WALL, N.J., April 30, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The United States Savings Bond Consultant (USSBC) has figured out a quick and simple way for investors to monitor, track and determine, via its Savings Bond Guru financial service (www.savingsbonds.com), how the May 1 interest rates will affect their bond portfolios. Monthly e-mail statements indicating current bond values reflecting the latest interest rates along with maturity alerts, potential tax liabilities and investment advice are delivered to investors.
As new interest rates get announced, random redemption selections (cash-in), mistimed redemptions, holding onto bonds that no longer earn interest, and unpleasant tax surprises continue to plague savings bond owners. The Bond Guru helps investors easily determine which bonds to hold, which bonds to cash in, the dates bonds will stop earning interest, and what will occur if they are cashed in.
"There are programs out there that tell only half the story and require effort and interpretation on the bond owner's part," said bond expert and USSBC COO Jack Quinn. "With the Bond Guru, it's easy, there's no need to purchase or download software, enhancements or the semiannual rate updates to get a statement. You expect monthly statements for your other investments, and your bonds should be no different," added Quinn.
Bond Guru subscribers enter bond information once and build a portfolio that gets stored permanently on the company's server. A valuation and analysis report displays values, interest-earned amounts, current and lifetime interest rates, and timing issues with an easy-to-understand, what-this-means-to-you paragraph. A separate one-page Insider's Guide offers practical investing tips. Subscribers can access their portfolio 24/7.
Once a month, an e-mail summary statement displays that month's value, the previous month's value, and the increase in value, along with maturity alerts. A tax notification indicates the interest amount the investor's bank will report to the IRS, via a 1099-INT, if the portfolio is redeemed. A link to the investor's detailed portfolio report allows for a bond-by-bond review. If bonds ever get lost, stolen or destroyed, USSBC offers a complimentary replacement service.
"Customers really like the brief e-mails advising them what their bonds are worth and how they're performing. They're relieved that there is finally an easy way to stay on top of the changing interest rates and a better way invest and protect their investment," said Quinn.
An annual Bond Guru subscription starts at $7.95 and is available at www.savingsbonds.com. For a limited time, a free trial is available. For further information, contact Jackie Brahney, The United States Savings Bond Consultant, 1540 Route 138, Suite 307, Wall, NJ 07719, 800-717-BOND, 800-717-2663 or jbrahney@savingsbonds.com.