Turning 30 has been great. Among other things, I was able to redeem a 30-year U.S. savings bond given to me by my father’s employer when I was born. The $50 bond was purchased at 75% of face value in April, 1978 and earned interest at varying rates for the next three decades. For years the bond was tucked away in my parents’ safe deposit box, but a couple years ago they dug it out and gave it to me. I could have redeemed it sooner, but I decided to wait until it was finished accruing interest. I liked the idea of having it live out its entire life span. When I finally took it to the bank the day after the last interest posted, the teller looked at me like a loon when I told him how pretty I thought it was. It really was pretty, though. I took a picture so you all can see, too. Wondering about the final value? $217 and change!