusted variable rate rise to 3.94% at the November 1 reset, up … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Retirement, Savings Bond, Social Security, Treasury Bills | 39 Comments

U.S. inflation rose 0.6% in August; what does it mean for TIPS, I Bonds and Social Security?

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com As expected, rising gasoline prices pushed U.S. inflation higher in August, rising a seasonally-adjusted 0.6% for the month and increasing 3.7% year-over-year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Core inflation, which removes food and energy, … Continue reading →

Posted in Federal Reserve, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Retirement, Social Security | 15 Comments