Choosing to invest in Mutual Funds is recognizing the merits of the old adage, "Never have all you eggs in one basket".

In essence, we are talking about Risk. Risk has a different meaning to different people, and before you can be comfortable with risk, you need to develop an honest and candid understanding of your own risk tolerance levels. By doing so, you take the first step towards making smarter decisions. Knowledge, information and their application provide the cornerstone of any successful investment plan. This section provides a primer to that understanding.

Investing in Mutual Funds 101 Plus

	What is a Mutual fund? Mutual funds offer easy and affordable diversification among different asset classes, sectors and industries and across geographical boundaries. We explain who should consider investing and describe the types of funds available.
	Identifying Your Goals Illustrates how much money you will require to attain your future goals.
	Understanding Risk We have listed several types of risk you should gauge when reviewing an investment. Even stalwart GICs carry a risk factor
	How to analyze risk Risk is a measure of the possibility that you will not receive your expected return on an investment. Generally, risk and reward move in the same direction. Over time higher rewards go with greater risks, but not always. A smart investor always measures the risk.
	A quick look at risk Choosing which investments are right for you will depend on a number of factors, listed here.
	Investment Philosophy Score Card Discover how to determine your investment objectives and risk comfort level by answering a few short questions.

Other considerations we would suggest you review are outlined within Cornerstone® Planning. By following the process that we have put together, you will have the benefit of the collective investment wisdom which has been acquired over our 25 years in this business.

Investment Objectives - Diversification - Asset Allocation - Risks and rewards - Model Mix - Inflation - In the Long-term - Retirement

Your needs and circumstances will change over time. It is important to periodically monitor you investment mix on a regular basis to ensure that you are on track for your goals, and that any significant changes in your personal situation are addressed.

Caveats

• Taxation and purchase timing are factor to consider when purchasing investment funds.
• Ongoing Management fees can dampen you overall returns - not all fund managers levy the same percentages.
• Don't buy a Labor Sponsored fund on the merits of the tax deduction - Its an investment.
• Be mindful of the relationship of the "investment advisor" marketing his own company products - ask how independent he is?

Mutual Funds - Getting Advice

Our financial advisors have studied and passed the industry professional proficiency exam, and been granted a government license to help you with investment planning. This accreditation along with real practical experience and commitment to further ongoing planing and product education. Fiscal Agents - Cornerstone Planning® encompasses a unique process of understanding - together exploring what's important to you - What financial plans you've made - what goals need to be attained -

Featured reading on Mutual Funds

This must-read section brings together relative information you need to get started or enhance your understanding of the elements of Mutual Funds.

Money Management Newsletter Guaranteed mutual funds... Are they better? Seg funds pro's and con's Look out... Large mutual fund year end payout Match mutual funds to your personal needs Making the switch to mutual funds Mixing growth funds and Fixed Term Annuity Mutual funds offer built-in safeguards Buy investment funds each month and make money

The Companion Advisor The fundamentals of mutual funds Equity funds - What affects price? Dollar Cost Averaging Sector Funds: Tax-deferred compounding outside your RRSP Equities - An investor's primer

Our Bookstore section contains details related to books that we recommend for various areas of investing. Also provided are links to ordering information on each title from Chapters.Indigo.ca.

	The Online Investor's Companion Written by Rob Carrick
	Investing Online For Canadians For Dummies Written by Andrew Dagys, Kathleen Sindell

Mutual Funds - Useful links

	InterWeb Contains web site links to all major mutual fund companies.
	Fundlibrary.com - A research tools, comment and analysis of fund types and firms
	Morningstar.ca- provides the consumer version of the professional software program many mutual fund dealers use in its analytical process - Contains individual reviews on mutual funds available in Canada.
	Globefund.com - Much the same as above.- Contains In-house archive of articles on mutual funds.
	Fundscope.com - An independent fund analysis service, allows certain services to be used without charge, otherwise a subscription fee is in effect.