I Bonds: Buy in October or Wait for November 1?

Treasury resets the I bond fixed rate on November 1, and whatever it is gets locked in for the life of the bond. In this episode, Derek Wu lays out the buy-now versus wait decision at the current 0.90% fixed rate, then offers one simple filter for choosing between I bonds, a high-yield savings account, or a CD. The fixed rate is set each May 1 and Nov 1, and Treasury publishes no formula for it, so the choice comes down to a known number versus an unknown one. This episode walks through what forecasters expect, what they cannot know, and how to match the right account to your timeline. The deadline: Bonds issued through Oct 31 carry a 4.26% composite rate with a 0.90% fixed rate, and the November 1 reset is the open question. The forecasts: Tipswatch (David Enna) sees a 1.30% fixed rate as possible, and Yahoo Finance expects one of the highest in over twenty years. None of it is guaranteed. The tradeoff: Waiting leans favorable for bond buyers, but a flat or lower rate costs the difference every year you hold. The filter: If you need the money soon, choose savings or a CD. If it is long-term money that needs inflation protection, an I bond is a candidate. The next step: Check the September CPI report due Oct 14, then decide before Nov 1. Made a decision? That's a win. Subscribe so you're ready for the next one, and if you're stuck on a money choice, drop it in the reviews. It might get a coin flip next week.