Category Archives: Retirement

July inflation: What it means for TIPS, I Bonds and Social Security COLA

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Tipswatch

All-items inflation for July came in at 0.5% and 5.4% for the year. The Social Security COLA is still on track for about a 6% increase. I Bonds could get a variable rate of 6% (or higher) for six months. … Continue reading →

Posted in I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Retirement, Social Security | 7 Comments

Social Security COLA: An increase of 6% looks likely for 2022

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Tipswatch

(And here’s the esoteric and confusing way that is calculated) By David Enna, Tipswatch.com August 11, 2021 update: The July inflation report keeps the COLA on track for an increase of about 6% Inflation trends through June 2021 make it … Continue reading →

Posted in Retirement, Social Security | 8 Comments

U.S. inflation surges 0.9% in June, nearly double expectations

Posted on July 13, 2021 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com U.S. inflation surged 0.9% in June, much higher than expectations. It was the fifth month in a row that actual inflation far exceeded consensus estimates. My conclusion: Economists really have no idea where inflation is heading. … Continue reading →

Posted in I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Retirement, Social Security | 8 Comments

Want inflation protection? Be wary when the fund salesman calls.

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Tipswatch

The Lord Abbet Inflation Focused fund is a mixed-bag short-term corporate bond fund, not a typical TIPS fund By David Enna, Tipswatch.com I have an elderly friend (she’s 90+ years old so I think it’s OK to call her elderly) … Continue reading →

Posted in Cash alternatives, Investing in TIPS, Retirement | 11 Comments

T-Mobile Money: A weird (but insured) way to earn 1% on your cash

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Tipswatch

And here’s the thing: You don’t need to be a T-Mobile customer By David Enna, Tipswatch.com Back in mid-February, my cellphone carrier T-Mobile sent me an intriguing email about what seemed to be a new service offering: T-Mobile Money, an … Continue reading →

Posted in Bank CDs, Cash alternatives, Retirement | 25 Comments