How To Calculate How Much Money You Will Make On A Bond
April 23, 2009 by How Savings Bonds Work
Filed under About Bonds
If you’re going to play the market, you’re most likely in it to win. You expect a modest return on your investment, or at least to make your money back. Your choice of investment matters a lot, so it really helps if you can calculate how much money you can expect to make. The most general meaning of yield is the amount of money returned (usually annually) in the form of dividends.
1. Current Yield
If you are looking to estimate the amount of money you stand to gain, the procedure is really quite simple. Divide the annual interest amount paid by the current market price. CY = IAP*100. (The 100 turns the fraction into a percentage.) For example, a $1000 face-value (par) bond with a coupon (interest rate) of 7% that matures in 10 years may sell currently at a discount for $950.
2. Holding Your Bond To Maturity
You will gain the most money in dividends if you hold your bond to maturity. Would you rather have $1000 today or $1000 a year from now, even assuming you’re assured of getting paid in a year? Having $1000 sooner rather than later means earning interest on that $1000 for an additional year!
3. Years To Maturity
YTM is the best number to use when comparing bonds with different rates and maturity dates. With a little practice, the process becomes familiar and loses the aura of numerology. Profits go to the fearless. Here’s the formula…
c(1 + YTM)-1 + c(1 + YTM)-2 + . . . + c(1 + YTM)-YUM + B(1 + YTM)-YUM = P
c = annual coupon payment (in dollars, not a percentage)
YUM = number of years until maturity
B = par value (original issue price)
P = purchase price
If you do decide to go with a bond, first of all, expect to pay a minimum of $5,000. You will definitely want to invest in a bond that is rated AA or higher, and stick to a well known, major brokerage to handle your investment. Even with inflation you can expect to make only 4% profit per year. Of course, 4% of $5,000 is only $200, but over a period of 10 years that turns into $2,000. Of course, in today’s economy $2,000 won’t even last a month for rent, food, utilities, etc. Even so, bonds have many advantages. Since they have a set interest rate and maturity date, their behavior is much more readily predictable, given plausible assumptions about interest rate changes and other economic factors. You can’t attribute this kind of reliability to stocks, for example.
Thanks to John Morris for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
1. Current Yield
If you are looking to estimate the amount of money you stand to gain, the procedure is really quite simple. Divide the annual interest amount paid by the current market price. CY = IAP*100. (The 100 turns the fraction into a percentage.) For example, a $1000 face-value (par) bond with a coupon (interest rate) of 7% that matures in 10 years may sell currently at a discount for $950.
2. Holding Your Bond To Maturity
You will gain the most money in dividends if you hold your bond to maturity. Would you rather have $1000 today or $1000 a year from now, even assuming you’re assured of getting paid in a year? Having $1000 sooner rather than later means earning interest on that $1000 for an additional year!
3. Years To Maturity
YTM is the best number to use when comparing bonds with different rates and maturity dates. With a little practice, the process becomes familiar and loses the aura of numerology. Profits go to the fearless. Here’s the formula…
c(1 + YTM)-1 + c(1 + YTM)-2 + . . . + c(1 + YTM)-YUM + B(1 + YTM)-YUM = P
c = annual coupon payment (in dollars, not a percentage)
YUM = number of years until maturity
B = par value (original issue price)
P = purchase price
If you do decide to go with a bond, first of all, expect to pay a minimum of $5,000. You will definitely want to invest in a bond that is rated AA or higher, and stick to a well known, major brokerage to handle your investment. Even with inflation you can expect to make only 4% profit per year. Of course, 4% of $5,000 is only $200, but over a period of 10 years that turns into $2,000. Of course, in today’s economy $2,000 won’t even last a month for rent, food, utilities, etc. Even so, bonds have many advantages. Since they have a set interest rate and maturity date, their behavior is much more readily predictable, given plausible assumptions about interest rate changes and other economic factors. You can’t attribute this kind of reliability to stocks, for example.
