But TIPS stand out from most bonds because rather than having a fixed face value, the amount you get back at maturity rises and falls alongside changes in consumer prices. Inflation crushed bond-market investors, as low-interest rate bonds issued before the crisis suddenly couldn't keep up with the erosion in purchasing power. Using the CPI, TIPS incorporate changes in prices in the interest and principal payments they make, thereby allowing investors to get an offsetting benefit when the cost of things like food, housing, cars, and clothing rise.