
California state bonds are a type of investment that can provide a safe and secure way to earn returns, with a minimum investment of $100 required.
The California State Treasurer's Office is responsible for issuing and managing state bonds, which are backed by the state's credit and taxing power.
Investors can choose from a variety of bond types, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and lease revenue bonds.
These bonds are designed to finance infrastructure projects, such as schools, hospitals, and highways, and can be purchased directly from the state or through a broker.
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California State Bonds Overview
The state of California is currently repaying about $80 billion of bonds, with an additional $35 billion of bonds expected to be sold in the next few years.
California's bond debt is being repaid at a rate of about $6 billion each year from the General Fund, which is lower than the historical average of about 4 percent.
The state will continue to pay a similar amount over the next few years, about 3 percent of the state's annual General Fund revenue.
There are two bond measures on this ballot, Proposition 2 and Proposition 4, which would allow the state to borrow $10 billion each for various purposes.
The cost to repay Proposition 2 would be about $500 million each year for 35 years, and the cost to repay Proposition 4 would be about $400 million each year for 40 years.
The Public Finance Division (PFD) manages the state's debt portfolio, overseeing the issuance of debt and monitoring and servicing the state's outstanding debt.
PFD handles the sale of general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, short-term notes, and commercial paper, and acts as agent for sale for revenue bonds issued by various financing authorities.
The PFD also calculates and ensures the timely and accurate payment of debt service, oversees ongoing tax compliance, and manages disclosure requirements.
The state's investor relations program is administered by PFD, providing access to public financing information on the Treasurer's website and at BuyCaliforniaBonds.com.
The cost to repay both Proposition 2 and Proposition 4 would total about $900 million each year, which is about one-half of 1 percent of the state's annual General Fund revenue.
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Bond Purpose and Allocation
California state bonds are issued to finance specific projects and programs that benefit the state's economy and residents. The General Obligation Bond Act of 1952 allows the state to issue bonds for various purposes.
These bonds are backed by the state's full faith and credit, making them a low-risk investment for investors. The state's credit rating plays a significant role in determining the bond's interest rate and market demand.
The California State Treasurer's Office is responsible for managing the state's bond program, ensuring that bond proceeds are used for authorized projects. The treasurer's office also oversees the investment of bond proceeds in the state's investment pool.
The state's bond allocation is guided by the State Treasurer's Investment Committee, which reviews and approves investment decisions. The committee's primary goal is to maximize returns while maintaining liquidity and minimizing risk.
Investor Information
California state bonds are issued by the State of California to finance various public projects and infrastructure.
Investors can purchase California state bonds directly from the state or through a broker.
The minimum purchase amount for California state bonds is $100.
Interest on California state bonds is paid semiannually, and the bonds are generally tax-exempt.
Special Opportunity for Investors

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California is issuing $2.3 billion of General Obligation bonds, and individual investors can place orders to buy these bonds before other investors during the early order period.
The early order period is on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, and individual investors can call 1-800-FMS-BOND (1-800-367-2663) or email to get more information.
Individual investors enjoy several advantages when they buy bonds or notes during the early order period, including getting to place their orders before institutional investors.
They also earn the same investment return as institutional investors who buy the same bonds or notes.
One of the benefits is that individual investors do not pay the upfront brokerage fee or commission.
However, they should check with their broker to learn about any other transaction or account maintenance fees.
To participate in the early order period, you must have an account with one of the brokerage firms participating in the bond or note sale.
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Bonds and notes cannot be purchased directly from the State, so you'll need to open an account with a participating firm if you don't already have one.
Investors are encouraged to begin the New Account process well in advance of the sale, as internal new account procedures may take some time to process.
Here are the basic steps to participate in the early order period:
- You must have an account with one of the participating brokerage firms.
- Investors are encouraged to begin the New Account process well in advance of the sale.
- Each firm has its own requirements for opening an account.
To learn more about the bonds or notes, you can download and read the Preliminary Official Statement, which includes information about the bonds or notes, including their security, maturity dates, and the types of projects they finance.
You can also find out the credit ratings California bonds or notes have received.
What to Spend Money On
Investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make, as it can lead to long-term financial benefits and personal growth.
Developing in-demand skills like coding, data analysis, or digital marketing can increase your earning potential by up to 15%.

Investing in a retirement account can provide a tax advantage, and contributing at least 10% of your income to a 401(k) or IRA can help you build a substantial nest egg over time.
Upgrading your home or investing in real estate can provide a tangible asset that can appreciate in value over time, potentially generating a significant return on investment.
Bond Process and Sales
California state bonds are issued by the State of California to finance various public projects and programs.
The bond process typically begins with the Governor's office submitting a budget to the legislature, which includes proposed bond measures.
A bond measure is a proposal to issue bonds to finance a specific project or program.
The legislature reviews and debates the bond measures, and if approved, they are put on the ballot for voters to decide.
California state bonds can be issued for a wide range of purposes, including transportation, education, and public safety.
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The state's General Obligation Bonds (GO Bonds) are backed by the full faith and credit of the state, making them a low-risk investment option.
California's GO Bonds have a long history, dating back to 1862, and have been used to finance various public projects and programs over the years.
In addition to GO Bonds, California also issues Revenue Bonds, which are secured by the revenue generated by a specific project or program.
The state's Bond Counsel, a law firm that advises the state on bond transactions, plays a crucial role in the bond process.
The Bond Counsel ensures that the bond measures comply with state and federal laws, and that the bond issuance is done in a transparent and fair manner.
The bond sales process involves the state selling the bonds to investors, who purchase them in exchange for interest payments.
The interest payments on California state bonds are tax-exempt, making them an attractive investment option for investors.
Worth a look: California State Go Bonds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are California municipal bonds a good investment?
California municipal bonds can offer attractive yields, with A-rated bonds providing nearly 7.0% taxable-equivalent yields in high-tax states. However, it's essential to consider the low default risk, with a 0.10% mean ten-year cumulative default rate for investment-grade municipals
Are California bonds tax free?
California GO bonds are generally tax-exempt, but some issues may be taxable and subject to state income tax. However, interest income on taxable GO bonds is often exempt from California state income tax.
What are current California municipal bond rates?
Current California municipal bond rates vary by term, with 1-month rates around 1.42%, 3-month rates around 1.19%, and 1-year rates around 5.27%. Check the latest rates for more detailed information on California municipal bond yields.
How do I check the status of my bonds?
To check the status of your bonds, use Treasury Hunt, an online tool from TreasuryDirect, to search for matured savings bonds and missing interest. This tool helps you locate and claim any missing interest on your bonds.
What does it mean when a state issues bonds?
A state issues bonds to borrow money for long-term infrastructure projects, such as building roads, schools, and bridges. This financial tool allows governments to fund essential projects without immediately tapping into tax revenue.
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