I Bonds (sometimes called I-Bonds, or Series I Savings Bonds) were, for many years, the best kept open secret in investing. Now, with inflation rising, people have begun to seek them out. In today’s video, Pete runs down what they are, how you buy them, and what (if any) are their drawbacks….(read more)

LEARN MORE ABOUT: Treasury Inflation Protected Securities

REVEALED: Best Investment During Inflation

HOW TO INVEST IN GOLD: Gold IRA Investing

HOW TO INVEST IN SILVER: Silver IRA Investing

What’s the Deal With I Bonds? Investing in a Time of Inflation

Inflation is a term that often crops up in discussions about the economy and personal finance. Simply put, inflation refers to the increase in prices of goods and services over time, resulting in a decrease in the purchasing power of money. In times of inflation, it becomes crucial for individuals to find investment options that can shield their savings from erosion caused by rising prices. This is where I Bonds come into play.

I Bonds, or inflation-indexed savings bonds, are an attractive investment option for those seeking protection against inflation. They are issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and offer a unique feature: their interest rate adjusts with inflation.

How do I Bonds work? When you purchase an I Bond, you receive a bond certificate, just like any other bond. However, what sets I Bonds apart is their interest rate structure. The interest is composed of two components: a fixed rate and an inflation rate. The fixed rate remains the same for the entire lifespan of the bond, while the inflation rate is adjusted every six months to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The CPI-U measures the cost of a basket of goods and services typically consumed by urban households, making it a reliable indicator of inflation.

Investing in I Bonds can be an excellent strategy during times of inflation, for several reasons. First, they provide a hedge against rising prices. As the CPI-U increases, the inflation rate component of the interest rate also increases. This means that the bond’s overall return stays in line with inflation, preserving your purchasing power. Unlike traditional savings accounts or fixed-rate bonds, I Bonds offer an opportunity for your savings to grow alongside inflation.

Secondly, I Bonds are backed by the U.S. government, making them a secure investment option. The government guarantees that your initial investment will never be lost, and you can even purchase I Bonds directly from the Treasury Department’s website. Furthermore, the interest earned from I Bonds is not subject to state or local income taxes, making them even more appealing.

Another advantage of I Bonds is their liquidity. While you must hold an I Bond for at least one year before redeeming it, there is no penalty for early redemption after that point. This means you can access your funds when needed without worrying about incurring fees or penalties.

However, it’s important to note that I Bonds do have certain limitations. The maximum annual purchase limit for I Bonds is currently $10,000 per individual. Additionally, you must hold an I Bond for at least five years for it to fully mature, meaning that if you redeem it before that period, you will forfeit the last three months of interest.

Investing in I Bonds requires a long-term perspective, as their real value increases over time. They are not designed to generate high returns like stocks or mutual funds but instead provide steady and reliable growth. Consider incorporating I Bonds into your investment portfolio as a safe haven against inflation.

In conclusion, I Bonds are an investment option worth considering during times of inflation. They offer a unique combination of protection against rising prices, security backed by the U.S. government, tax benefits, and liquidity. By investing in I Bonds, individuals can safeguard their savings from the eroding effects of inflation and ensure their money retains its purchasing power over time.