This too is my first rodeo with individual bonds..All my adult life I have invested in mutual funds. My bond mutual fund worked until it didn't...I finally sold showing a $40,000.00 loss..At most in the 20 years I had that fund I had taken maybe $30,000.00 in cash dividends so my loss is something considerably less than $40,000.00 but when I think about the time aspect I know it was a huge mistake. I'm still in one bond fund but other than that NO MORE BOND FUNDS FOR ME! I hope to avoid such BIG mistakes with individual bonds. I too appreciate those who are well versed sharing what they have learned..Hopefully I can avoid another calamity..