Thanks to John Morris for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
For more great bond related articles and resources check out http://topbonds.info
Important Facts About Saving Bonds
April 23, 2009 by How Savings Bonds Work
Filed under About Bonds
Unlike traditional bonds, saving bonds are not subject to the ups and downs of the stock market. Savings bonds are low risk, government-backed bonds with guaranteed rates of interest. There is a tax advantage to savings bonds because the owner may be able to partially or completely exclude their interest from Federal income tax.
There are three types of saving bonds: I, EE/E and HH/H. They are issued by the US Treasury Department. They can only be purchased in one of three ways: 1) through authorized financial agencies, such as a bank; 2) through payroll deductions; and 3) through an electronic service called TreasuryDirect. All saving bonds are registered and held in name of the person who owns them. Savings bonds are registered securities. They can be replaced if they are lost or destroyed.
Series I bonds are available at face value only. Series I bonds come in $50 to $10,000 denominations. No more than $30,000 (face value) of paper bonds and $30,000 of electronic bonds purchased each year. They must be held for a minimum of 1 year and they will accrue interest for 30 years. Interest on the Series I bonds is based on a fixed rate (announced by the Bureau of Public Debt in May of each year) and an annual inflation rate (announced in November of each year).
Interest is paid when the bond is redeemed. If this happens before the bond is five years old, there is an interest penalty equivalent to the three most recent month’s interest. Interest is not subject to State and local taxes. It is, however, subject to State and local estate, gift and other excise taxes. Interest on the bonds is also subject to Federal taxes. If the bonds are used to finance an education, all the interest or only part may be excluded from federal income taxes.
The series EE bonds replaced Series E. EE bonds are very affordable and can be purchased at one half of their face value. They come in denominations from $50 to $10,000. Individuals can buy no more than $30,000 (face value) worth of paper bonds and $30,000 of electronic bonds annually. EE bonds purchased between May 1997 and April 30, 2005 earn a variable market-based rate of return. Those issued May 2005 onwards earn a fixed rate of interest. They will generate interest for 30 years and the interest is compounded semi-annually. The Series EE bonds are similar to the Series I Bonds in regard to interest payment and time of redemption. The biggest difference between EE and I bonds is that interest rates are figured differently. EE Bonds receive 90% of 6-month averages of 5-year Treasury Securities market yields.
Prior to September 2004, Series HH savings bonds could be purchased only in exchange for Series EE/E bonds. After that date, they could be purchased without them. Series HH bonds are available in denominations ranging from $500 to $10,000. They are purchased at their face value. There is no limit on the amount that can be purchased.
The interest on Series HH bonds is fixed on the date of purchase and will continue to accrue for 20 years. The interest is deposited directly into the owner’s checking or savings account. Series HH Savings Bonds must be held for a minimum of six months. Like Series I and EE, the interest on Series HH bonds is not subject to State and local taxes. It is, however, subject and State and local inheritance, gift and other excise taxes.
Thanks to Joe Goertz for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
There are three types of saving bonds: I, EE/E and HH/H. They are issued by the US Treasury Department. They can only be purchased in one of three ways: 1) through authorized financial agencies, such as a bank; 2) through payroll deductions; and 3) through an electronic service called TreasuryDirect. All saving bonds are registered and held in name of the person who owns them. Savings bonds are registered securities. They can be replaced if they are lost or destroyed.
Series I bonds are available at face value only. Series I bonds come in $50 to $10,000 denominations. No more than $30,000 (face value) of paper bonds and $30,000 of electronic bonds purchased each year. They must be held for a minimum of 1 year and they will accrue interest for 30 years. Interest on the Series I bonds is based on a fixed rate (announced by the Bureau of Public Debt in May of each year) and an annual inflation rate (announced in November of each year).
Interest is paid when the bond is redeemed. If this happens before the bond is five years old, there is an interest penalty equivalent to the three most recent month’s interest. Interest is not subject to State and local taxes. It is, however, subject to State and local estate, gift and other excise taxes. Interest on the bonds is also subject to Federal taxes. If the bonds are used to finance an education, all the interest or only part may be excluded from federal income taxes.
