3 Reasons to Avoid Series I Bonds​ - Fee-Only Financial Advisor Rhode Island - Eliot Rose Wealth Management (2024)

FAQs

3 Reasons to Avoid Series I Bonds​ - Fee-Only Financial Advisor Rhode Island - Eliot Rose Wealth Management? ›

Key Points. Pros: I bonds come with a high interest rate during inflationary periods, they're low-risk, and they help protect against inflation. Cons: Rates are variable, there's a lockup period and early withdrawal penalty, and there's a limit to how much you can invest.

Key Points. Pros: I bonds come with a high interest rate during inflationary periods, they're low-risk, and they help protect against inflation. Cons: Rates are variable, there's a lockup period and early withdrawal penalty, and there's a limit to how much you can invest.

As you can see, each type of investment has its own potential rewards and risks. Stocks offer an opportunity for higher long-term returns compared with bonds but come with greater risk. Bonds are generally more stable than stocks but have provided lower long-term returns.

I bonds are low-risk investments that can help hedge against inflation. Interest rates on I bonds are adjusted every six months. Backed by the U.S. government, I bonds are considered a safe way to invest.

Once a Series I bond is five years old, there is no interest penalty for redemption. Question: Can you determine what the value of a Series I bond will be in future years? inflation rate can vary. You can count on a Series I bond to hold its value; that is, the bond's redemption value will not decline.

If you buy I bonds now, you'll receive 5.27% annual interest for six months and the new May rate for the following six months. He suggests buying a few days before April 30. Enna expects the fixed rate will be 1.2% or 1.3% in May, based on the half-year average of real yields for 5- and 10-year TIPS.

Securities purchased through TreasuryDirect cannot be sold in the secondary market before they mature. This lack of liquidity could be a disadvantage for investors who may need to access their investment capital before the securities' maturity.

Bonds are sensitive to interest rate changes.

Bonds have an inverse relationship with the Fed's interest rate. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. And when the interest rate is slashed, bond prices tend to rise. Surprise increases or decreases could create temporary instability.

The disadvantages of bond funds include higher management fees, the uncertainty created with tax bills, and exposure to interest rate changes.

Should I only buy bonds when interest rates are high? There are advantages to purchasing bonds after interest rates have risen. Along with generating a larger income stream, such bonds may be subject to less interest rate risk, as there may be a reduced chance of rates moving significantly higher from current levels.

How long should you keep money in an I bond? ›

You can cash in (redeem) your I bond after 12 months. However, if you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest. For example, if you cash in the bond after 18 months, you get the first 15 months of interest. See Cash in (redeem) an EE or I savings bond.

Yes, 4.28% is the current inflation interest rate if you purchase the I Bonds before October 31, 2024. The previous I Bonds interest rate was 5.27% for November 2023 to April 2024. This also means that the composite rate is also an annualized 4.28% for the first 6 months that the bond is held.

Interest earned on I bonds is exempt from state and local tax but subject to federal tax. The interest is taxed in the year the bond is redeemed or reaches maturity, whichever comes first.

Normally, you're limited to purchasing $10,000 per person on electronic Series I bonds per year. However, the government allows those with a federal tax refund to invest up to $5,000 of that refund into paper I bonds. So most investors think their annual investment tops out at $15,000 – one of the key I bond myths.

Series I Bond Drawbacks

However, there are some drawbacks to consider before investing in I Bonds. With their safety comes a comparatively lower return, comparable to a high-interest savings account or certificate of deposit (CD). One main limitation is that these bonds cannot be bought or sold on the secondary market.

Bottom line. If inflation and investment safety are your chief concerns — TIPS and I-bonds deliver both. TIPS offer greater liquidity and the higher yearly limit allows you to stash far more cash in TIPS than I-bonds. If you're saving for education, I-bonds may be the way to go.

There is a risk that the issuers of bonds may not be able to repay the money they have borrowed or make interest payments. When interest rates rise, bonds may fall in value. Rising interest rates may cause the value of your investment to fall.

At an initial rate of 4.28%, buying an I bond today gets roughly 1% less compared to the 5.25% 12-month Treasury Bill rate (May 1, 2024). You could say that buying an I Bond right now is a 'fair deal' historically compared to 2021 & 2022 when I Bond rates were much higher than comparable interest rate products.

If you want to keep all your good interest and get the most out of your I Bonds you should cash out: after earning 3 months of lower interest and. just after the 1^st of the month.