The interest that I am losing isn't going to be made up if I can't buy the bonds and notes on a timely basis. Any information would be helpful. You aren't alone in feeling that Treasury Direct isn't apple pie easy. They aren't like mutual fund shares. But one thing we can be absolutely certain of is that the U.S. Treasury will provide us with regular opportunities to finance the federal deficit.
Interest is paid semi-annually.
The 13 and 26 week bills are sold at auction weekly, the 52 week bills are auctioned monthly. So are 2 year and 5 year notes. Although many people don't like to pay commissions, Treasury securities bought through a bank or broker can be resold before maturity. Those held in Treasury Direct must be transferred to a bank or broker before they can be sold, a time consuming process. As a result, I favor buying through a securities dealer.