Dave Says: Cash the Bonds and Invest!

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Dear Dave,

I’m 23 years old, and I was in the military for five years. While serving I received what is now $2,700 in Series EE bonds. Should I keep them?

Tammy

Dear Tammy,

If it were me, I’d cash them in and do my own investing with the money. Series EE bonds have a very low rate of return. They don’t pay much, and they’re not good long-term investments. They’re almost like keeping your money in a certificate of deposit over the long haul.

Investing is never a bad idea, and I know that may seem like a lot of money to you at the moment. But my advice is to cash out the bonds, find a financial advisor with the heart of a teacher, and invest the money in growth stock mutual funds with a good five- to 10-year track record. After that, get set up for auto-draft on your checking account and put at least $50 a month into your new mutual fund. That’s a much better plan!

—Dave

* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

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