What Is A Savings Bond? (The Complete Guide)

Savings bonds serve as a loan deal between the investor and the government.

Saving money is an important practice of personal finance, and there are various ways to save.

One option is investing in savings bonds. 

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A savings bond is a government security that earns interest (money) over a fixed period of time and can be redeemed at maturity for its full value.

It provides a secure and reliable method for saving money, making it particularly suitable for individuals who prefer a cautious approach to risk.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Loans – Bonds are loans you give to the government.
• Interest – You earn interest on a bond until it matures.
• Types – There are two main types of savings bonds: EE and I.
• Risk – Savings bonds are considered low-risk investments.
• Invest Or Pay Off Debt – The decision to save with bonds or pay off debt should be based on individual circumstances.

What Are Savings Bonds?

Savings bonds are a type of government security issued by the US Department of the Treasury. 

The reason why savings bonds are attractive to many people is that they are backed by the full faith and credit of the US government, making them a low-risk investment. This means that you can be confident in getting your money back when you redeem the bond at maturity.

How Do Savings Bonds Work?

Savings bonds work differently from other investments such as stocks or mutual funds. When you purchase a savings bond, you are essentially loaning money to the US government. In return, the government pays you interest on that loan.

The reason why the government pays interest on savings bonds is that it needs to borrow money to fund its operations. With an incentive in the form of interest rates, capital can be raised effectively. 

By purchasing a savings bond, you are helping the government raise the funds it needs while also being monetarily rewarded.

The government may change the interest rate for savings bonds periodically, but once you purchase a savings bond, the interest rate remains fixed. This means that even if the interest rates rise in the future, you will continue to earn the same amount of interest on your bond.

Savings bonds come with a term of 30 years and accrue interest over this period. At maturity, you can redeem the bond for its full value plus any interest earned. This makes them a great long-term investment option. 

After ownership of 1 year, the bond can be redeemed at any time, but if you cash it in before 5 years, you will lose the last three months’ worth of interest as a penalty.

Types Of Savings Bonds

There are two types of savings bonds available – Series EE and Series I bonds. The nuances of these bond types are explained below.

Series EE Bonds

Series EE bonds can be purchased either in paper form or electronically. You can buy them through banks and other financial institutions, as well as directly from the government using the TreasuryDirect website. 

These bonds are sold at face value, meaning that you pay the full amount of the bond’s worth upon purchase. For example, if you buy a $100 bond, you will pay $100 for it.

Interest for Series EE bonds is added to the bond every month and compounds semiannually. The rate at which interest accrues depends on the issue date of the bond. Series EE bonds come with a fixed interest rate which is determined at the time of purchase.

The minimum purchase amount for Series EE bonds is $25 and the maximum annual limit is $10,000 per person. These bonds have a maturity period of 30 years but can be redeemed at any time after one year of ownership.

Series I Bonds

Series I bonds are similar to Series EE bonds in that they can be purchased either in paper form or electronically using the TreasuryDirect website. 

However, these bonds are sold at face value and accrue interest differently than Series EE bonds.

Interest for Series I bonds is based on a combination of a fixed rate set by the government and a semiannual inflation rate. This means that the interest earned from these bonds will change over time to adjust for inflation.

For example, if the interest rate is fixed at 2% but inflation rises up to 3% in the next six months, without an adjusted interest rate, the investor would lose money. That’s the benefit of having the inflation rate built into the bond, as it protects against future changes in price levels.

Should Someone Save With Bonds Or Pay Off Debt?

Each individual’s financial situation is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

However, it can be helpful to consider a few factors when deciding whether to save with bonds or pay off debt. 

The first consideration would have to be the offered interest rates vs. the interest rates on your debts.

If you have high-interest debt such as credit card debt, it may be more beneficial to pay off that debt first before investing in savings bonds. This is because the interest on your debt is likely higher than the interest earned on savings bonds, meaning you would save more money in the long run by paying off your debt sooner.

An effective strategy for managing debt while also investing in savings bonds is to create a budget and prioritize paying off high-interest debt first, then use any extra funds to invest in savings bonds.

Additionally, debt consolidation or debt settlement may be options to consider if you are struggling with multiple debts and high-interest rates, and we at Americor can help. 

Simply put, debt consolidation involves combining multiple debts into a lower-interest loan, making it easier to manage.

Finally, you’d also want to look at the tax implications of your decision. Interest earned on savings bonds is generally taxable (on a federal level), while interest paid on certain types of debt may be tax-deductible. 

Speaking with a financial advisor or tax professional can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

At Americor, we understand the unique financial challenges people are facing today.

As America’s trusted source for debt relief solutions, we aim to empower you with financial knowledge that can lead to informed decisions, whether it’s about savings, investments, or managing debt.

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By taking proactive steps today, you can put an end to your financial stress and work towards a brighter financial future. 

Remember, there is always hope for debt relief, and our team of experienced professionals are ready to guide you on your journey to regaining control of your finances.

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