The bond's series indicates the type and nature of the savings bond. Currently, the active bond series include E, EE, and I bonds. This information can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the bond certificate. If you purchased your bond on Treasury Direct, this information will be available in your account.  If you're having trouble locating this information, the U.S. Treasury has provided a diagram to help paper savings bondholders find it. Visit https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/help/bc/bc_savings_diagram.htm to see it. E bonds were last issued in 1980 as 30-year bonds, so most E bonds should have been cashed in already. If you have an E bond you can still cash it in; however, note that interest would only accrue through the active life of the bond, which ended in 2010. HH and H series bonds are no longer in use and their current value cannot be calculated. The issue date indicates the month and year that the bond was issued. This information can be found on the right side of the bond certificate, between the series and serial number. This section may also include information regarding where the bond was purchased. The bond's face value, or denomination, represents how much the bond can be cashed in for before interest is added in. This information is the number if the top left-hand section of the bond certificate. The serial number, shown in the bottom right corner of the bond certificate, identifies your bond. This information is not required for calculating the bond's value. However, it must be recorded in case the bond certificate is damaged or lost.

Summary: Determine the bond's series. Look for the date of issue. Figure out the bond's face value. Identify the serial number.


Bend forward so that your braids hang down towards the ground. Gather all of your braids together into a high ponytail on the top of your head, then straighten back up. Secure your ponytail with a hair tie. If you want a more colorful look, slip a scrunchy over it. Alternatively, secure the ponytail by taking 3-5 twists from the back of the gathered hair and wrapping them around the ponytail until you reach the ends. Then, tuck in the ends and add bobby pins for additional support. Slide your thumbs back through your braids at about ear level. Gather the braids above your thumbs into a high ponytail, then secure them with a hair tie. Take 1 to 2 braids from the ponytail, then wrap them around the hair tie to hide it. Use a large bobby pin to secure the wrapped braids to the ponytail's base. Begin with a high half-up, half-down ponytail. Drape the ponytail across your forehead, then wrap it around the side of your head, keeping it above your ear. Secure it to the back of your head with a large bobby pin. Use your fingers to shape and sculpt your turban into your desired fullness and look.  It does not matter which side you wrap the ponytail. Make sure that it is covering your front hairline, however. Braid the ponytail first for a unique look. Start with a high half-up, half-down ponytail, then split it in half. Cross the left and right sections across your forehead, covering your front hairline. Wrap them around the sides of your head and gather them at the back of your head. Twist them together, tuck them under the wrapped hair, and secure them with a large bobby pin.  Use your fingers to sculpt and shape your wrapped hair so that it's as full as you want it to be. Make sure that the left and right sections swoop across your forehead, then sweep up above your ears.

Summary: Gather your hair into a simple, high ponytail. Try a half-up, half-down ponytail instead. Wrap a half-up, half-down ponytail into a turban. Convert a half-up, half-down ponytail into a double-wrapped turban.


No matter what the subject, know that you will lessen the burden on your shoulders as soon as you share it with your parents. Don’t feel worried, anxious, or embarrassed as your parents are meant to be there for you always. They may also know more than you think. With proper planning and communication, you will be able to have the conversation that you’re looking for. Your parents get worried because they care about you and want the best for you. With that in mind, they will be happy that you are seeking their advice for a problem. Any problems or awkwardness won’t simply go away if you avoid having a conversation with your parents. Relieve the stress by getting it out in the open. Knowing that your parents are trying to understand you and solve any problems can help alleviate your stress and anxiety. Do you want to talk to both your parents or is it something mom is better suited to handle? Your relationship with each parent is going to be different so ask yourself what will be the most appropriate course of action.  Some topics might be easier to discuss with one parent over the other, one parent might be calmer while the other is quicker to anger. In this case, it may be best to talk to your calmer parent first and then talk to the other parent together. Know that your parents are most likely going to tell each other about a conversation you have no matter if you only tell one of them. It’s best to include both in your conversation but smart to enlist the help of one to talk to the other if you feel that’s the best course of action. For example, you don’t want to alienate your dad by only telling your mom about a school bully. Ask your mom if you can talk to your dad together because you’re scared he will get angry at you for not standing up and fighting. Find out your parents’ schedule so you know when a good time to chat will be. You don’t want your parents to be distracted thinking about a meeting or having to prepare dinner. The location of your conversation is also important as you may not want any distractions like TV or your parents’ coworkers chiming in. While you may know what you want out of the conversation, there could be several different answers your parents give you. Plan for everything. Ideally, you want the conversation to go your way but it’s okay if it doesn’t. You are never alone as there are numerous resources including teachers and other responsible adults. If the outcome is not what you desired, you can try several things:  Talk to your parents again. Perhaps you caught them at a bad time. If they are already having a bad day they might not be in the best frame of mind to discuss your situation with an open mind. For example, don’t ask them if you can go to the school dance after you just made them late for your sister’s dance recital. Drop it. There’s no sense in infuriating your parents and ruining your chance at getting what you want anytime in the near future. If you have had a respectful and open conversation and both sides have pleaded their case, accept that your parent’s point of view. Showing them that you are mature enough to respect their perspective will help your case in the future as they will be more receptive to what you have to say knowing that you are able to keep your emotions in check. Seek outside support. Enlist the help of your grandparents, your friends' parents, or teachers to help plead your case. Your parents will always be protective of you so asking outside support can convince them that you can handle a situation. For example, you can ask an older sibling tell your parents that they have been to the area that you want to go to and can escort you to the location to make sure it's safe.
Summary: Be brave. Don’t be worried that your parents will get upset or react poorly. Don’t avoid the conversation. Know who you want to speak to. Schedule a time and place to have your conversation. Plan for the outcome.