The series EE bonds replaced Series E. EE bonds are very affordable and can be purchased at one half of their face value. They come in denominations from $50 to $10,000. Individuals can buy no more than $30,000 (face value) worth of paper bonds and $30,000 of electronic bonds annually. EE bonds purchased between May 1997 and April 30, 2005 earn a variable market-based rate of return. Those issued May 2005 onwards earn a fixed rate of interest. They will generate interest for 30 years and the interest is compounded semi-annually. The Series EE bonds are similar to the Series I Bonds in regard to interest payment and time of redemption. The biggest difference between EE and I bonds is that interest rates are figured differently. EE Bonds receive 90% of 6-month averages of 5-year Treasury Securities market yields.
Prior to September 2004, Series HH savings bonds could be purchased only in exchange for Series EE/E bonds. After that date, they could be purchased without them. Series HH bonds are available in denominations ranging from $500 to $10,000. They are purchased at their face value. There is no limit on the amount that can be purchased.
The interest on Series HH bonds is fixed on the date of purchase and will continue to accrue for 20 years. The interest is deposited directly into the owner’s checking or savings account. Series HH Savings Bonds must be held for a minimum of six months. Like Series I and EE, the interest on Series HH bonds is not subject to State and local taxes. It is, however, subject and State and local inheritance, gift and other excise taxes.
Thanks to Joe Goertz for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
You will find more from this author at: finance-mag.com
Are Your Bonds Really Risk Free?
April 19, 2009 by How Savings Bonds Work
Filed under About Bonds
If you are new to investing perhaps you are not familiar with bonds. Before you get started, you need to understand some of the risks associated with bond investing. Most people assume that all interest-bearing securities are completely risk free, but this is not the case. Even if you know a lot about investing, you may not be aware of some of the risk characteristics associated with bonds.
The most important thing to take into account is the interest rate. The Federal Reserve (also known as the Fed) meets every 6-8 weeks to evaluate the health of the economy. At each meeting, the Fed renders a decision regarding interest rates.
If inflation is rising, the Fed will need to raise interest rates to tighten the money supply. If inflation is moderate or contained, the Fed will likely leave rates unchanged. However, if the economy is slowing down and there is very little inflation or maybe even deflation, then the Fed might decide to reduce interest rates to create a stimulus for economic growth.
The reason why you need to consider present and future interest rate levels is because as interest rates increase, bond prices go down, and vice versa. If you are able to hold your bond until maturity, then interest rate movements do not really matter, because you will redeem the principal upon redemption. But often, investors have to cash out their bonds well before the maturity date. If interest rates have moved up since you purchased the bond, and you sell it prior to maturity, then the bond will be worth less than your initial investment.
You should also be aware of the claim status of the bond you are buying. Claim status refers to your ability to liquidate your investment in the event the bond issuer goes bankrupt. If you are buying a government bond, such as a Treasury Bill, claim status is irrelevant, because the odds of the Federal Government going bankrupt are slim and none.
If you are buying a corporate bond, however, there is always a chance that the issuer could go out of business. In the event of liquidation, bondholders are given priority over stockholders. However, there are often different classes of bondholders. Senior note holders can often claim against certain kinds of physical collateral in the event of bankruptcy, such as equipment (computers, machines, etc.). Regular bondholders can not always claim against physically collateral, and are next in line after the senior note holders.
Next, you should always check the three main features of the bond you are buying; the coupon rate, the maturity date, and the call provisions. The coupon rate is the interest rate. Most bonds pay an interest rate semiannually or annually. The maturity date is the date that the bond will be redeemed by the issuer; simply put, the maturity date is when the company must pay back to you the principal you loaned to them. The call provisions are the rights of the issuer to buy back your bond prior to maturity. Some bonds are non-callable, while others are callable, meaning that the company can buy your bond back before maturity, usually at a higher price than what you paid.
Finally, you should also understand that if economic conditions become more favorable after you a buy a bond, and interest rates start to go down again, the issuer will likely issue a lot more bonds to take advantage of the low interest rates, and will use the proceeds to try to buy back any callable bonds it issued previously. So, when interest rates go down, there is an increasing likelihood that your bond will be redeemed prior to maturity, if in fact the bond is callable.
