When investigating a mutual fund, keep an eye out for fees the fund may charge. You may be money ahead if you invest in those not requiring an up-front charge, load or annual fee.
That way every dollar you put in goes to buying shares, say experts who publish the 100% No-Load Mutual Fund Investment Guide. Sales charges on the front end of load funds average 5 percent, though some can go as high as 8.5 percent -- and even those funds labeled "low load" impose charges and fees up to 3.5 percent.
Fees like those may seem to be a pittance, but over the long haul can cut into profits. The site's proprietors estimate that after 30 years, $10,000 invested in a fund with a 5 percent load would be worth $165,769, while in a no-load fund it would grow to $174,494.
They also suggest you skirt funds called no-load which actually charge a distribution fee. Because the fee continues for as long as you own the fund, the total return on your investment can be significantly reduced.
