Bonds issued by the government to raise capital to find operations. Regarded as safe and secure because they are backed by the U.S. government which has the ability to print money and raise taxes to cover bond obligations.

T-bonds mature in 30 years and offer investors the highest interest payments bi-annually. TLT

T-notes mature anywhere between two and 10 years, with bi-annual interest payments, but lower yields. IEF

T-bills have the shortest maturity terms—from four weeks to a year. TIP