12.05.24 Update: Series I Savings Bonds / A Warning About Fidelity
Dec 5, 2024
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This episode dives into the latest changes in Series I Savings Bonds, offering timely advice for savvy savers. Listeners will discover the pitfalls of major investment firms like Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab, as they face criticism for service and product quality. There's also valuable guidance for young investors on making the most of a $2,000 investment with a Roth IRA. Plus, the discussion highlights smart strategies for navigating homeownership and investment options, ensuring everyone is equipped for financial success.
33:32
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Quick takeaways
The declining interest rates of Series I Savings Bonds highlight the importance of regularly reassessing and optimizing investment options.
Investors should be cautious of Fidelity's dual role in advisory services, which may compromise the integrity of investment recommendations.
Deep dives
The Decline of Series I Savings Bonds
Series I savings bonds, once a popular investment during high inflation, have seen a significant decline in interest rates, now offering only 1.91%, compared to nearly 10% during peak inflation. The podcast highlights how the demand for these bonds led to system crashes at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, as investors sought to protect their savings. Currently, the rate resets every six months, and those who purchased bonds during the height of their popularity may be disappointed to find their returns diminishing. To optimize their investments, individuals are advised to consider exchanging older bonds for new ones that offer a better base rate plus protection against inflation.
Navigating Fidelity's Dual Role as Fiduciary
Fidelity Investments faces scrutiny for potentially misleading practices due to its dual role as both a fiduciary and a commission-based brokerage. Recent reports indicate that some employees have been pressured to recommend inferior investment options that yield higher commissions for Fidelity, raising concerns about the integrity of their advisory services. It is important for investors to demand clarity on whether Fidelity representatives are acting as fiduciaries when making recommendations, as this designation requires them to act in the best interests of their clients. This scrutiny signals the need for investors to be vigilant about the motivations behind investment advice they receive.
Smart Investing for Young Adults
For young investors like an 18-year-old with $2,000 to invest long-term, starting a Roth IRA is an excellent option to take advantage of tax-free growth. By contributing to a Roth IRA, they can benefit from a diverse range of investments, such as target retirement funds that adjust their risk profile over time. Alternatively, if the money is not from earned income, opening an investment account with a fund designed for broad market exposure, like Fidelity's zero funds, can harness the growth of the U.S. economy. This approach promotes disciplined saving and investment habits that can pay off significantly in the long run.
Since the earnings rate on I Bonds changes every six months - Clark has updated advice for savers. Also - Clark’s “three favorite children” in the financial world, Vanguard, Schwab and Fidelity, aren’t perfect, and he calls them out where needed. At the moment, there’s an issue with Fidelity that investors need to know about.