You should invest in bonds. However, you should also take into account the risk factors we have covered. Your portfolio should contain a mix of corporate, federal, municipal, and even junk bonds (there is always a default risk associated with junk bonds, but they pay a huge interest rate). Talk to your broker about diversifying the kinds of bonds in your portfolio and you will reduce your overall risk and maximize your return.
Thanks to Jim Pretin for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
The most important thing to take into account is the interest rate. The Federal Reserve (also known as the Fed) meets every 6-8 weeks to evaluate the health of the economy. At each meeting, the Fed renders a decision regarding interest rates.
If inflation is rising, the Fed will need to raise interest rates to tighten the money supply. If inflation is moderate or contained, the Fed will likely leave rates unchanged. However, if the economy is slowing down and there is very little inflation or maybe even deflation, then the Fed might decide to reduce interest rates to create a stimulus for economic growth.
The reason why you need to consider present and future interest rate levels is because as interest rates increase, bond prices go down, and vice versa. If you are able to hold your bond until maturity, then interest rate movements do not really matter, because you will redeem the principal upon redemption. But often, investors have to cash out their bonds well before the maturity date. If interest rates have moved up since you purchased the bond, and you sell it prior to maturity, then the bond will be worth less than your initial investment.
You should also be aware of the claim status of the bond you are buying. Claim status refers to your ability to liquidate your investment in the event the bond issuer goes bankrupt. If you are buying a government bond, such as a Treasury Bill, claim status is irrelevant, because the odds of the Federal Government going bankrupt are slim and none.
If you are buying a corporate bond, however, there is always a chance that the issuer could go out of business. In the event of liquidation, bondholders are given priority over stockholders. However, there are often different classes of bondholders. Senior note holders can often claim against certain kinds of physical collateral in the event of bankruptcy, such as equipment (computers, machines, etc.). Regular bondholders can not always claim against physically collateral, and are next in line after the senior note holders.
Next, you should always check the three main features of the bond you are buying; the coupon rate, the maturity date, and the call provisions. The coupon rate is the interest rate. Most bonds pay an interest rate semiannually or annually. The maturity date is the date that the bond will be redeemed by the issuer; simply put, the maturity date is when the company must pay back to you the principal you loaned to them. The call provisions are the rights of the issuer to buy back your bond prior to maturity. Some bonds are non-callable, while others are callable, meaning that the company can buy your bond back before maturity, usually at a higher price than what you paid.
Finally, you should also understand that if economic conditions become more favorable after you a buy a bond, and interest rates start to go down again, the issuer will likely issue a lot more bonds to take advantage of the low interest rates, and will use the proceeds to try to buy back any callable bonds it issued previously. So, when interest rates go down, there is an increasing likelihood that your bond will be redeemed prior to maturity, if in fact the bond is callable.
You should invest in bonds. However, you should also take into account the risk factors we have covered. Your portfolio should contain a mix of corporate, federal, municipal, and even junk bonds (there is always a default risk associated with junk bonds, but they pay a huge interest rate). Talk to your broker about diversifying the kinds of bonds in your portfolio and you will reduce your overall risk and maximize your return.
Thanks to Jim Pretin for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
Jim Pretin is the owner of http://www.forms4free.com, a service that helps programmers make an HTML form
Latest Money Saving Tips for the Over 50s
April 18, 2009 by How Savings Bonds Work
Filed under About Bonds
MORE TIPS AND THINGS . . . . . .
Are we left with an expanded waistline and a diminished bank balance. (Wouldn’t it be great if, just for once, the situation was reversed and we could greet the New Year with a diminished waistline and an expanded bank balance?).
However, before we get down to juggling figures in an attempt to improve the financial situation, why not try the following simple maths test?
IMPORTANT: THIS MUST BE DONE IN YOUR HEAD ONLY. DO NOT USE PAPER, PENCIL OR A CALCULATOR.
READY? Try it ……..
Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total?
Simple isn’t it?
Did you get 5000? Sorry, WRONG.
Quickly try again. Still 5000?
Oh dear! You do need financial help. (Use your calculator for the correct answer - and for those without a calculator, the answer is at the end of this article)
Don’t worry, it’s only fun! Nothing to do with age - most adults get it wrong - particularly the ‘Smart-Alecs’.
