IN THIS TUTORIAL   Growing a Fund Portfolio Why Mutual Funds? Sales Loads and Other Charges Focus on Categories Build a Solid Portfolio Start Your Search Tips for the New Fund Owner Hang onto Your Profits

FUNDS
Growing a Fund Portfolio

In this tutorial you'll learn how funds work and how to select the right funds for your goals. We've also included tips on record keeping and tackling your taxes. Finally, you can look over examples of well balanced portfolios of good performing funds in Kiplinger's portfolio picks.

• Why Mutual Funds?
  Funds offer plenty of benefits for busy investors. Here's a quick review of how they can work for you.
  
  
• Sales Loads and Other Charges
  Learn about the expenses funds charge and which ones you can avoid.
  
  
• Focus on Categories
  A fund's performance depends on what it buys. Each category carries its own level of risk ... and reward.
  
  
• Build a Solid Portfolio
  A balanced collection of funds will serve you better than a collection of the latest high fliers.
  
  
  • Plus: Kiplinger's Portfolios
  
  
  
• Start Your Search
From first choice to final check, here's how to find the best funds for you.


• Tips for the New Fund Owner
  What paperwork to keep, how to track your investments and when to say "sell."
  
  
• Hang onto Your ProfitsKeeping careful records, and understanding cost-basis rules will prevent you from overpaying your taxes.
  
  

Why Mutual Funds?