Recently, Series I saving bonds, in particular, have become very popular amongst old and new investors.

Due to an unforeseen twist in the economy, U.S. Treasury government saving bonds have become one of the most profitable investments in the market.

In the past six months, Series I saving bonds have earned about 9.62% in interest – which is a record high for the segment.

Every six months, the interest rate on I bonds goes through a percentage change. As of now, the Treasury announced the current rate is 6.89%.

When compared to the last two periods of 2022, that is the lowest that Series I saving bonds have paid.

However, it is still much higher than the interest offered by certificates of deposit or any high-yield savings account. 

In this article, we’ll explain how series I saving bonds work, how much they pay and who can purchase them.

You’ll learn about the pros and the risks, and ultimately decide if they work for you as an investment for the future. Read on to see more!

Series I savings bonds are a type of government-issued bond that offers a guaranteed rate of return, as well as protection against inflation.

Series I bonds are considered to be a very safe investment, since they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

When you purchase a Series I bond, you are actually lending money to the government, which agrees to pay you back with interest.

The interest rate on Series I bonds is composed of two parts. One is a fixed rate, which remains constant for the life of the bond.

The other is an inflation-adjusted rate, which changes every six months in order to keep pace with the cost of living.

Series I bonds are available in denominations ranging from $25 to $10,000, and they earn interest for up to 30 years.

Series I bonds make an excellent long-term investment for anyone who is looking for a safe and reliable way to grow their money.

Anyone can purchase I bonds, and in two different ways. You can purchase Series I saving bonds online, starting at $25.

You can also purchase paper bonds starting at $50 up to $1000. They’re sold in denominations of $50, $75, $100, $200, $500 and $1000. 

The U.S. Treasury allows people to purchase up to $10,000 in I bonds online each year. You can also buy an additional up to $5,000 in paper bonds.

However, that is only possible if you use money from your tax refunds. 

The interest earned on Series I bonds is not subject to federal income tax, but it is subject to taxation when the bonds are redeemed. 

You can cash paper bonds after 12 months, and electronically Series I saving bonds after a 18-month period. I bonds have a maturity of 30 years, and interest is paid semiannually. 

You’re unable to sell your Series I saving bonds before they reach maturity. If you cash them in before 5 years, you’ll have to forfeit 3 months’ worth of interest.

Series I savings bonds are a safe investment for people who want to save for retirement or other long-term goals.

Series I savings bonds are a type of government bond that offers a guaranteed rate of return, as well as the potential for earning interest based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

I bonds are ideal for investors who are looking for a safe investment with the potential for modest returns.

Unlike other government bonds, Series I bonds are not subject to state and local taxes, making them an attractive option for taxpayers in high-tax states.

Additionally, Series I bonds are exempt from federal estate and gift taxes, making them an excellent way to transfer wealth to future generations.

Finally, you’ll earn much more interest on Series I saving bonds than with a savings account or certificates of deposit.

Plus, bonds are not as volatile as investing in stocks or cryptocurrencies. And they are backed by the U.S. government. 

Series I savings bonds are low-risk and offer a fixed rate of return, making them a popular choice for conservative investors. However, there are a few risks to consider before investing in them.

For one, the rate of return is often lower than other types of investments, such as stocks or mutual funds.

I bonds are subject to inflation, so if there’s a long deflation period and prices end up decreasing, your earnings could drop as low as zero – but never below that number.

Another risk of investing in Series I saving bonds is that your funds are not available for easy access for at least 12 months.

That means you can’t cash them in case you need the money for an emergency or unexpected expenses. The U.S. Treasury does not allow exemptions of any kind. 

Plus, if you want to redeem your earned interest before they hit the 5 year mark, you’ll lose about 3 months of interest. 

To be able to purchase I bonds, you must be an U.S. citizen (regardless of where you currently live), a U.S. resident or a civilian employee of the American government.

You also need a valid Social Security Number. 

In order to buy Series I saving bonds electronically, there are a couple of rules. You have to be over the age of 18 and create an online account with TreasuryDirect.  

You can purchase I bonds for anyone you’d like. The limit is $10,000 per year on electronic bonds.

However, the amount is per holder, and not the person who purchases it. That means you can buy Series I bonds for your entire family if you choose to, up to four people. 

Small businesses, estates, corporations and LLCs can purchase I bonds as well. But the limit is still $10,000, same as individuals. 

If you’d like to get an even better understanding of bonds as an investment, we can help. Below, you’ll find an article explaining in detail the importance of that segment, and why you should partake in it.

So are you looking to diversify your portfolio? Or maybe you want a safe way to invest your money. Either way, check the following link to learn more about bonds as a whole.