{"product_id":"bond-investing-for-dummies-isbn-9781119894780","title":"Bond Investing For Dummies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEverything on bonds, bond funds, and more! Updated for the new economy\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you're looking for income, diversification, or protection from stock market volatility, bonds can play an important role in any portfolio. Newly updated, \u003ci\u003eBond Investing For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e covers the essentials of getting started and ways to select and purchase bonds for your needs. You'll get up to speed on the different bond varieties and see how to get the best prices when you sell. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e We’ll help you wrap your mind around bond returns and risk and recognize the major factors that influence bond performance. With easily understandable explanations and examples, you can understand bonds from every angle—yield, credit risk, callability, fund selection, bond broker-dealers, web portals, and beyond. This is the expert information and advice you need to invest in bonds in today’s environment. Learn what bonds are and how you can use them to strengthen and protect your portfolio \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnderstand how interest rates and other shifting sands affect bond investing\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMinimize your risk and maximize your returns with proven advice from an expert financial advisor\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eUse online investing and apps to buy bonds and bond funds with confidence and ease\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eNovice and experienced investors alike will love this quick-and-easy approach to bond investing. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntroduction \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout This Book 2\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConventions Used in This Book 5\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat You’re Not to Read 5\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoolish Assumptions 5\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow This Book Is Organized 6\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart 1: A Quick Guide to the Fixed-Income Universe 6\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart 2: Bonds of Many Distinct Flavors 6\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart 3: Bonds as Portfolio Cement 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart 4: A Manual for Smart Bond Shopping 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart 5: Bonds as Good Friends of Retirees 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart 6: The Part of Tens 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIcons Used in This Book 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond the Book 8\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to Go from Here 8\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 1: A Quick Guide to the Fixed-Income Universe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 9\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1: Buying Bonds: In Your Best Interest\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 11\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding What Makes a Bond a Bond 12\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing your time frame 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePicking who you trust to hold your money 14\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing the difference among bonds, stocks, and cryptocurrencies 15\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy Hold Bonds? (Spoiler Alert: It Isn’t to Make You Rich) 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying the best reason to buy bonds: Diversification 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing for the cash 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting in an Era of Low, Low Interest Rates 19\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll this fuss about the Fed 20\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReal (after-inflation) interest rates matter most 20\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon’t get depressed over depressed rates 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroducing the Major Players in the Bond Market 22\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupporting (enabling?) your Uncle Sam with Treasury bonds 22\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollecting corporate debt 23\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemystifying those government and government-like agencies 23\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing cosmopolitan with municipal bonds 24\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying Solo or Buying in Bulk 26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePicking and choosing individual bonds 26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing with a bond fund or funds 26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2: Constructing Your Portfolio’s Foundation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 29\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocusing on Your Objectives 30\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding what you want to be when you grow up 31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePicturing your future nest egg 31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the Rule of 20 (preferably 25) 32\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing your investment style 33\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking Your Savings and Investment Selections 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSaving your money in safety 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting your money with an eye toward growth 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding Five Major Investment Principles 38\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1 Risk and return are two sides of the same coin 38\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 Financial markets are largely efficient 39\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 Diversification is just about the only free lunch you’ll ever get 39\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 Reversion to the mean — it means something 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 Investment costs matter — a lot! 41\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3: A (Mostly) Heroic History of Bonds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 43\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing the Triumphs and Failures of Fixed-Income Investing 44\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeating inflation, but not by very much 44\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eServing a savoir in times of distress 45\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking Back Over a Long and (Mostly) Distinguished Past 47\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYielding returns to generations of your forebearers 48\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGleaning some important lessons 49\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRealizing How Crucial Bonds Are Today 52\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eViewing Recent Developments, Largely for the Better 54\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4: Interest, Sweet Interest\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 57\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculating Rates of Return — Tougher than Deciphering Babylonian 58\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCutting deals 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChanging hands 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmbracing the complexity 60\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConducting Three Levels of Research to Judge the Desirability of a Bond 60\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLevel one: Getting the basic information 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLevel two: Finding out intimate details 63\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLevel three: Examining the neighborhood 66\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding (and Misunderstanding) the Concept of Yield 69\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoupon yield 70\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCurrent yield 70\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYield-to-maturity 70\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYield-to-call 72\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorst-case basis yield 72\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 30-day SEC yield 73\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppreciating Total Return (This Is What Matters Most!) 73\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring in capital gains and losses 73\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactoring in reinvestment rates of return 74\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAllowing for inflation adjustments 74\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeighing pretax versus posttax 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasuring the Volatility