savings bonds?
 

I have a bunch of U.S. savings bonds, I mean it's not a fortune but being retired anything is good. They are all mature. Given the state of the economy and the stock market, bonds, etc. Would it be wise to cash them in before the excrement enters the impeller?

Yes, and convert them to your favorite commodity. Gold/Silver/Platinum/Lead/real estate/food/etc.

firearms has been speculated more as good way of hedging against SHTF risk. :P

that is considered "lead"

That is good to know. My wife has been quacking about cashing them in. So now it's just what to do with the money where it will be comparably safe.

If they are matured they earn nothing. Why wouldn't you turn them in when they pay 0%? If you liked the bonds look at I bonds.

Gold? While many say it is bubbling, an equal number seem to think it will continue to climb after a correction or two. As a long term investment, it certainly has remained steady. But I will be the first to admit that I know nothing.

From Kitco yesterday, an analyst claimed some Asian Central Banks were still buying - possibly even China & the wedding season is approaching in India etc etc etc. Who can tell? Bad news is good for gold.

I'm still holding. But would I buy? Well, no . . .

Ian

There is a savings bond wizzard that you can load all of your Savings bonds and it will calculate the gains and tell you when they exactly mature, I have a bunch I bought in the late 80's early 90's and the don't mature for a few more yrs.

http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/tools/tools_savingsbondwizard.htm

yes we have used that and strangely enough we find that they are still gaining interest after maturity. We're cashing them in anyway.

Not necessarily. IIRC, bonds that are Series E and earlier continue to earn interest until redeemed. Bonds that are Series EE and later stop earning interest at maturity.

Oh, and I second the call for investing in lead.

as you all know i have a good bit invested in lead. And yes ours are still bearing interest.