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SAVINGS
Redeem Them Now
by Ronaleen Roha

Millions of people are losing money on U.S. savings bonds. We're not talking about losing the principal or interest your savings bonds have earned. But more than $12.5 billion worth of bonds that have stopped earning interest are languishing in safe-deposit boxes, desk drawers and other "safe places" across the country. The bonds listed in the table below are marking time as inflation whittles away at their value.

The Bureau of the Public Debt takes a tiny stab at finding owners. But it's tough for the agency's slim sleuthing staff (only a dozen strong) to find bondholders after 30 or 40 years. If you have any of these bonds, take them to a bank and cash them in, so that you can get that money working for you again.

Note that all series EE bonds are still earning interest -- they do so for 30 years. The first ones, which were issued in January 1980, will reach final maturity in January 2010.

Cash 'em in

Series E
January 1965 and earlier
December 1965 to January 1975

Series H
June 1952 to January 1975

Series HH
January 1980 to January 1985

Savings Notes/Freedom Shares
All issues

A, B, C, D, F, G, J and K
All issues