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• by Daphne O'Neal

• Just a year ago, savings bonds were considered by many to be as exciting as, well...an Oldsmobile. But in today's up-and-down market, the trusty instrument has regained a measure of appeal. Happily, you can purchase bonds online directly from the Treasury Department. Here's how to get started:

• You will need:

1. Social Security or Taxpayer ID number
2. United States address
3. Checking or savings account numbers AND routing numbers
4. Valid email address
5. Web browser to support 128-bit encryption. (Internet Explorer is preferred.)

1. Go to http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/myaccount/myaccount_treasurydirect.htm.
2. Click on the Open an Account link.
3. Unless you are a business owner, or represent some other entity, choose the Individual Account Type.
4. Fill in your personal and bank information.
5. Electronically sign the Taxpayer ID Certification.
6. Choose your
   1. Password
   2. Password reminder
   3. Security questions
7. Look for an email that will deliver your new account number for TreasuryDirect.
8. Wait for your Access Card to be delivered by mail.

1. Log in to your TreasuryDirect account.
2. At the Purchase Express menu, select the savings bond product of your choice.
3. Fill in the desired purchase amount.
4. Click the Buy Now button.
5. At the BuyDirect screen, confirm that the product type, purchase amount, and source of funds are correct.
6. Select a purchase date.
   1. Elect to schedule a single purchase for a certain date.
   2. Schedule repeat purchases by specifying start and end dates, along with frequency.
   3. Schedule repeat purchases by selecting the dates for yourself.
7. At the Purchase Review screen, confirm all purchase information.
8. Once all information is verified, click the Submit button.

• The savings bond will typically be placed in your online account within one business day.
• The amount of the purchase will be debited from the bank account you specified.