Bonds

Federal income from state, city, and local government bonds (municipal bonds, or munis) is normally tax-free. However, you must record this income when you file your taxes. In most cases, municipal bond income is tax-free in the state where the bond was issued. However, take in mind the following: Occasionally, a state that normally taxes […]

Treasury bonds are often regarded as one of the safest investments in the world, if not the safest. They are deemed risk-free for all intents and purposes. (Note that they are risk-free in terms of credit, but not in terms of interest rate risk.) Bond prices and yields are usually compared to those of US

Municipal bonds (also known as “munis”) are debt securities that are issued by state and local governments. These are loans made to local governments by investors to fund public works projects such as parks, libraries, bridges and roads, and other infrastructure. Municipal bond interest is frequently tax-free, making them an appealing investment alternative for those

Although the current 2.2 percent interest rate on Series I savings bonds is appealing, purchasing the bonds has grown more difficult. Paper Series I and EE savings bonds—those handy envelope stuffer gifts—can no longer be purchased in banks or credit unions; instead, you must purchase electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury Department’s Web-based system. Our

Although the current 2.2 percent interest rate on Series I savings bonds is appealing, purchasing the bonds has grown more difficult. Paper Series I and EE savings bonds—those handy envelope stuffer gifts—can no longer be purchased in banks or credit unions; instead, you must purchase electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury Department’s Web-based system. Our

Savings bonds can be cashed in any bank for up to $1,000. Paper bonds Your bank or credit union should be able to cash in your paper savings bonds. If you’re going to a financial institution where you’re not a member or customer, check to see if they’ll cash your bond before you go. Confirm

Whether you have a paper or electronic savings bond will determine where you can cash it in. Paper bonds Your bank or credit union should be able to cash in your paper savings bonds. If you’re going to a financial institution where you’re not a member or customer, check to see if they’ll cash your

Savings bonds can be cashed in any bank for up to $1,000. Can banks refuse to accept savings bonds as payment? Bring your bond to your bank, but not any bank. It has to be an account that you’ve owned for at least six months. If that isn’t possible, you can use a government-issued photo

Whether you have a local bank account and it accepts savings bonds, inquire if it will accept yours. The answer may be contingent on the length of time you’ve had an account there. If the bank will cash your check, find out if there is a monetary restriction on redemptions and what kind of identification

Bring your bond to your bank, but not any bank. It has to be an account that you’ve owned for at least six months. If that isn’t possible, you can use a government-issued photo ID to prove your identification. The most prevalent form of identification is a driver’s license. If you need identification like a