As I mentioned in a prior post (http://lifeinvestmentseverything.blogspot.com/2012/03/where-to-invest-safe-money.html), one of the places to put some of your "safe" money is I bonds issued by the US Treasury. Bonds bought by the end of April will earn 3.06% for the first six months, with rates subsequent to that based on the consumer price index (CPI rate). Based on the CPI thus far, I would expect the following six month rate to be over 1%. An all-in 12 month rate would be approximately 2 to 3% depending on what the second half of the year's rate turns out to be (very attractive compared to a 1 year CD at 1% if you can even find a rate that high). However, if you wish to jump on this opportunity you will need to move soon.
I bonds are limited to $10,000 per year per social security number and they are only sold via http://www.treasurydirect.gov/. A husband and wife could put up to $20,000 a year into I bonds per year using accounts linked to both their social security numbers. However, it takes a couple of weeks to set up a Treasury Direct account and fund it, so do not delay in doing so if you want to earn a higher rate on a short term, zero risk instrument such as this.
As always, there is at least one caveat: I bonds are not redeemable at all for one year from the date of purchase. If you buy I bonds make sure that you will not need accesss to the money for a year. Interest on these bonds is tax-deferred until you cash them in, but if you cash them in in less than 5 years after purchase you will pay a penalty equal to the last three months' interest.
As always, be careful, do your own due diligence, consult your advisor. You can find a way to lose money on just about anything, so consider all the possible ways of doing so before you invest in this or anything else.
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