This invaluable new guide from financial expert David Scott analyses the role that mutual funds play in achieving a balanced portfolio. In addition to explaining how shares in mutual funds are bought and sold, this clearly written book will show investors how to assess a fund's investment objective in light of their own goals how to choose from among stock, bond, and money market funds how to evaluate the three different kinds of income associated with mutual funds - dividends, capital gains, and market appreciation how to save on fees when buying and redeeming mutual fund shares.