If you watch television, listen to a radio or engage in some form of social media you’ve no doubt seen Jerry Stiller—that’s Ben Stiller’s dad—in the Capital One Bank promotions of fixed savings rates at three times the national average.

It’s only fitting they’re using a spokesman who made his entire living as a comedian.  The grand rate that’s three times the national average is a whopping 1.25 APY.

Compared to the fixed earnings available in tax lien certificates and tax deed investing, that return is a joke.

Just a few weeks ago we saw how the state of California had to withdraw a tax free bond sale because the interest rate was around 2.0 to 2.5%, too low to attract fixed income investors.

Note also that the ads are national spots designed to attract the 95% of our 95/5 investing rule.  As a quick reminder, when it comes to finances and investing 95% of the information about achieving financial success is wrong.

So where does the savvy 5% investor go to for higher fixed rates of return on an investment secured with real estate?  They look to tax lien certificates and tax deed investing.  Not only are the rates great and guaranteed by a state, county or local government, they’re secured with the underlying real estate.

In 2010 tax foreclosure investors made an average of six to eight percent on their investment.  A quick calculation of the numbers means that these investment vehicles earned six times more that the rate that’s earning three times the national average!

The estimate from tax lien investors is that 2011 should get the same rate of return.  Results vary by investor, amounts invested and location.  Your due diligence is always required.

Need more information, get the annual report at www.taxforeclosures.com, it’s a great starting point.