AboutWarren Boroson Expertise Author of "Keys to Investing in Mutual Funds" (Barrons), "Ultimate Mutual Fund Guide" (Probus), "How to Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett" (JKLasser), and "The Reverse Mortgage Advantage" (McGraw-Hill). Former financial columnist for Gannett News Service.
Experience Author of 20 books; winner of 1996 Personal Finance award from Investment Company Institute and Washington University. Formerly on staffs of Money and Sylvia Porter's Magazine. Had a radio program (on WEVD) about mutual funds and a newsletter, FundDigest.
Question i m a graduate t.y.bsc(stats) student and i ant to join mutual fund can u tell me how can i join mutual fund
Answer Dear Devendra:
To invest in a mutual fund, obtain the phone number. Call 800-555-1212 and provide the name of the fund family--Vanguard, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, whatever.
Call the fund family -- say, Vanguard. Name the fund that you are interested in investing in -- say, Vanguard Balanced Index. Ask for (1) a prospectus and (2) an application. Decide whether you want to invest in a tax-deferred account (IRA) or not -- and answer that question when asked. Inquire what the minimum first investment is.
When you get the prospectus and application, fill out the application. I suggest that you indicate that you want distributions -- interest, dividends, capital gains, whatever -- reinvested in more shares. Send a check to the fund family for at least the minimum first investment. Then you'll be a shareholder.
You could also go to a stockbroker or financial planner and perhaps buy a fund with a front-end sales charge. That's a simpler but more expensive way of doing it.
I would suggest that you first read a book or two about investing and about mutual funds.
