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Financial Gurus......CDs, "I" Bonds, or T-Bills?
Rack Ops
Member Posts: 18,596 ✭✭✭
I recently sold a few things and have a couple thousand dollars I can put back to help pay for grad school.
I'm trying to figure out where to "stash" the money short term (two years). I was leaning towards a CD at my local bank, but I've read that Federal "I" Bonds are tax-exempt if used to pay for college and they adjust with inflation. I've looked at T-Bills too, but they don't look good in comparison. Basically, I'd like to get the most money back with low risk.
If your wondering why I'm asking Gunbroker and not a Stockbroker: I got burned BADLY last time I followed a "financial advisor"'s suggestions. I have yet to get a bad tip on here (maybe that means I'm due [:D])
I'm trying to figure out where to "stash" the money short term (two years). I was leaning towards a CD at my local bank, but I've read that Federal "I" Bonds are tax-exempt if used to pay for college and they adjust with inflation. I've looked at T-Bills too, but they don't look good in comparison. Basically, I'd like to get the most money back with low risk.
If your wondering why I'm asking Gunbroker and not a Stockbroker: I got burned BADLY last time I followed a "financial advisor"'s suggestions. I have yet to get a bad tip on here (maybe that means I'm due [:D])
Comments
The thing I like about them is that the interest is not counted or taxed until you cash them. I need to keep my current income down to avoid as much as possible the tax on my Social Security so I can get the money out of my IRA. Too bad I started SS before I knew about that. I could have lived for several years on my IRA & pension & then had a larger Social Security check & still not have triggered the tax on the SS.
Are you at least 24?
Yeah, what's that matter?
The savings bond education tax exclusion permits qualified taxpayers to exclude from their gross income all or part of the interest paid upon the redemption of eligible Series EE and I Bonds issued after 1989, when the bond owner pays qualified higher education expenses at an eligible institution.
Additional Requirements to Qualify
Qualified higher education expenses must be incurred during the same tax year in which the bonds are redeemed.
You must be at least 24 years old on the first day of the month in which you bought the bond(s).
When using bonds for your child's education, the bonds must be registered in your name and/or your spouse's name. Your child can be listed as a beneficiary on the bond, but not as a co-owner.
When using bonds for your own education, the bonds must be registered in your name.
If you're married, you must file a joint return to qualify for the exclusion.
You must meet certain income requirements.
Your post-secondary institution must qualify for the program by being a college, university, or vocational school that meets the standards for federal assistance (such as guaranteed student loan programs).
http://www.savingsbonds.gov/indiv/planning/plan_education.htm
Now, not to be pushy or anything........which is the best option? [:D]
CD's at one year are paying almost 6 percent risk free. That is a good return on a no risk investment.
Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. The best rate at my local bank was 4.45% (for two years)
Since you are limited in your timeline here, I think it is about a wash when you compare T-bills to CD's (if you shop around), but since the CD's keep you in contact with your local bank which can build goodwill for the future, I think I might opt for the CD. Never underestimate the long term benefit of continual dealings and contact with your local bank. You might be surprised at what you can negotiate at some time in the future.[:)]