of Your Bonds 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime frame matters 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuality counts 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe coupon rate matters, too 77\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForeign bonds, added risk 78\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRevisiting the Bonds of Babylonia 78\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterest short run, interest long run 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterest past, interest future 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 2: Bonds of Many Distinct Flavors\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 81\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5: US Treasury Bonds: As Safe as Safe Can Be\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 83\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting with Uncle Sam in Myriad Ways 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSavings bonds as gifts or small investments 85\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreasury bills, notes, and bonds for more serious investing 90\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) 91\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEasing Your Fears of Default 93\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding Whether, When, and How to Invest in Treasuries 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out whether you want Treasuries 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePicking your own maturity 97\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding in some inflation protection 99\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEntering the Treasury Marketplace 99\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying direct or through a broker 100\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing a new or used bond 101\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTapping Treasuries through mutual funds and exchange-traded funds 102\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6: Getting Down to Business: Corporate Bonds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 103\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy Invest in These Sometimes Pains-in-the-Butt? 104\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparing corporate bonds to Treasuries 104\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering historical returns 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Moody: The Crucial Credit Ratings 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRevisiting your ABCs 108\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGauging the risk of default 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpecial Considerations for Investing in Corporate Debt 111\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculating callability 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoveting convertibility 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReversing convertibility —imagine that 113\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppreciating High Yield for What It Is 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnticipating good times ahead 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing for the bad times 115\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting in high yields judiciously 115\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7: Powerful and a Tad Mysterious: Agency Bonds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 117\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying the Bond Issuers 118\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSlurping up your alphabet soup 118\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeparating federal agency bonds from GSEs 119\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSizing up the government’s actual commitment 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroducing the agency biggies 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparing and Contrasting Agency Bonds 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEyeing default risks, yields, markups, and more 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeighing taxation matters 126\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscos, floaters, and step-ups 127\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBanking Your Money on Other People’s Mortgages 127\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBathing in the mortgage pool 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding whether to invest in the housing market 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering Agencies for Your Portfolio 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8: (Practically) Tax-Free: Municipal Bonds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 131\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppreciating the Purpose and Power of Munis 132\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSizing up the muni market 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparing and contrasting with other bonds 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDelighting in the diversification of municipals 134\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing That All Cities (Bridges or Ports) Are Not Created Equal 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with the rare default 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnjoying low risk 137\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing from a vast array of possibilities 138\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsulting the Taxman 139\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBringing your bracket to bear 140\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingling out your home state 141\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMatching munis to the appropriate accounts 142\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing Why This Chapter Is Titled “(Practically) Tax-Free: Municipal Bonds” 142\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReckoning with the AMT tax 143\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCapping your capital gains 143\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroducing the fully taxable muni 144\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying Munis Made Easier 144\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9: International Bonds and Other Seemingly Exotic Offerings\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 147\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraveling Abroad for Fixed Income 148\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDipping into developed-world bonds 148\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmbracing the bonds of emerging-market nations 152\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBond Investing with a Conscience 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHaving faith in church bonds 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdhering to Islamic law: Introducing sukuk 157\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSustainability-linked bonds 158\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlaying with Bond Fire: Potentially Risky Bond Offerings 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRocking with Bowie Bonds 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCashing in on catastrophe bonds 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing in death 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDancing in the Flames: Derivatives and Default Bond Products 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDaring to delve into derivatives 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBanking on losses with defaulted bond issues 164\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCatching a fallen angel 166\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvaluating Exchange-traded Notes 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat are they? 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShould you invest? 