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Savings-Bonds-Alert: Competitive misinformation

Friday, August 20, 2004

Competitive misinformation

Savings Bonds aren't a bank product. Although banks, savings and loans, and credit unions often handle Savings Bonds transactions, they would much rather that you deposit your money with them than with the Treasury. Here an example from the web site of the Digital Federal Credit Union. On this page they discuss their Savings Bonds transaction services, then add If return on your money is more important than tax savings, consider DCU's Money Market and Certificate Accounts. Dividend rates generally exceed U.S. Savings Bond rates. Is this true? New Series EE bonds currently pay 2.84% and new Series I pay 3.39%, then the rate will adjust to follow market trends every six months. According to their web site, Digital Federal's Money Market account currently pays 0.80% to 1.83%, depending on your balance. The high rate requires a deposit of $100,000. The rates on their certificates of deposit range from 1.54% to 4.57%. To get the highest rate, you have to lock it in for five years and have your paycheck automatically deposited at this credit union. When interest rates are at historic lows, adjustable rate Savings Bonds are competitive for their rates as well as for their tax advantages.

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