Savings Bond advice
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004
Categorized as: Series EE US Savings Bonds
We have series EE savings bonds dating back to 1983. Are they still drawing interest? If so, what is the rate and how often is interest paid? What advice do you have for these bonds? Can they just be left to continue earning interest as they are or what do you suggest to get the most benefit from them?
Tom's response
Bonds issued in 1983 will earn interest until 2013. Whether you should keep them or cash them is a complex question - it depends on what other assets and liabilities you have and what your investment strategy is.
You might consider consulting a competent fee-based financial advisor (avoid advisors who don't charge fees - they get paid by earning commissions on products that may not be best for you).
Savings Bonds are an excellent choice for the low risk portion of an investment portfolio. Most advisors recommend socking away at least 6 months worth of income in low-risk investments.
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I have 5 $100 face value EE bonds ranging in issue date from 10/95 to 10/97. I want to get the most vlue I can from them but I also would like to redeem at least a few of them soon (either now or within the next few years). If I were to redeem them sometime in the next year or so, what date/period would you recommend for highest value?
Shannon - The 10/95 bonds should be redeemed as close to October 1 or April 1 as possible. Because of a rule change in May 1997, you can redeem the 10/97 bonds near the first day of any month.
There are pros and cons both ways as to which ones you should cash first, but the difference at your investment level is tiny, so don't worry about it.
Tom Adams