Q: Did Congress also extend the boost from $100,000 to $250,000 to NCUA-insured accounts as it did to accounts covered by the FDIC?

— R.F., North Kingstown

A: Yes. President Bush last month signed into law a measure that temporarily increases federal deposit insurance coverage for banks covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and for credit unions covered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

As a result, through Dec. 31, 2009, the federal insurance limit now covers up to $250,000 in deposits. (The old limit was generally $100,000 in deposits.)

The new limit generally applies per depositor, per account category, per institution.

To learn more about how the new rules apply to federally insured credit unions, call the NCUA’s consumer assistance center toll-free at (800) 755-1030, or use the agency’s Web site:

www.ncua.gov

Q: I’d like some clarification on the column in Tuesday, Nov. 4, that says you can buy only up to $5,000 per year in paper Series I bonds. I have several I bonds, and, over the years, I have bought more than that in a year’s time. . . .

— C.G., Smithfield

A: When you bought a certain type of U.S. Savings Bond, called the Series I bond, in previous years, you did so under the more generous purchase limits that applied at the time.

In December 2007, the U.S. Treasury announced new limits. (Please see the Dec. 4, 2007, MoneyLine for details.) The new limits took effect Jan. 1, 2008.

One result is that the maximum annual purchase limit is now $5,000 per Social Security number. But there are ways around that.

For example, you may buy up to $5,000 in paper Series I bonds and $5,000 in electronic Series I bonds.

Another possibility involves co-ownership. Because the limit applies per Social Security number, you could acquire additional Series I bonds as co-owner with a relative who is named first on the bonds. (For more about the limits — and how to get around them — please see the April 20 MoneyLine.)

To learn more about savings bonds, call the savings bond processing site toll-free at (866) 388-1776, or use this Web site:

www.treasurydirect.gov

Q: At one time you had one telephone number listed in the newspaper covering the three credit reporting companies, and I unfortunately didn’t cut that out. . . .

— T.U., North Kingstown

A: If you want to obtain a free copy of your credit report, contact the national clearinghouse that the three big credit reporting companies have established to handle such requests based on the terms of federal law.

That way, you’ll face no hidden fees or charges, and won’t have to commit to any long-term contracts. Here’s the way to do it:

•Call toll-free at (877) 322-8228.

•Order online: www.annualcreditreport.com

•Use the Web site above to print out a request form, complete it and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

TODAY’S TIP: Check your pocket change. The U.S. Mint has just issued the Hawaii quarter. The coin’s flip side shows a Hawaiian monarch stretching his hand toward the Hawaiian islands.

It’s the last state quarter issued this year (earlier ones included the Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Alaska quarters).

It’s also the final quarter to be issued in the government’s popular 50 State Quarters program, which began in 1999.

Next year, the Mint will start issuing quarters honoring the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

For more information, or to place orders, call the Mint toll-free at (800) 872-6468, or use its Web site:

www.usmint.gov

Questions about your money matters? Call us at (401) 277-7484 and leave a message, or e-mail:

moneyline@projo.com

Whether you phone in or e-mail your question, please be sure to include your name, hometown and home phone in case we need to reach you. Sorry, no personal replies; as many questions and issues as possible will appear here.