This was sent to me by a clever friend. I don’t need to mention names, as she knows who she is. I will pass on a couple more of her ‘Dementia Tests’ (as she calls them) in future articles. (Needless, to say, I got 5000 as well).
£££££££££££££
Now to get back to the serious business of saving money, here are a few ideas.
1.Do you feel that you deserve a reward after all the hard work over the Festive Season? Why not take advantage of the National Express current offer. THE OVER 60’s CAN GO ANYWHERE FOR £4.50 OR £9 RETURN IF YOU TRAVEL BEFORE 31 MARCH. JUST BOOK 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE. Last year, when I took advantage of a similar offer, I met a lady who had made the most of it and had travelled from the South of England to Scotland in order to visit a friend and was in the process of doing likewise in the West Country. So why not choose a place or person you fancy visiting and then sit back and enjoy the scenery? Visit www.nationalexpress.com for route and times.
2.If you feel that you deserve a hair-do, massage, manicure, foot massage, etc., have you thought of trying your local college? The student may take a little longer to complete the procedure, but it will cost a fraction of the ‘high street’ charge. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that in a few months’ time that same student will be joining the professional market and charging a ‘high street’ price.
3.When you feel in need of a new outfit, before you visit the usual fashion chain stores, why not peruse the charity shops en route? You’ll possibly pick up something that is unique to you for the price equal to that of a coffee and sandwich. Also many Charity Shops now have a ‘designer rail’ where well-made outfits can be purchased at a fraction of the original price.
This time of the year is a particularly good time to visit Charity Shops, as often the unwanted gifts make an appearance.
4.Have you visited your local Library lately?
If not, you’ll be surprised how they have changed. Libraries are not just about books. They provide DVDs, videos, CDs, language tapes, etc. So instead of buying DVDs and CDs why not borrow them from the Library? Also why not borrow an audio book or foreign language course and enjoy and learn whilst carrying out mundane household tasks. By the way, the internet service is free at Libraries.
5.I have just taken out RAC Membership for a year and it has not cost me a penny, and last year I purchased an item of furniture from MFI and that also didn’t cost me a penny. How, you may ask??? ….
Easy, just exchange the money vouchers issued by Tesco in respect of their Club Card points. www.tesco.com/clubcard As mentioned in a previous article - use their Visa card instead of cheques or cash (for any purchases anywhere, not just at Tesco’s) and it’s amazing how quickly the points accrue. HOWEVER, I MUST EMPHASISE, ONCE AGAIN, THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMPLETE VISA BALANCE IS CLEARED EACH MONTH, AND TO THIS END IT IS ADVISABLE TO SET UP THE DIRECT DEBIT METHOD WITH YOUR BANK YOU WILL CERTAINLY NOT SAVE MONEY IF YOU PAY ONLY THE MINIMUM BALANCE REQUESTED ON YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENT. THAT IS THE WAY THAT THE YOUNG GET INTO DEBT, AND WE KNOW BETTER DON’T WE? When we use a Visa card we must remember to use it for things we would NORMALLY BUY and treat it as though we were using cash.
And talking of Tesco’s or any other major supermarket for that matter . . .
6.Have you thought about ordering your groceries on the internet and enjoying the luxury of having them delivered to your door at a time convenient to you?
If there is a charge for delivery, it will probably be outweighed by the amount of money we have saved through not ‘impulse buying’. Isn’t it amazing how we go into the supermarket in order to get a few essentials and stagger out with a trolley overflowing with bargains?? It is worth remembering when we are strolling around the supermarket that every aisle and every item has been strategically placed to increase sales.
7.Do you enjoy reading monthly magazines but think of them as an expensive indulgence? (Or perhaps the only chance you get of perusing the ‘glossies’ is in the doctor’s waiting room, where your eye invariably zooms in on a tempting advert only to discover that the offer closed a couple of years previously).
Well, one of the most unusual and welcomed gifts I received was a year’s subscription to a favourite magazine - so much better than say a box of chocolates, which in this household disappears in a flash - and where I must admit I am the main culprit. Every month throughout the year that good feeling is regenerated as your favourite magazine plops through the letterbox. You feel like a kid with a favourite box of candy as you feverishly rip of the wrapping and devour the contents. I pass on my magazine to a friend and she and her friends do likewise. In that way we all get to enjoy about six magazines. So why not do the same?
