TH, I think you have been changing too many diapers to smell the
roses ..... 4.8% on I-bonds is a good deal, IMHO.
Yeah, no current income could be a show stopper for some.
I like (need) current income from my FI probably more than you,
but even I am thinking hard about taking a bite for the longer
term.
As for rates rising the real component of 1.2% may or may not
change but you can count on the variable to track CPI. If you
don't like the rates you can always cash in after 1 year with
only a 3 mo penalty. At 4.8% that is about 1.2% of yield .....
leaving 3.6% ..... which is better than most 1 yr CD's.
Say, didn't we have a similar discussion about 1-2 months ago?
Cheers,
Charlie