168\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 3: Bonds as Portfolio Cement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 169\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10: Return, Risk, and Realism\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 171\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSearching, Searching, Searching for the Elusive Free Lunch 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking a killing in CDs yeah, right 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDefining risk and return 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppreciating Bonds’ Risk Characteristics 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterest rate risk 174\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInflation risk 175\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReinvestment risk 176\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDefault risk 176\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDowngrade risk 177\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTax risk 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFear-of-missing-out (FOMO) risk 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding all these risks 179\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReckoning on the Return You’ll Most Likely See 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculating fixed-income returns: Easier said than done 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking back at history: An imperfect but useful guide 182\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting in bonds despite their lackluster returns 184\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding Your Risk-Return Sweet Spot 187\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAllocating your portfolio correctly 187\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTailoring a portfolio just for you 187\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 11: The Art and Science of Portfolio-Building\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 189\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMixing and Matching Your Various Investments 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDreaming of limited correlation 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeeking zig and zag with Modern Portfolio Theory 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTranslating theory into reality 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppreciating Bonds’ Dual Role: Diversifier and Ultimate Safety Net 194\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting yourself from perfect storms 194\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEyeing a centuries-old track record 195\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing Voodoo Science 197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparing actively managed funds to index funds 197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForecasting the future — and getting it wrong 198\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIgnoring the hype 199\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 12: Slicing the Pie: How Much Should Be in Bonds?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 201\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy the Bond Percentage Question Isn’t As Simple As Pie 202\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinimizing volatility 203\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaximizing return 204\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeering into the Future 205\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstimating how much you’ll need 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing your time frame 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactoring in some good rules 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing yourself in a few case studies 207\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoticing the Many Shades of Gray in Your Portfolio 212\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBonds of many flavors 213\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStocks of all sizes and sorts 213\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther fixed income: Annuities 214\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther equity: Commodities and real estate 215\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking Sure That Your Portfolio Remains in Balance 216\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTweaking your holdings to temper risk 217\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSavoring the rebalancing bonus 217\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScheduling your portfolio rebalance 218\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 13: Making Your Preliminary Bond Choices\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 219\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing the Rationale behind Bonds 220\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking your initial selection 220\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing a few rules 221\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSizing Up Your Need for Fixed-Income Diversification 222\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiversifying by maturity 222\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiversifying by type of issuer 222\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiversifying by risk-and-return potential 223\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiversifying away managerial risk 224\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeighing Diversification versus Complication 225\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping it simple with balanced funds (for people with less than $2,000) 225\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoving beyond the basic (for people with $2,000 to $4,000) 225\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBranching out (with $4,000 or more) 226\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding the Perfect Bond Portfolio Fit 226\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCase studies in bond ownership 226\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeeking out the more exotic offerings 232\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 4: A Manual for Smart Bond Shopping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 233\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 14: Planning Your Bond Buys and Sells\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 235\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscovering the Brave New World of Bonds 236\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding fabulously frugal funds 236\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing in individual bonds without forking over a fortune 237\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding Whether to Go with Bond Funds or Individual Bonds 239\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculating the advantages of funds 239\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering whether individual bonds or bond funds make more sense 241\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIs Now the Time to Buy Bonds? 246\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePredicting the future of interest rates yeah, right 247\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePaying too much attention to the yield curve 248\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdhering — or not — to dollar-cost averaging 249\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing between Taxable and Tax-Advantaged Retirement Accounts 250\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositioning your investments for minimal taxation 250\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactoring in the early-withdrawal penalties and such 252\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 15: Diving (Carefully!) into the Individual Bond Marketplace\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 253\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNavigating Today’s Bond Market 254\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting some welcome transparency 255\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUshering in a new beginning 255\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with Brokers and Other Financial Professionals 256\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying the role of the dealer 257\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDo you need a broker or agent at all? 258\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelecting the right broker or agent 259\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking the dealer’s numbers 259\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHiring a financial planner 261\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDoing It Yourself Online 262\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking to buy 263\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking to sell 264\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerfecting the Art of Laddering 265\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting you from interest rate flux 265\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTinkering with your time frame 266\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscount bonds or premium bonds? 