Weekend Reading

“Savings Bonds: When to Hold, When to Fold and Everything In-Between” by Daniel J. Pederson ($19.95, Savings Bond Informer). Although Pederson also has a book for finance professionals, this version is an easy-to-follow bible for understanding and keeping track of U.S. Savings Bonds aimed at average consumers. The bonds are a better deal than they once were, especially considering that they allow deferred taxation of interest and are exempt from state income taxes. Before you buy the book, you might check out https://www.savingsbonds.gov, which offers some of the same basic information. But Pederson adds many wise strategic suggestions, especially about how to cash in the bonds without losing income.