How to Pick the Right Mutual Funds

We recently covered the why and how of purchasing a mutual fund, but you were probably left wondering what exactly you should be looking for when choosing which funds to buy. It’s a great question and can often be a daunting one for a beginning investor. In reality, it’s relatively easy to research and find good mutual funds. Once you’ve done it a few times, you may actually begin to enjoy the thrill of the hunt!

Is Do-It-Yourself Investing Right for You?

 By Mary Rowland

One of the first questions investors ask is this: Should I invest on my own or get the help of a financial planner?

For many investors, the answer is an obvious one. If you receive a large inheritance or divorce or insurance settlement and have no knowledge of the markets, you need help. But what about the rest of us? We know a little bit. We're willing to learn more. We're intrigued by the idea of investing. But will we do a good job?

In Striking Shift, Small Investors Flee Stock Market

"According to the Investment Company Institute, which surveys 4,000 households annually, the appetite for stock market risk among American investors of all ages has been declining steadily since it peaked around 2001, and the change is most pronounced in the under-35 age group."

Wow. That's bad... If you can help it, DO NOT pull your money out (unless you are close to retirement). If you are young, you are missing a great opportunity. You know how they say "buy low, sell high"? Well, when do you think that "low" time is?

Read the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/business/22invest.html?_r=1&ref=business