Treasury notes and bonds have a good track record as a long-term investment.
As with any investment, however, individuals should learn about the pros and cons of government securities before adding them to their portfolios.
Several websites offer good primers on government bonds. Here are a few:
• Bankrate.com: Provides info about Treasury bills, TIPS and U.S. savings bonds. www.bankrate.com/brm/green/sav/svgs1e.asp
• Bonds Online: Explains the government bond purchase system and purchase and selling of bonds. www.bondsonline.com/asp/treas/direct.asp
• Investopedia: Offers an overview of bonds in general, including Treasury bonds, notes and T-bills. www.investopedia.com/university/bonds/bonds4.asp
• Treasury Direct: Gives a variety of details about purchasing Treasury bonds, and an explanation of bond types. www.savingsbonds.gov/indiv/indiv.htm
• Zacks Investment Research: Features a step-by-step guide to buying a Treasury bond. finance.zacks.com/purchase-us-treasury-bond-7411.html
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
