You can buy treasuries directly from the Fed at the TreasuryDirect Web site at www.treasurydirect.gov. The Bureau of the Public Debt agency of the United States Department of the Treasury manages the Web site and sales of Treasury securities.

The Bureau of the Public Debt sells treasuries to help fund the government. The agency accounts for the debt, pays interest to investors, and redeems the treasuries. Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, treasuries are considered lower risk investments. In addition, the interest earned on the treasuries is exempt from state and local taxes.

TreasuryDirect is only available to United States citizens and entities. A corporation, deceased or living estate, limited liability company (LLC), professional limited liability company (PLLC), partnership, sole proprietorship, or trust may open an entity account.

To open an account, you will need:

--     Social security number or employer identification number

--     Driver’s license or state identification number and expiration date

--     United States address

--     Bank routing number and checking or savings account number

--     Email address

--     Web browser supporting 128-bit encryption

Upon verification, choose a password, and an account number will be emailed to you, along with an access card. You will need the access card, account number, and password each time you log in. The application process takes about 10 minutes.

Through your online account, you may buy, hold, manage, and redeem treasuries, including Treasury bills, notes, and bonds, as well as Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS). You can even purchase treasuries as gifts. Choose the type of treasury and the amount you want to spend, and the bank account of your choice will be debited. Savings bonds are also available.

Manage your electronic treasuries completely online at TreasuryDirect. You can schedule purchases; track values; sell, transfer or redeem securities; or reinvest funds from maturing treasuries.