I Savings Bonds – the best kept secret

I am a strong proponent of loading up on I Savings Bonds issued by the US Government treasury. In treasury’s own words

I Bonds are a low-risk, liquid savings product. While you own them they earn interest and protect you from inflation.

  • Sold at face value; you pay $50 for a $50 bond.
  • Purchased in amounts of $25 or more, to the penny.
  • $10,000 maximum purchase in one calendar year.
  • Issued electronically to your designated account.

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What’s your Retirement Number?

It’s a question we should have an answer to. What’s your retirement number, how much money do you need to live comfortably through retirement.

It’s a complicated question, and scares most people (it scared me :)) But have no fear, Excel to the rescue! You can build a rudimentary model to at least get a good idea of your number. All values in the model are post-tax numbers. Tax effects are for another post!

Some base assumptions:

  • Retirement age is 65
  • Life expectancy is 80

Lets break it down.

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