For investors who want to buy U.S. Treasury securities, the Treasury Direct website is a treasure trove of information. Detailed information about Treasury bills, notes, bonds, Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS), and savings bonds is provided. You can also open an account and buy securities online without having to use an account executive or broker at a bank or brokerage firm. More information is provided in the website's Research Center and the Planning & Giving section. There is even a section for tools and calculators to help you plan your financial future.

Action items:

1. Visit the TreasuryDirect website at https://treasurydirect.gov/indiv/indiv.htm. Explore the differences between the different investment options. Also, take a look at the material in the Research Center, Planning & Giving section, and Tools sections.

2. Create a visual presentation (PowerPoint presentation, video, storyboard, or other format) to explain (a) the different investment options available from the U.S. Treasury, (b) why people invest in Treasury securities, and (c) if you think Treasury securities are a good investment alternative to help you achieve your financial goals at this time in your life.