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Be sure that you fully understand how individual TIPs work before you add them to your taxable account. You'll receive an annual tax bill for the inflation adjustment of principle even though you won't receive the benefit until the maturity date. This is in addition to the taxes paid on the bi-yearly coupon distributions.
Under certain inflation scenarios, the taxes on your TIPs could exceed the dividend payouts. That's why TIPs are normally recommended for tax-deferred accounts.
If you want a more diverse mix of TIPs, consider the low cost Vanguard and Tia-Creff TIPs funds. As you point out, though, you'll be paying the fund expenses; the ER and the internal transaction costs. Treasury Direct is cost free.
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