Identify your financial goals.
Your goals should determine the type of mutual funds you select. Consider choosing a different mutual fund for each goal, whether it be retirement income, buying a home, or planning for your child's education.

Decide how long you plan to invest.
If your investment time frame is less than ten years, you might select more conservative funds. If your investment period is ten years or more, more aggressive funds may be appropriate.

Determine your risk tolerance.
The cornerstone of any investment selection is knowing your risk tolerance and the degree to which you can accept changes in the value of your investment. The degree of risk you should accept in your investment portfolio should take into consideration your age, career prospects, time horizon, and family needs. You must take time to evaluate your needs, as well as the trade-off between return and risk.

The types of investments you decide to pursue, the amount you decide to invest, and the degree of risk you decide you are willing to take will determine your investment choices.

Check into the performance history of the mutual fund.
There are several sources available to help you evaluate a fund's past performance. First and foremost is the funds prospectus, which is the legal document that describes the investment policies, objectives, risk, operating expenses, and operating policies and procedures of a mutual fund. In addition you can check Morningstar Reports, your local library and specific business publications.

Understand that although you can influence your investment return by your investment vehicle choices...
actual investment return is affected by many factors including the economy, different industry cycles, interest rates, and public opinion.

Disclosure
Investments in the Mutual funds are subject to market risk which may cause value to fluctuate including loss of principal.

For more complete information about funds including a fund's objectives and risks, and its charges and expenses, please call 1-800-292-1950 for a product prospectus.

Please read the prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses and other information before investing because these factors will directly affect future returns.