268\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying and Selling an Individual Bond: My Own Journey 269\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 16: Choosing Bond Funds Wisely\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 273\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDefining the Basic Kinds of Funds 274\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMining a multitude of mutual funds 275\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstablishing a position in exchange-traded funds 276\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering an alternative: Closed-end funds 278\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding unit investment trusts 279\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing What Matters Most in Choosing a Bond Fund of Any Sort 280\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelecting your fund based on its components and their characteristics 280\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePruning out the underperformers 280\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaying down the law on loads 281\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSniffing out false promises 281\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMy Picks for Some of the Best Bond Funds 282\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShort-term, high-quality bond funds 283\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntermediate-term Treasury bond funds 286\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Mostly) high-quality corporate bond funds 287\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunk city: Corporate high-yield funds 288\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgency bond funds 290\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMunicipal bond funds: Taxes be damned 291\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaxable Muni Bonds 292\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlobal and International bond funds 293\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmerging market bond funds 294\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll-in-one bond funds 295\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInstant-Ladder, Defined-Maturity Bond Funds (Government, Corporate, Municipal) 298\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll-in-one bond and stock funds 298\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTarget-retirement date funds (otherwise known as life-cycle funds) 300\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 5: Bonds as Good Friends of Retirees\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 303\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 17: Satisfying Your Need for Steady Cash\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 305\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReaping the Rewards of Your Investments 306\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAiming for freedom 306\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstimating your target portfolio 307\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLining up your bucks 308\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding Interesting Sources of Interest 308\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCertificates of deposit (CDs) 309\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMining the many money market funds 309\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBanking on online savings accounts 311\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering the predictability of an annuity 311\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHocking your home with a reverse mortgage 313\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing that Stocks Can Be Cash Cows, Too 313\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocusing on stocks with sock-o dividends 314\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRealizing gain with real estate investment trusts (REITs) 315\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking a middle ground with preferred stock 316\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroducing a Vastly Better Way to Create Cash Flow: Portfolio Rebalancing 316\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying low and selling high 318\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRolling bond interest back in 320\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with realities 320\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 18: Ensuring Financial Security in Old Age\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 321\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking Ahead to Many Years of Possible Portfolio Withdrawals 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing Where the Real Danger Lies: The Risk of Being Too Conservative 323\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering an aggressive approach 323\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEasing back toward your comfort zone 324\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting your default at 60\/40 324\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAllowing for adjustments to suit the times 325\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing my own and your ultimate ratio 326\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculating How Much You Can Safely Tap 328\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRevisiting risk, return, and realistic expectations 328\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBasing your retirement on clear thinking 329\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking the Most Use of Uncle Sam’s Gifts 330\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinimizing income is the name of the game 330\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLowering your tax bracket through smart withdrawals 331\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 6: The Part of Tens\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 333\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 19: Ten Most Common Misconceptions about Bonds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 335\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Bond “Selling for 100” Costs $100 335\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying a Bond at a Discount Is Better Than Paying a Premium, Duh 336\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Bond Paying X% Today Will Pocket You X% Over the Life of the Bond 336\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRising Interest Rates Are Good (or Bad) for Bondholders 337\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCertain Bonds, Such as Treasuries, Are Completely Safe 338\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBonds Are a Retiree’s Best Friend 338\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndividual Bonds Are Usually a Better Deal than Bond Funds 338\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMunicipal Bonds Are Free of Taxation 339\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Discount Broker Sells Bonds Cheaper 339\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Big Risk in Bonds Is the Risk of the Issuer Defaulting 340\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 20: Ten Mistakes Bond Investors Need to Avoid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 341\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAllowing the Broker to Churn You 341\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot Taking Advantage of TRACE 342\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing a Bond Fund Based on Short-Term Performance 342\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot Looking Closely Enough at a Bond Fund’s Expenses 343\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing Through a Broker to Buy Treasuries 343\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCounting Too Much on High-Yield Bonds 343\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePaying Too Much Attention to the Yield Curve 344\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuying Bonds That Are Too Complicated 345\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIgnoring Inflation and Taxation 345\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelying Too Heavily on Bonds in Retirement 345\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppendix: Helpful Web Resources For Successful Bond Investing 347\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 353\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRussell Wild\u003c\/b\u003e is an experienced financial advisor and writer who has been working in the finance and investment industry for more than 30 years. Russell is the principal of Global Portfolios. He is the author of \u003ci\u003eExchange-Traded Funds For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e and the previous editions of \u003ci\u003eBond Investing For Dummies.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBuild an all-weather portfolio with bonds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking for income, diversification, and protection from stock market volatility? Look to bonds. \u003ci\u003eBond Investing For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e covers the essentials, including bond returns, risk, and the major factors that influence bond performance. In this latest edition, you’ll find out how today’s interest rates, credit risks, trading transparency, fund choices, online investing portals—and oodles of other things—have changed the bond game. Whatever your level of investing expertise, this is your user-friendly guide to confident bond investing. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInside… \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to buy and sell bonds\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEvaluate corporate vs. government bonds\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSelecting solid bond funds\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnderstanding bond yield, credit risk, and callability\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAvoiding high commissions\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSelling at the best price\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProtecting your portfolio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For Dummies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47988850295013,"sku":"NP9781119894780","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781119894780.jpg?v=1761781769","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/bond-investing-for-dummies-isbn-9781119894780","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}