Electronic U.S. Savings Bonds

February 28, 2012

 

Hey Savvy Shoppers & Savers,

Did you know you could transfer your paper U.S. Savings Bonds to electronic securities using your Treasury Direct account?  By using your Treasury Direct account, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of having online 24-hour access to manage your holdings, without having to keep track of paper securities!

Electronic securities give you a greater degree of flexibility and convenience than paper securities.  You can view and redeem your electronic bonds, in full or in part, at any time and then deposit the funds to your bank account.  You no longer need to calculate how much interest your bonds have earned so far; you can just view their current value online.  As soon as the reach full maturity and are no longer earning interest, they will be paid automatically.  And the best part is you don’t need to worry about accidentally losing or destroying your bonds!

Converting your bonds is straightforward when you use Treasury Direct’s SmartExchange feature.  Just gather all your paper bonds together and follow these simple steps:

  1. Open a Treasury Direct account, if you don’t already have one. Simply complete the online application to get started.
  2. Once your Treasury Direct account is set up, login, click “Manage Direct,” then select “Establish a Conversion Linked Account” in the Manage My Linked Accounts menu.
  3. After you review the information on the ManageDirect >> Establish a Conversion Account page, click “Create Account” if you wish to create a Conversion Linked Account.
  4. Click “Manage Direct,” then select “How to Convert My Paper Bonds” under the “Manage My Conversions” menu for complete instructions.

BondRewards is excited that now when you redeem your BondDollars, you will receive your U.S. Savings Bond electronically.  Not only are electronic savings bonds more convenient and versatile, the U.S. Treasury estimates it will save $70 million in five years by eliminating paper bonds.  For more information about BondRewards new redemption process, please visit our FAQ page.

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The more shopping you do online through BondRewards – the more BondDollars you can earn. Watch your BondDollars grow into big savings that you can later redeem for Cash or U.S. Savings Bonds! It’s a win-win so spread the word, secure your future, and show some love with BondRewards!

Melanie Roberts
Marketing Manager Bondrewards.com
Fan Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter


8 Things to Buy in February

February 10, 2012

 

Hey Savvy Shoppers & Savers,

While January is one of the best discount months of the year, many of its savings carry over into February.  Throw in the fact that many annual trade shows happen this month and you might find February the perfect time to finally buy those things you’ve been holding off on.

1. Electronics

February is the time of year when electronics manufacturers announce their new products at annual trade shows.  This means that most stores are gearing up for the new stuff and cutting prices on last year’s models.  Electronics savings tend to hit their peak around President’s Day, so if you can wait, we recommend it.

2. Home Furniture and Housewares

Like with electronics, new furniture enters the market in February.  Stores slash prices on slightly older models in order to make room for the new products, making this month the ideal time to makeover your house.  At Sears, everything from cookware to furniture to mattresses is currently discounted up to 60%.

3. Winter Coats

We are more than halfway through winter, which means stores are already putting out their spring collections, so it’s unsurprising that winter clothes are on sale.  Due to mild weather this winter, you might find cold weather jackets discounted even higher as stores try to unload the high volume of leftovers.  Check out Nordstrom or Eddie Bauer for winter coats at up to 60% off.

4. Ski Vacation

If you are looking for a quiet vacation this month, skiing may be your best bet. February is normally peak skiing season, however, due to warmer temperatures and low snow fall this year, many resorts are offering unseasonal deals.  Look for the best packaged deals in traditional ski towns, such as Lake Tahoe, California, or Park City, Utah through websites like Expedia, Orbitz, or Travelocity.  Additionally, many outdoor equipment stores, like REI, are holding early sales on skiing gear, making skiing more affordable than ever.

5. Grills

Grilling loses its appeal if you have to brave the cold weather to light the coals. Stores like Hayneedle cut their prices this time of year in order to make their grills more enticing.  If you need a new grill for next summer, this is the time of year to buy one.

6. Wedding Supplies

Like grills, most people are holding out until the weather gets warmer to hold a wedding.  As a result, it is much easier to find a venue and negotiate a good price.  Wedding supplies, like dresses, flowers, and decorations, are also less in demand during winter.  Check out David’s Bridal for its wedding dress sale this February.

7. Video Games

Most video games are released in the beginning of winter, just in time for the holiday season.  By February, most of the serious gamers have already snatched up the new releases.  Check out the deals sections at stores like GameStop to find the best prices on the games you have been waiting to buy since December.

8. Chocolate

Peak chocolate sales occur right before Valentine’s Day.  Starting the 15th, stores begin trying to sell their remaining chocolates—at highly discounted prices.  If you can look past the heart shaped boxes, you can find ingredients for your next baked masterpiece at 50% discount.  Buy in bulk and freeze for several months to make your savings last even longer.

If you are looking to increase your rewards this February, remember to shop using BondRewards.  Not only will you be able to access all of this month’s sales, you will be saving for your future with the rewards you get back from BondDollars.  With a selection of over 600 different merchants, you’re bound to find whatever you need all on one site.  Keep these tips in mind and shop at BondRewards to keep the prices low this February…and the savings high!

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The more shopping you do online through BondRewards – the more BondDollars you can earn. Watch your BondDollars grow into big savings that you can later redeem for Cash or U.S. Savings Bonds! It’s a win-win so spread the word, secure your future, and show some love with BondRewards!

Melanie Roberts
Marketing Manager Bondrewards.com
Fan Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter


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