This is Planet Money from NPR.

A few weeks ago, as part of this story, I was trying to loan the United States government

some of my money because apparently the United States government is about to run out of cash

if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling.

Now, usually it's gigantic institutional investors, foreign central banks that are lending

the U.S. money, but regular people can do this too.

You go to the Treasury Direct website where I was somewhat surprised to learn I had

apparently created an account years ago.

I guess my username, my password, fine.

But then I hit my security question, which was, what is my favorite movie?

Prove to be a bit of a problem.

Treasury services.

My name is Art.

How many help you?

Hey, I'm locked out of my account.

Okay.

I explained to Art that I had guessed Lord of the Rings, then Mad Max Fury Road, then

Fellowship of the Ring, and that is when I got locked out.

Now I'm really curious.

Like, what is my favorite movie?

I have other questions.

What is the location of your dream vacation?

...