Sequestration Threatens Direct-Payment Bond Subsidies for Issuers

Local governments that have issued direct-pay bonds, such as Build America Bonds, should be aware that their subsidies from the federal government on those bonds are potentially subject to the budget cuts mandated as part of the so-called “fiscal cliff.” Those subsidy payments cover 35% of the interest costs on direct-pay bonds. Should the scheduled sequestration take effect, subsidies on direct-pay bonds would be cut an average of 7.6%, according to the Office of Management and Budget.* Issuers would typically be responsible for making all interest payments on their own. Build America Bonds have not been issued since 2010.

Change in FDIC Deposit Insurance

Noninterest-bearing transaction accounts, used by many small businesses, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, have had unlimited deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation since the 2008 financial crisis. However, that program is scheduled to expire as of December 31, 2012. The previous limit of $250,000 on a single account will be reinstated unless new…

Will debt consolidation hurt or help my credit rating?

The main goal of debt consolidation is to make your payments more affordable—but can it hurt your credit rating? Read more in our Marietta Daily Journal blog post. This article is meant to provide valuable background information on particular investments, NOT a recommendation to buy. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by…