any strong feelings on TIPS vs I bonds for a 10-15 year window? These will also serve as an EF.
TIPS currently look like 2% + inflation, I bonds 1.3% plus inflation.
If I knew I wanted the money in 5 years or less it would be TIPS. Maybe I’ll split the purchase.
Are you thinking individual TIPS or a TIPS fund/ETF? And would you keep it in a taxable or tax-protected account?
Assuming you'd buy the TIPS in a taxable account for comparison purposes: the 0.7% lower rate and liquidity limitations of I bonds gets you tax deferral, no interest rate risk, no reinvestment risk (IE, all proceeds of your bond will also get the 1.3% fixed rate until maturity at 30 years), no threat to principal from deflation (variable rate can't drop below 0%), and (if below income limit) possible tax exclusion if used for education costs.
Additional I bond drawbacks are the requirement to use Treasury Direct, and the annual purchase limitations.
For me the biggest drawback to I bonds if having to have them at TD. If I could buy them at my brokerage, I'd be all over them. I just don't want 2 more accounts.