United States Savings Bonds have been one of the most popular ways for
Americans to save for over 60 years. As a result of purchases or gifts, more
than 55 million people currently own about $180 billion in savings bonds.
But, some savings bonds have quit earning interest. Savings bonds earn
interest for different lengths of time depending on the series and when the
bond was issued. It is important to check any savings bonds you have to make
sure they are still earning interest. This is especially true for the popular
Series E bonds and savings notes. Many individuals have savings bonds stored
away in safe deposit boxes or drawers and probably are not aware of the
maturity dates.
The following savings bonds no longer earn interest (as of 2/1/05):
| Series |
Issue Date |
E |
May 1941 through February 1965 and December
1965 through February 1975 |
| H |
June 1952 through February 1975 |
| Savings Notes |
May 1967 through OCtober 1970 |
| A,B,C,D,F,G,J,K |
All issues |
If your savings bonds have stopped earning interest, you should cash them in
or exchange them.
The savings bond web site, (www.savingsbonds.gov) provides information
about the savings bond program and offers a tool called Savings Bond Wizard.
This “wizard” can help track values, maturity dates and other
information about savings bonds.
Many individuals have forgotten about savings bonds purchased decades ago.
If you think you may have some savings bonds, it is a good idea to find them,
make sure they are still paying interest and include them in your total
financial planning activities.