In fact, why not take time to also enjoy the monthly newsletter from www.Mabels.com Just click to join the mailing list.
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the ‘odds’ and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you’ll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that’s life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950’s and not won a thing. In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone’s suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won £50! Unfortunately, I have not won since that great day, so I think the interest gained is still NIL, NIL However, if you have premium bonds it might be worth considering withdrawing and re-investing, bearing in mind that you will miss out on draws until the process of reinvesting is completed. If you have never subscribed to premium bonds, why not give it a go? I suggest that for every pound you contribute to the lottery, you contribute a similar amount to premium bonds. If you now buy lottery tickets twice a week, at the end of the year you will have £100 for premium bonds. You will not only have 100 chances of winning but you have still retained the £100 - - GOOD LUCK!
By the way, the answer to the maths test is 4100. If you got this answer and you did it in you head WELL DONE!
. . . MORE TIPS AND TESTS COMING UP IN THE NEXT
“JO’S JOTTINGS” . . . . .
Thanks to Jo Godden for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
Are we left with an expanded waistline and a diminished bank balance. (Wouldn’t it be great if, just for once, the situation was reversed and we could greet the New Year with a diminished waistline and an expanded bank balance?).
However, before we get down to juggling figures in an attempt to improve the financial situation, why not try the following simple maths test?
IMPORTANT: THIS MUST BE DONE IN YOUR HEAD ONLY. DO NOT USE PAPER, PENCIL OR A CALCULATOR.
READY? Try it ……..
Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total?
Simple isn’t it?
Did you get 5000? Sorry, WRONG.
Quickly try again. Still 5000?
Oh dear! You do need financial help. (Use your calculator for the correct answer - and for those without a calculator, the answer is at the end of this article)
Don’t worry, it’s only fun! Nothing to do with age - most adults get it wrong - particularly the ‘Smart-Alecs’.
This was sent to me by a clever friend. I don’t need to mention names, as she knows who she is. I will pass on a couple more of her ‘Dementia Tests’ (as she calls them) in future articles. (Needless, to say, I got 5000 as well).
£££££££££££££
Now to get back to the serious business of saving money, here are a few ideas.
1.Do you feel that you deserve a reward after all the hard work over the Festive Season? Why not take advantage of the National Express current offer. THE OVER 60’s CAN GO ANYWHERE FOR £4.50 OR £9 RETURN IF YOU TRAVEL BEFORE 31 MARCH. JUST BOOK 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE. Last year, when I took advantage of a similar offer, I met a lady who had made the most of it and had travelled from the South of England to Scotland in order to visit a friend and was in the process of doing likewise in the West Country. So why not choose a place or person you fancy visiting and then sit back and enjoy the scenery? Visit www.nationalexpress.com for route and times.
2.If you feel that you deserve a hair-do, massage, manicure, foot massage, etc., have you thought of trying your local college? The student may take a little longer to complete the procedure, but it will cost a fraction of the ‘high street’ charge. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that in a few months’ time that same student will be joining the professional market and charging a ‘high street’ price.
3.When you feel in need of a new outfit, before you visit the usual fashion chain stores, why not peruse the charity shops en route? You’ll possibly pick up something that is unique to you for the price equal to that of a coffee and sandwich. Also many Charity Shops now have a ‘designer rail’ where well-made outfits can be purchased at a fraction of the original price.
This time of the year is a particularly good time to visit Charity Shops, as often the unwanted gifts make an appearance.
4.Have you visited your local Library lately?
If not, you’ll be surprised how they have changed. Libraries are not just about books. They provide DVDs, videos, CDs, language tapes, etc. So instead of buying DVDs and CDs why not borrow them from the Library? Also why not borrow an audio book or foreign language course and enjoy and learn whilst carrying out mundane household tasks. By the way, the internet service is free at Libraries.
5.I have just taken out RAC Membership for a year and it has not cost me a penny, and last year I purchased an item of furniture from MFI and that also didn’t cost me a penny. How, you may ask??? ….
