US Savings Bonds

Archive for August, 2007

Question: Stopping Extravagant Christmas gift giving?

Does anyone have any decent, not snotty ideas on how to promote a less extravagant holiday this year? My in-laws (bless their hearts) insist on spending a large amount of money on each of us every year, including our 2 kids. While I am VERY greatful, I feel the money could be put to better use, like donating to a charitable cause (my first choice) or putting money into a savings account or saving bonds for our kids. While we are not rich by any means, we are able to afford the things we need and ocassionally even splurge on things we want. Our kids do not need more clothes or more toys, and suggestions for educational items are usually thrown by the wayside. I do not want to be rude or cause any sour feelings over the holidays. My side of the family has adopted a no-gift giving rule, and we are all much happier (and less stressed) ever since starting this. Our gift to each other is our presence, not our presents. Any Positive suggestions? Please don’t be rude!

Answer: While I think that it’s a beautiful sentiment, you just can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Your in-laws are set in thier ways and you can’t change that. As much as you and your children may not need the extra gifts, I’m sure that it gives your in-laws great joy to buy them for you. What I suggest is that during the summer months, you could take those extra things, sell them at a garage sale, and donate that money to charity. Taking them back right away is an insult to the in-laws and unfair to the kids who have had gifts dangled and taken away. I’m afraid that confronting the in-laws would cause hurt feelings by way of insulting their traditions. Just smile and accept the gifts in the spirt that they were intended.

Senate Session 2010-04-15 (11:02:56-11:50:33)

spot106-18-2010.mov

Question: Savings bond question?

In October of 1994 I received a savings bond valued at $50. I wasn’t thinking of cashing it, but i wondered what the value might be. I got online and entered the information for this bond in a US Savings Bond interest Calculator, and it valued my savings bond at $46 and some change. Is this correct. I had no idea Savings Bonds could even lose money. If this number is incorrect could someone estimate what it might actually be valued at.

Answer: Nancy

It did not lose money. They are bought at 1/2 of face value/ So your $50 bond cost $25 in 1994. A $100 bond costs $50. They earn interest from inception, the rate is actually pretty good!

Hope this helps

Soccerref

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