Ways to invest in Series I Savings Bonds

When it comes to investing in Series I Savings Bonds, the first thing that you need to keep in mind is that you are limited in the amount that you can invest in the Series I savings Bonds. The amount of money that you are going to be limited to when investing in Series I Savings Bonds is going to depend on the way that you are purchasing each bond. This refers to whether or not you are purchasing paper bond certificates or electronically registered bonds. Both types of bonds have a $5,000 limit each year, but you can invest in both types to invest as much as $10,000 each year.

The first method that you can use to purchase the Series I Savings Bonds is purchasing them directly through TreasuryDirect.gov. This program is run by the United States Treasury Department, it offers each investor their own online accounts; all you have to do is register and create an account on the website. The good news is that opening an account with TreasuryDirect is just like opening an account with your local bank. After you have created your account, it will need to be approved before you can start purchasing any Series I Savings Bonds. With TreasuryDirect, you will not receive a paper bond certificate; instead, the savings bonds will be electronically issued to your account within TreasuryDirect. The biggest benefit to investing this way is that you can invest any amount of money to the penny in bonds instead of having to buy them in certain increments. You can also have the system automatically make investments for you; you can even set up the investments to happen on a set schedule.

The second method that you can use to purchase Series I Savings Bonds is going to a local bank or other type of local financial institution. This is convenient for most people because they don't even have to have an account with the bank to go in and purchase the Series I Savings Bonds, most of the local banks and financial institutions will offer them on behalf of the United States Treasury. To purchase the bond you will need to go into the bank and ask a teller about them, they will get you to the right person. Unlike Series EE Bonds, Series I Bonds are sold at face value. For example, if you want to purchase a $100 bond it will cost you $100. Once you have filled out the ownership information you will receive your paper bond certificate in the mail within 15 business days, it will be coming from the United States Treasury Department, not the bank that you purchased it at.

The third option that you have when purchasing the Series I Savings Bonds is to purchase them through an online financial institution, which can be your bank or any other financial institution. Like online banking, many financial institutions offer you the opportunity to purchase investments online. Even though you are buying the Series I Savings Bonds online, you will still be purchasing the paper bond certificates rather than the electronic form of the bonds, so you will be receiving the paper bond certificate in the mail within 15 business days.

Your last option for investing in a Series I Savings Bond is through a payroll savings plan that your employer has created. This would be set up similar to a 401 (K) plan; the money is taken out of your paycheck, so you won't even miss it. Once the money is taken out, it is invested into a Series I Savings bond directly through TreasuryDirect or through your employer's bank.