Paper Series EE and I Savings Bonds will no longer be sold through financial institutions or mail-in orders after December 31, 2011. Savings bonds are not going away, though. You can purchase electronic savings bonds online through www.treasurydirect.gov.

Ending sales of paper savings bonds will save taxpayers an estimated $70 million over the next five years. In addition, unlike paper savings bonds, electronic savings bonds are not easily lost or misplaced.

Existing paper savings bonds are valid issues of the Treasury Department and will earn interest for 30 years from the issue date or until redeemed. You can still redeem paper bonds at most local financial institutions, including Cornerstone Community Bank.