Easy, just exchange the money vouchers issued by Tesco in respect of their Club Card points. www.tesco.com/clubcard As mentioned in a previous article - use their Visa card instead of cheques or cash (for any purchases anywhere, not just at Tesco’s) and it’s amazing how quickly the points accrue. HOWEVER, I MUST EMPHASISE, ONCE AGAIN, THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMPLETE VISA BALANCE IS CLEARED EACH MONTH, AND TO THIS END IT IS ADVISABLE TO SET UP THE DIRECT DEBIT METHOD WITH YOUR BANK YOU WILL CERTAINLY NOT SAVE MONEY IF YOU PAY ONLY THE MINIMUM BALANCE REQUESTED ON YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENT. THAT IS THE WAY THAT THE YOUNG GET INTO DEBT, AND WE KNOW BETTER DON’T WE? When we use a Visa card we must remember to use it for things we would NORMALLY BUY and treat it as though we were using cash.
And talking of Tesco’s or any other major supermarket for that matter . . .
6.Have you thought about ordering your groceries on the internet and enjoying the luxury of having them delivered to your door at a time convenient to you?
If there is a charge for delivery, it will probably be outweighed by the amount of money we have saved through not ‘impulse buying’. Isn’t it amazing how we go into the supermarket in order to get a few essentials and stagger out with a trolley overflowing with bargains?? It is worth remembering when we are strolling around the supermarket that every aisle and every item has been strategically placed to increase sales.
7.Do you enjoy reading monthly magazines but think of them as an expensive indulgence? (Or perhaps the only chance you get of perusing the ‘glossies’ is in the doctor’s waiting room, where your eye invariably zooms in on a tempting advert only to discover that the offer closed a couple of years previously).
Well, one of the most unusual and welcomed gifts I received was a year’s subscription to a favourite magazine - so much better than say a box of chocolates, which in this household disappears in a flash - and where I must admit I am the main culprit. Every month throughout the year that good feeling is regenerated as your favourite magazine plops through the letterbox. You feel like a kid with a favourite box of candy as you feverishly rip of the wrapping and devour the contents. I pass on my magazine to a friend and she and her friends do likewise. In that way we all get to enjoy about six magazines. So why not do the same?
In fact, why not take time to also enjoy the monthly newsletter from www.Mabels.com Just click to join the mailing list.
8.Are you still waiting for the lottery to come your way? Well, thinking of the ‘odds’ and not wanting to be too pessimistic, you’ll probably have to wait for a long time! (Still, someone, somewhere, is going to be struck by lightening and someone is going to hit the jackpot - that’s life, or otherwise - fortunately or unfortunately?) Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting next to a multi-millionaire. (The pleasure was in hoping that some of the wealth would rub off on me). During conversation, someone mentioned the lottery. My wealthy acquaintance also thought that the chance of winning was so remote that he chose to invest instead in premium bonds. Not only was there a better chance of winning, but because he had invested the maximum amount possible, his annual interest worked out at between 4%-5% TAX FREE and, of course, his original investment was intact. Now, not many of us can afford to invest the maximum amount allowed, but many of us, like myself, have had premium bonds since they were introduced in the l950’s and not won a thing. In other words, along with many others, my interest had been NIL. In fact, taking into account the original investment plus inflation, the result was NIL, NIL. However, on someone’s suggestion that the computer seemed to favour recent numbers (which cannot be explained logically as it is a random selection), I withdrew all the bonds and re-invested them, and Hey, Presto! I won £50! Unfortunately, I have not won since that great day, so I think the interest gained is still NIL, NIL However, if you have premium bonds it might be worth considering withdrawing and re-investing, bearing in mind that you will miss out on draws until the process of reinvesting is completed. If you have never subscribed to premium bonds, why not give it a go? I suggest that for every pound you contribute to the lottery, you contribute a similar amount to premium bonds. If you now buy lottery tickets twice a week, at the end of the year you will have £100 for premium bonds. You will not only have 100 chances of winning but you have still retained the £100 - - GOOD LUCK!
By the way, the answer to the maths test is 4100. If you got this answer and you did it in you head WELL DONE!
