Have some old U.S. Savings Bonds? I have a few and they're making me more money than some other investments.

So how do you know whether to hold those savings bonds or sell them? Consumer Reports Money Advisor says that's easy to figure out.

Go to the Treasury Department's web site savingsbonds.gov , and use the Savings Bond Calculator.

Just enter the series, serial number, denomination and date of purchase. The calculator will show you what you paid for the bond, the interest it's earned, the redemption value and the maturity date.

When it comes to cashing in a bond, timing is everything. Some bonds only pay interest twice a year. Consumer Reports money editors say cash in that bond "even one day before its scheduled posting" and you can lose as much as six months interest.

Remember, if you cash in savings bonds you've had for less than five years, you'll pay a penalty of 3-months interest.

And of course, in most cases when you redeem the bonds, you'll pay income tax on the profit.

For More Information:

Uncashed U.S. small bonds not small change

Retirees may seek inflation security via bonds

Understanding I-Bonds