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The article discusses the steps to ensure the returns on investment. Topics mentioned include to establish a mix of stocks and bonds in the changes of asset-allocation plan for investment, to rebalance the portfolio for domestic and international holdings and to manage the diversified stock fund with similar funds..

The article discusses aspects of the negative returns for bonds with low interest rates in the U.S. It examines the influence of low inflation to the economic growth due to the backtrack of the bonds. It also stresses the gap between the treasury yields and the emerging-markets debt as well as the investment trusts and energy partnerships.

A correction to the article "Yields and Rates," in the October 2015 issue is presented.

An interview with Kathy Jones, fixed-income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, is presented. Topics discussed by Jones include the low yields and 0% rates of new individual (I)-bonds in the U.S. in 2015, the negative yields in Europe, and the plan of the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise the interest rates to attract overseas money.

The article reports on the real estate investment trust (REIT) Annaly Capital Management, noting its high dividend yield and annualized return. Topics presented include the author's predictions for continued stock success in 2013 and Annaly's investment strategy. Also discussed is the impact on revenue production of U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke's decision to maintain short-term rates near zero until 2014.

The author examines the problems being faced by the U.S. Treasuries. He mentions that despite its rise from 3.2% to 3.8% from late fall 2009 to the middle of January 2010, the Treasuries are still not considered as great sources of current income. He recalls that Treasury yields were nearly 16% in 1981, making current yields appear small. The rise of long-term rates toward a higher range is cited as one problem for Treasury-bond investors.

The article reveals the benefits of brokered certificates deposit (CD) as a safe way to invest one's money in. Putting money into a nine-month ladder of CD also offers a better yield than a Treasury bill. Creating a CD ladder entails searching for the best rates, filling out applications and keeping track of the balances and maturity dates. When purchases are made through a single custodian, the data is consolidated on a monthly statement and transferring funds is much more easier as it only needs a phone call.

The article highlights the risks associated Treasury bonds. According to Pimco luminary Bill Gross, prices of long-term Treasury bonds may crash should yields rise sharply. Noted is the tendency of the market value of U.S. bonds to decline as interest rates increase. Haag Sherman of Salient Partners explains why the increasing U.S. debt is scaring investors to prop up Treasury prices. INSET: 3 Strikes Against Treasuries.