We are indebted to everyone who owns a U.S. Treasury security or savings bond. When you buy a government bond, you lend money to the government and get an IOU in return. A note or bond is nothing more than the government's promise to pay you money in the future in exchange for having the use of your money today. Each day the Bureau of the Public Debt updates the amount of the debt down to the penny. This Web site also reveals what the government pays in interest.
Monthly totals vary widely.
Each year the federal government budget runs either a deficit or a surplus, depending on whether it spends more or less than it takes in. The national debt is the accumulation of many years of deficits. Online money map One of the great features of the Internet is that it makes comparison shopping easier. Put in your ZIP code for a list of providers in your area. If you have a question about investments or personal finance, send it to On Money.