Likewise, bacteria keep white blood cells from using too much force. Bacteria also help out by doing things cells are ill-equipped to do. For instance, bacteria break down carbohydrates (sugars) and toxins, and they help us absorb the fatty acids which cells need to grow.
Savings bonds include series EE and I bonds. There were HH bonds, but they are no longer issued. If you hold an HH bond, you can get your purchase price back through direct deposit. The EE bonds and I bonds mature in 20 years. You can cash the EE and I series bonds in after 1 year, but you will have to pay a penalty. After 5 years of purchase, you can cash in the bonds without a penalty. The penalty you pay, if you cash in the bonds before the 5 year limit, is the last 3 months of interest that your bond earned. Both EE and I bonds continue to earn interest for another 10 years after the 20 year maturity date.
Interest depends on when the EE Bond was issued: 1  EE Bonds issued from May 2005 earn a fixed rate of return. 2  EE Bonds issued from May 1997 through April 2005 earn variable rates based on 90% of the six-month average of 5-year Treasury Security yields.