Should I cash in Series I savings bonds?

Whether you should cash in your Series I savings bonds depends entirely on your personal financial situation, the bond's interest rate, and current market alternatives. There is no single "yes" or "no" answer.

When to cash out series I Bonds?

You can cash in (redeem) your I bond after 12 months. However, if you cash in the bond in less than 5 years, you lose the last 3 months of interest. For example, if you cash in the bond after 18 months, you get the first 15 months of interest.

Should I redeem a series I savings bond?

If you hold the bond for less than five years at the time when you cash it in, you will lose the last three months of accrued interest. On the other hand, you can avoid the I Bond withdrawal penalty by holding onto your bonds for the long haul.

How much is a 30 year old $100 savings bond worth today?

A $100 savings bond's value after 30 years depends on the issue date, but for a Series EE bond from October 1994, it's worth about $164.12, having earned $114.12 in interest, as these bonds stop earning interest after 30 years. You can find the exact value using the TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator by entering the bond's series, denomination, and issue date. 

Should I get rid of my I Bonds?

If you bought at COVID 8% adjustable, then your base rate is close to Zero. You should DEFINITELY sell your older I-bonds, and if you want to keep I-bonds, lock in 1.2% plus the inflation variable. Almost all folk did this. The maths are you shall make back the lost-3-month-interest in about 1year of locked holding.

Series EE vs Series I Bonds & Step-By-Step Walkthrough

Are I bonds worth keeping?

If you are a conservative investor, you may focus on protecting your money with I Bonds, as they offer a stable, low-risk way to keep up with inflation. Because I Bonds don't lose value and earn interest that adjusts for inflation, they can be a good fit for a safe portfolio.

How do I avoid taxes when cashing in savings bonds?

You can cash U.S. Series EE or I savings bonds without paying federal income tax on the interest if you use the funds for qualified higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent, provided you meet income and age requirements (owner must be 24+) and file as 'Married Filing Jointly' or Single, not 'Married Filing Separately'. Alternatively, you can roll the proceeds into a 529 plan, or defer taxes until maturity, but using for education offers the best tax avoidance. 

Why is my $100 savings bond only worth $50?

There are two primary reasons a bond might be worth less than its listed face value. A savings bond, for example, is sold at a discount to its face value and steadily appreciates in price as the bond approaches its maturity date. Upon maturity, the bond is redeemed for the full face value.

What is the current interest rate for Ibonds?

The current composite interest rate for new Series I Savings Bonds issued from November 2025 through April 2026 is 4.03%, consisting of a 0.90% fixed rate and a 3.12% annualized inflation rate, which adjust every six months, according to TreasuryDirect. The Wall Street Journal notes this rate is a combination of a fixed portion and a variable inflation-linked portion, with new rates announced twice a year by the U.S. Treasury. 

Is it worth keeping EE bonds after 20 years?

They earn interest regularly for 30 years (or until you cash them if you do that before 30 years). For EE bonds you buy now, we guarantee that the bond will double in value in 20 years, even if we have to add money at 20 years to make that happen.

What does Warren Buffett say about bonds?

Buffett argues that stocks will continue to provide higher returns over the long run than bonds or cash. Invest the remaining 10% in short-term government bonds such as U.S. Treasury bills. This ensures liquidity (your ability to buy or sell with relative ease) while reducing your overall risk in market downturns.

What is the best way to cash in savings bonds?

The best way to cash savings bonds depends on if they're paper or electronic: electronic bonds are easiest to cash online via TreasuryDirect.gov, transferring funds in days, while paper bonds often go through your bank (call first to confirm they cash them and for account holder rules) or by mailing a completed FS Form 1522 and the bond to the Treasury, requiring signature certification for large amounts. Always ensure the bond is at least one year old, and remember paper bonds must be cashed in full, unlike electronic ones. 

Why does Dave Ramsey not invest in bonds?

For starters, I don't buy bonds. Bonds are frequently pitched in the financial world as being much safer than the stock market, but actual data shows they're not that much safer. The bond market, in general, is almost as volatile as the stock market because of the way bond values respond to shifting interest rates.

Is there a bad time to cash in savings bonds?

Most savings bonds stop earning interest (or reach maturity) between 20 to 30 years. It's possible to redeem a savings bond as soon as one year after it's purchased, but it's usually wise to wait at least five years so you don't lose the last three months of interest when you cash it in.

How long can you hold series I bonds?

Thus, your bond's value grows both because it earns interest and because the principal value gets bigger. EE and I bonds earn interest until the first of these events: You cash in the bond or the bond matures – reaches the end of its 30-year term. (If you cash in the bond before 5 years, you lose 3 months interest.)

What day of the month should I sell my I bonds?

If you want to keep all your good interest and get the most out of your I Bonds you should cash out: after earning 3 months of lower interest and. just after the 1st of the month.

How much is a $100 bond worth after 30 years?

A $100 U.S. Savings Bond (Series EE) purchased in October 1994 would be worth approximately $164.12 after 30 years, as these bonds stop earning interest at their 30-year final maturity, but you can find the exact value for any bond using the U.S. Treasury's Savings Bond Calculator by entering its series, denomination, and issue date. 

Which bond is paying 7.5% interest?

Belong Limited 7.5% Social Bonds due 2030. The Belong Limited 7.5% Social Bonds due 2030 will pay a fixed rate of interest of 7.5% per annum, payable twice yearly on 7 January and 7 July of each year. The Bonds are expected to mature on 7 July 2030 with a final legal maturity on 7 July 2032.

When to cash out I bonds?

You cannot cash out your I-Bond for 12 months after purchase. New rates are announced in May and November by the Treasury. However, keep in mind that your personal interest rate on I-Bonds resets in 6-month intervals from the purchase of your bonds.

Is there a penalty for not cashing EE bonds after 30 years?

Series EE bonds mature after 30 years, at which point they stop earning interest. There is no penalty for holding them beyond this period. When cashed, the interest earned up to maturity is taxable income reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.

Are savings bonds better than CDs?

Interest Rates and Returns: Bonds often have higher interest rates than CDs. Liquidity and Access to Funds: CDs typically incur penalties for early withdrawals, while bonds can be sold before maturity without penalty; however, you may incur a loss if the price of the bond is below the purchase price.

Are savings bonds worth more the longer you keep them?

Key Takeaways

Savings bonds are sold at a discount, and they don't pay regular interest. They instead increase in value as they mature until they reach full face value at maturity. The time to maturity for savings bonds depends on which series of issue is owned.

Will I get a 1099 for cashing in savings bonds?

If you cash a paper savings bond at a local bank, that bank is responsible for giving you a 1099. If you cash a paper savings bond by mailing it to Treasury Retail Securities Services, we mail you a 1099 by January 31 of the following year. (You can call us for a duplicate statement, if needed, beginning February 15.)

Where is the best place to cash savings bonds?

TreasuryDirect.gov is the one and only place to electronically buy and redeem U.S. Savings Bonds. We also offer electronic sales and auctions of other U.S.-backed investments to the general public, financial professionals, and state and local governments.

Does it matter whose social security number is on a savings bond?

The individual owns the U.S. Savings Bond if only their name appears on it. The Social Security Number shown on a bond is not proof of ownership. EXAMPLE: A U.S. Savings Bond title reads, “John Smith.” Only John Smith can cash that bond.