A bond is an investment to receive the repayment of a “loan” at a certain interest rate. The way you invest in bonds matters now more than ever because of low interest rates.

You may be overpaying or underpaying taxes on your bond income and not even know it. Bond taxation is complex because there are several considerations that require different tax treatments.

The equity (stock) market has done very well so far this year, and I hope it continues, but it is volatile and there is a real danger of the market making another significant correction.

For many retired investors, a key objective of portfolio management is creating a stable stream of income while preserving investment principal. Bond laddering is a strategy that may address both aspects of this need.

Investors with less than several million should use mutual funds as a vehicle to acquire a position in the asset class of bonds instead of buying individual bonds.

Widespread consternation is erupting in the investment arena, particularly in Fixed Income Departments which handles bonds. Everyone wants to find the perfect investment with ‘decent’ yields like 5% to 8% which are our birthright.