These bond strategies can help you get a safe 5% return on your cash

With U.S. Treasury yields near multi-year highs, financial planners say more investors are shifting toward fixed income and shorter-duration options as retirement planning toolsets evolve. Treasurys with maturities of five years or longer have pushed above 5% in recent weeks. As of early Wednesday afternoon, the 1-year Treasury bill yielded 4.55% and the 3-year note 4.99%. While longer-term bonds can pay more interest every six months, planners warn that concentrating in long duration increases exposure to inflation and interest-rate swings. Some prefer a balanced mix: more fixed income for stability while still holding equities for growth and inflation protection. Planners also caution that locking large shares into long Treasurys fixes income for years even as expenses can change.