Just realized I have no idea where the serial number is on my savings bonds or even what they're worth right now. Turns out you can literally log into TreasuryDirect and see everything - like it's actually not complicated at all. You just need your account number, password, and boom, there's your bond value with all the details.

So apparently there are two main types - Series EE bonds that guarantee to double if you hold them 20 years, and Series I bonds that protect against inflation. Pretty interesting that I bonds adjust every six months. The government backs both, so it's basically the safest thing you can own.

If you have paper bonds lying around (which honestly who does anymore), you need to find that serial number, denomination, and issue date to use the calculator. Banks can help too if you're stuck. But electronic bonds are just way easier - everything's digital and they track interest automatically.

Before you cash anything in though, check what they're actually worth using their calculator. There's tax stuff to think about since you owe federal income tax on the interest, even though state and local taxes don't apply. And apparently if you inherited bonds, there are different rules.

If you've got lost bonds sitting somewhere, there's this Treasury Hunt tool where you enter your Social Security number and it searches for unclaimed ones. Kind of wild that people just forget about these things.