How cool is it that i even HAVE a safe?! ha ha…i bought one a cple years back when i was in splurge-mode after hearing horror stories of important documents going up in flames. I also always thought it was “cool” using them at hotel stays, and seeing rich people use them on T.V. The most awesomest being Scrooge McDuck’s of course, from Duck Tales.

At any rate, i was digging through it a few weeks back and came across an envelope full of old Savings Bonds I got when i was a wee one. My Grandparents were HUGE fans of these things, so I’m dedicating this post to them. Thank you much G-ma & G-pa!

The most awesome thing about ’em is that they just LOOK so old! i don’t know what they look like now, but seeing the typed out text makes me laugh a little…i can see a banker putting one through a typewriter or something.

Here’s what i found:
A $50 bond – dated FEB, 1980 – Series EE
A $50 bond – dated MAR, 1980 – Series EE
A $50 bond – dated DEC, 1984 – Series EE
A $50 bond – dated DEC, 1994 – Series EE
A $50 bond – dated DEC, 1996 – Series EE

I vaguely remember my mom telling me how important it was to hold on to them until the maturity date, so i’d imagine they have to be good by now. I’m just glad i still have them after all these years! To be honest though, i’m not sure if i really even want to cash them in. My mind is currently full of questions:

1) Are they still Valid??? i mean some are from 1980!! hahaa…
2) How much are they worth now?
3) What do the “EE”‘s stand for?
4) Can i just roll up to a bank and turn them in willy nilly? And if so, what if I have an online back (I use USAA), would i get charged some crazy fee if i tried giving them up to a different bank?
5) Do i need to prove who i am? I’d imagine i’d have to show proper I.D. to prove my name, but i’m hoping not for the address that’s listed on the bond…i’ve moved 20+ times in my life and can’t imagine showing this proof.
6) What are the tax implications? Maybe there’s some sort of tax-free status, considering i’ve been waiting over 20 years on some! i highly doubt it though.

As you can see, i’m just starting to dive into this crazy arena. If any of you know what’s up, feel free to help me out. I’ll probably just google it when i get some free time (or when i’m bored) but i’m way too lazy right now. Plus the “what if” excitement is fun for the time being ;)

Have a most joyous weekend everybody, and HAPPY BLOGGING!!!

UPDATE: I cashed them all in – here’s how I did it :)