. . . MORE TIPS AND TESTS COMING UP IN THE NEXT
“JO’S JOTTINGS” . . . . .
Thanks to Jo Godden for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
Visit Mabels…Maintaining Bygone Times, containing numerous articles thoughtfully researched mainly for the older person. You may access these articles by visiting http://www.mabels.org.uk/ - You will learn about the best tips to improve your health, fitness, finances, & helpful organisations to make the most out of life.
Bond Mutual Funds
April 17, 2009 by How Savings Bonds Work
Filed under About Bonds
· The IMF predicts the US economy to slow down.
· The outlook for Western Europe and Japan isn’t too great either.
· Headline inflation has increased in both advanced as well as emerging economies.
· Oil price has doubled over the last six months.
· There is a possibility of deeper economic downturn.
· The stock markets of most of the countries have tumbled during recent times.
These sentences are not something new for regular readers of newspapers, especially financial newspapers. Everybody would have been affected as a result of the consequences of these statements. During tough times such as these, where would you put your money? Stock market – No that would be suicidal! Banks – rate of return would be too low. Then where?
One possible place is mutual funds. Mutual funds are a lot safer than shares and earn better returns than banks. But one must be careful while choosing a mutual fund during recession times. It is always a better bet to invest in bonds during recession. It ensures regular interest payments and possible capital appreciation when bond price increases. Bond mutual funds enable you to get just that.
As the name suggests, these funds invest in bonds and debt securities. These funds aim to protect the invested capital and at the same time ensure regular income from interest payments. Just like any other mutual fund, these funds too have a Net Asset Value (NAV) which is the value of each share of the mutual fund. It is nothing but what one must pay to get one share of the fund or what one gets when a share of the fund is sold.
5 reasons why one should invest in bond mutual funds:
1. They are a lot less riskier than stocks
2. They provide stability
3. They are diversified – the portfolio will be across many different bonds thereby reducing the risk of default and ensure regular payments.
4. Certain types of bond funds are exempt from federal and/or state taxes
5. They are more liquid than bonds.
Among these advantages, the last one is the most important. It is the reason why one must buy bond funds rather than individual bonds. They can be easily bought and sold in smaller units. On the other hand, it is not so easy to buy bonds and hold them. Bonds are not as liquid as bond funds. Hence it is better to buy bond funds rather than bonds.
TYPES OF BOND FUNDS
There are many different types of these funds. Of these, some of the major ones are Government bond funds (or Federal bond funds), Municipal bond funds, corporate bond funds etc.
Government Bond Funds
These funds invest in debt securities issued by the government such as the Treasury bills, Treasury bonds, Treasury notes, Mortgage-backed securities issued by government agencies etc. Some of these funds are also exempt from state and/or local taxes.
Municipal Bond Funds
These funds invest in securities issued by state and/or local governments for doing public works such as building bridges, laying of state highways, constructing schools etc. Some of these funds are also exempt from federal taxes. Since they have the backing of the federal government, they are considered to have a very high credit rating.
Corporate Bond Funds
These funds invest in the debt securities of corporations. They do not have the backing of the government; hence they are a bit more risky than the other two types of funds. However they pay out much higher income than the government funds.
Apart from these funds there are many other types of bond funds such as the zero-coupon funds – that invest only in zero coupon bonds, international funds – those that invest in international bonds, convertible securities funds – which invest in convertible securities (bonds that can be converted to stock) etc.
These are some of the funds that an investor can look forward to invest. However there are many more alternatives to invest. To know about investing in mutual funds visit Investing in Mutual Funds and to get an idea as to how mutual funds work visit Mutual Funds. Also visit Exchange Traded Funds to know about exchange traded funds.
Thanks to Dilip for contributing this article to our Bonds blog:
Dilip Mohan, young & dynamic has had exposure divergent fields- from astronomy to wireless local loop. He is sharp and quick to grasp complex concepts. His interest expands to management. He has a flair for finance with an MBA degree in a reputed institute and paternal banking background. To check out his website click www.mutualfundforu.com To know about his other works visit Mutual Funds and Exchange”>http://www.mutualfundforu.com/exchange_traded_funds.html”>Exchange Traded Funds
