Many people like to buy U.S. Savings Bonds as gifts for loved ones. However, you can no longer buy Savings Bonds on paper from your bank. As a cost saving measure, these bonds must now be both purchased and given electronically. During the process, you get the chance to print out a certificate to physically give the recipient.

This video presentation walks you through the details of buying U.S. Savings Bonds as a gift. Below are some of the basics about the process.

1. You must create an account with the website TreasuryDirect. TreasuryDirect was created by the U.S. Treasury as a place to buy and redeem U.S. securities. To create this account, you will need to have on hand:
   • Your Tax ID Number (SSN or EIN)
   • Your e-mail address
   • Your bank account and routing numbers
2. You will need some information about the recipient of the gift:
   • His or her full name
   • His or her Tax Identification Number (SSN or EIN)
3. In order to receive your gift, the recipient will need to have their own TreasuryDirect account. If the recipient is under 18, a parent will need to create a Minor account for the child.
4. Once your recipient has an account, ask for their account number. You will use this number in TreasuryDirect to send the gift to his or her account.
5. You can also fill out and print a gift certificate to mail or present.

If you requested a time extension to file your 2011 taxes, they are due on October 15.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau orders American Express to pay $85 million to consumers because of illegal practices. American Express will contact you if you’re owed money.

During the month of October, professional financial planners will provide free advice at special one-off Financial Planning Day events in several cities across the country. Bring whatever financial questions you might have, and invite your friends and family to attend.

This all-volunteer group of planners is partnering with city governments to offer no-strings-attached financial advice without selling their services or handing out business cards. They won’t even be using branded pens and paper from the companies they work for.

You can get personalized advice on a variety of areas – retirement planning, credit and debt, budgeting, investments, taxes, insurance, estate planning and small business finances, among many others. Planners will also present classroom workshops addressing key personal finance topics.

Free packets of financial information will be available, as well. Can’t attend any of the Financial Planning Days events? The publications in those packets are also available online:

• You Can Organize and Simplify Your Financial Life: A How-to Guide
• Saving and Investing: A Roadmap to Your Financial Security
• Smart Saving for College - Better Buy Degrees
• Guide to Disability Income Insurance
• Guide to Long Term Care Insurance
• Savings Fitness
• Consumer Guide to Financial Self-Defense

Find out more about Financial Planning Days.

There’s no such thing as a quick way out of debt, but there are realistic steps you can take to get debt under control.