Bruce Van Deventer

US Edition: You might be wondering why anyone in their right mind would invest in bonds today. Interest rates are at record lows and it seems crazy to invest in them! Or maybe you think that bonds are only for rich, old people. But did you know that you can invest in bonds for as little as $25? Did you know that the U.S. bond market is by far the largest financial market in the world, much larger than the stock market? Look out the window of any American town and you'll see a world built on bonds. If you have a mortgage, the bank that issued it was able to keep issuing mortgages because of bond backing and financing. If you went to a public school it was funded by municipal bonds. The roads and bridges we drive on were funded with bonds, and the businesses that we work in finance themselves in part with bonds. Stock market prices are very dependent on rates on Treasury bonds. Bonds are everywhere. Bonds will be a key part of your retirement, even if you don't think you have any, so everyone should have some knowledge of what they are and how they work. Interest rates are also starting to rise, meaning bonds are having higher yields, making them more attractive to investors.

The Itty Bitty Bond Book will give you the information you need to understand the basics of how you as an investor can buy savings bonds as well as corporate, municipal and Treasury bonds to hold to maturity as part of a sound financial plan for your future. Bond funds, CDs, and Bond ETFs are also discussed along with the advantages and disadvantages of investing in funds vs. individual bonds.