Category Archives: Savings Bond

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

Long-time I Bond investors face a tax time bomb

Posted on February 4, 2024 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com U.S. Series I Savings Bonds are a unique investment because all interest is rolled into principal until redemption, and in most cases, all the compounded earnings are tax deferred until the I Bond is redeemed or … Continue reading →

Posted in I Bond, Investing in TIPS, Medicare, Retirement, Savings Bond, Taxes, TreasuryDirect | 111 Comments

December inflation gets an upside surprise; annual rate rises to 3.4%

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Tipswatch

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com One hour after I was reading a Bloomberg report on inflation steadily easing in future months, the Bureau of Labor Statistics sent out a December surprise: Seasonally-adjusted inflation rose rose 0.3% for the month and 3.4% … Continue reading →

Posted in Federal Reserve, I Bond, Inflation, Investing in TIPS, Savings Bond | 23 Comments

2023: A good year for fighting inflation

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Tipswatch

For investors seeking safety and inflation protection, volatility brought strong opportunities. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com All things considered (financially speaking, that is) 2023 was a pretty good year. Maybe even very good. The U.S. inflation rate dropped from 6.4% in … Continue reading →