Investing in savings bonds

Dear Dave,

What do you think I should do with savings bonds I've been given over the years?

-Ashley

Dear Ashley,

I'd cash them out now and invest them in something better. Savings bonds earn almost no money. Plus, they're the kind of things people just leave lying around and forget about.

Back in the day it was a big thing to get and give savings bonds. We'd get them for birthday presents and such. Then, we'd wait until they matured and cash them out.

That's exactly what I'd do in your case, Ashley. Cash them out today and put the money into good growth stock mutual funds. You'll be glad you did!

-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. His newest book, written with his daughter Rachel Cruze, is titled Smart Money Smart Kids and is out now. 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.