Expert: Doug Ingram - 8/7/2004

Question
Although the federal government has pages and pages of information on the internet, I still
am not sure about buying government bonds.
Is this the way it works??
    1. If I want to buy a new bond or TIPS, I have to catch some date when the right item is
being auctioned.
    2. If I want to buy something at any other
time, I have to go to a broker and he has some
non matured items for sale.

Is that the way it works or am I off base?

Answer
You are basically right.
I think you can buy Savings Bonds any time.
There are "I" bonds that have TIPS qualities.
Unless you are buying large blocks, the Savings Bonds are a good alternative.  However, government bonds are much more liquid.  If you ever need to cash out early, they're a better way to go.