Now that the new year is underway, you may be reflecting on both your financial situation and the greater financial landscape in the U.S. Though prices for everything — from groceries to housing to utilities — remain high, inflation has slowed over the last year. This prompted the Fed to cut rates three times during 2025. At the same time, the job market has cooled, and unemployment has risen. If nothing else, the current economic situation may be reinforcing how important it is to keep cash on hand. Whet ...

In a world where the stock market is unpredictable and interest rates are still at a premium, many investors may be looking for someplace to put their money that is as close to risk-free as possible — even if it means forgoing the chance for a bigger reward. One popular pick are I Bonds: savings bonds issued by the U.S. government. These bonds are virtually risk free and have a robust fixed interest rate. There is generally a $10,000 limit per year for purchasing I Bonds, but there are a few ways to get ar ...

Core Insights - I Bonds have gained significant popularity in 2022 and 2023 due to high inflation rates, designed to help Americans save and protect against inflation [1][3] - The latest interest rate for I Bonds, effective from November 2025 to April 2026, is set at 4.03%, slightly higher than the previous 3.98% [3][4] - The interest rate consists of a fixed rate of 0.90% and an inflation component of 3.12%, with the fixed rate decreasing from 1.10% [3][6] Interest Rate Details - I Bonds purchased during the specified period will yield 4.03% annually for the first six months, after which the fixed rate remains while the inflation component adjusts [4][6] - The fixed interest rate remains constant for the duration of ownership, while the inflation adjustment changes every six months [7] Investment Considerations - I Bonds are designed to slightly outpace inflation, currently yielding about 1% more than the approximate 3% inflation rate [8] - There are limitations on I Bond purchases, capped at $10,000 per year, and penalties apply for cashing out before five years [9]