What's your savings bond worth?

By Tali Yahalom, Money magazine


(MONEY Magazine) -- Question: I have a savings bond that was purchased in 1974. How can I find out its current value? -- Marva Strickland, Lexington, Ky.

Answer: Figuring out the value of an old savings bond is easy: Go to treasurydirect.gov and put in the serial number (while you're there, type in your Social Security number to see whether you have any other old bonds you've mislaid or forgotten).

Since your bond is more than 30 years old, it's no longer accruing interest, so regardless of its worth, you might as well cash it in (which you can do free at most banks).

Bond income is exempt from state taxes, but you'll owe federal income tax on the payout.  To top of page

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