Treasury bonds for $100

The Treasury Department said Friday it plans to lower the minimum investment amount for government bonds in an effort to make them more affordable for average investors.

Beginning April 7, people will be able to buy as little as $100 in Treasury marketable bills, notes, bonds and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Investors will also be able to purchase these securities in increments of $100.

The minimum amount and increment purchase size for Treasurys has been $1,000 since August 1998.