If you are one of the millions of Americans who own U.S. savings bonds, it may be time to review your holdings. Many older bonds have stopped paying interest - that means their current rate of return has dropped to zero. Unless you take action, your money might just as well be stuffed under your mattress.

What bonds are no longer earning interest? Here is a list from the Bureau of the Public Debt.

Series E bonds issued from May 1941 through June 1959 and from December 1965 through June 1969

Series H bonds issued from June 1952 through June 1969

Savings notes issued from June 1952 through June 1969

Savings notes issued from May 1967 through June 1969

All issues of Series A, B, C, D, F, G, J, and K bonds

The government used to pay interest on all outstanding obligations, even after they expired. Congress in their wisdom passed a law that would prevent the paying beyond the contract date on U.S. Savings Bonds. What they are counting on is that you will forget to cash them in when they mature so that you will get cheated out of the interest you are entitled to.

Check your bonds today. Note the expiration dates of all bonds. Make a note when bonds are due to expire soon. Cash in the ones that have expired. Buy new investments that either do not expire or ones that will pay you interest for a long time.

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