The government downgrade was more of a signal that was made for the government to get their shit together more than actual claims paying ability based on the articles I've read and what the economists I've talked to have said. The government can tax the hell out of us if need be which would be more likely than defaulting on bonds. I wouldn't worry too much about any of those types of bonds.

That being said, they pay absolute shit for interest and I wouldn't buy them. If you have them and you got them when rates were good then keep them, but don't go out and buy more.

So says the person who works and majors in finance. Totally not trying to get in a debate here though.

My kids were given Treasury Bonds as gifts from my in laws. I really wanted to put the money into a high yield account (back when such a thing worked,) but my FIL never trusted me so he insisted on bonds. My middle child is trying to pay for college with her bonds, and some are more than 15 years old and have still not matured. I guess T Bonds are a good investment (you get 100% interest) if you can wait 20 years.