Ballaster Financial featured on CBS MoneyWatch
With the 2021 tax season (mostly) behind us, taxpayers receiving refunds may need to decide on where to allocate these funds.
In a CBS MoneyWatch article titled “7 money-savvy ways to spend your tax refund“, we contributed thoughts on allocating proceeds to the Series I savings bond, which we wrote about a few months here. While the U.S Treasury limits purchases up to $10,000/year per person, those receiving refunds can purchase an additional $5,000/year[1], though this may be an option to consider for next year for taxpayers who already submitted their 2021 filing.
Many of the same considerations written in our prior blog stand true, but investors purchasing the new vintage starting in May 2022 can earn a whopping 9.6% annualized return for 6 months, with an undetermined rate from months 6-12, which will be based on inflation at that date.
For Ballaster clients, we highlighted that purchasing these bonds by April 2022 month-end would have locked in the prior 7.12% for 6 months, while earning a 9.6% on the subsequent 6-months, earning an average pre-tax return of 8.36% through this time period. Even with a 3-month interest penalty (if selling the bond before a 5-year holding period), these Savings I bonds can substitute existing bank/CD/high yield savings accounts for those ok with locking up funds for at least a year.
Reference:
[1]US Treasury, Using Your Income Tax Refund to Buy Paper Savings Bonds
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a general guide to investing or financial planning, or as a source of any specific recommendations, and makes no implied or express recommendations concerning the manner in which any individual’s investments or assets should or would be handled, as appropriate strategies depend upon each individual’s specific objectives. Opinions expressed in this article are current opinions, which are not reliable as fact, as of the date appearing in this article only and are subject to change. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, please consult with a financial or tax advisor.