Bonds are a way to lend money to a government or company in exchange for interest payments over time. When you own a bond, you're essentially waiting for it to mature—the point when you get your original money back plus the interest you've earned. Cashing in or redeeming a bond means converting it back into cash, but the process and timing depend on what type of bond you hold and the rules that came with it.
The articles here explain how different bonds work for getting your money out. You'll learn what happens when a bond reaches maturity, how to actually redeem one, what penalties or fees might apply if you cash out early, and how to handle bonds held in different places—whether you own them directly or through a bank or investment account.