Where's the action?

[Jack Sprat]

We need some participants here. Who feels good about California tax free bonds right now?

[A HERETIC I AM]

1. I do not want to dominate the conversation on this group, by any means, so I hope you'll forgive me,

But here is a website that is really useful when it comes to bonds from my thread from May of 2009;

http://investinginbonds.com/

When the page opens, hover on the "Bond Markets & Prices" at the top then roll down and click on the "Municipal Market at a glance" link.

Click the "State" drop down, select California and hit "Continue".

A new window opens with all the Ca bonds traded today. At the top of that window you can re-sort for price, yield, maturity date, coupon, etc.

If you are really familiar with bonds, this page is pretty self explanatory. If you aren't or have any questions about what you read, I'll be happy to help if I can.

The answer to your primary question;

"Who feels good about California tax free bonds right now" is, as far as I am concerned, just as with any bond. If the yield is what you are looking for and the rating is satisfactory and the paying ability of the issuer is still strong, then why not? Some Ca bonds are going to totally suck, while others will be AAA rated, insured and well worth considering. The thing is, if you have an appetite for risk, one should consider the lower rated paper as the yields can be very attractive and still have a low risk of default.

What has been the safest state for Munis for quite a while now is North Dakota. Most are VERY well rated and backed by a solid income stream. ND has about the lowest unemployment rate in the country and a population about the size of Lee County Florida (Ft. Myers).

I think Jerry Brown will get California's shit together, personally. He's a good man and not acting at being Governor like the guy he replaced. One of the things that pisses me off most about the American political system is how Brown was marginalized merely because he sought enlightenment in Buddhism (If I'm not mistaken). Hence the moniker hung on him years ago as "Governor Moonbeam".

It is a tragedy because what we really need in American politics is intelligent, introspective thinkers like Brown instead of the current crop of know nothings offered up.

On edit to say...if you do have questions you think I might be able to answer and it has been a few days after this post, pop me a PM so I don't miss it, OK? That big red flashy banner thingy will get my attention!

All the best, and may all your trades be net gains.

[Jack Sprat]

4. Thanks, and I agree about Brown

Municipals are pretty sound as nobody wants to default and very few issuers can afford to do so if they want to ever raise needed money again. It's familiar with the current national dilemma being caused by the teapottiers.

This is the 1st time I've noticed this group. I've been to the Economy forum plenty of times and probably just missed this one by happenstance. Indeed, I have seen posts on Economy that should be directed here for advice on investing. Thanks for replying. Maybe we can draw some interest over here. I learn from others and investments are one of my favorite things I like to gain a better knowledge of. Economics was a void in my schooling admittedly.

[elleng]

2. Mutual funds.

Thanks for asking.

[Jack Sprat]

3. Vanguard

wide selection of funds at the very lowest expenses. Stocks, bonds, muni's for IRAs and non-retirement savings. I don't endorse many investment firms, but I am fond of this one.

[elleng]

5. T. Rowe Price

[CountAllVotes]

6. why T Rowe Price v. Vanguard

Vanguard has lower fees, but is there otherwise a good reason that T. Rowe Price is better?

Looking to move part of my IRA into this mess. :eyes:

[elleng]

7. I'm not comparing; have invested with T. Rowe for many years,

pleased with the options and performance.

You should compare for yourself.

Good luck.