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12thMan · 02-03-2007, 04:41 PM

I think there is a place for Index Funds as well as no-lund funds. No Load, however, doesn't always translate to lower expese ratios. Typically with Index Funds that's the rule, but all bets are off after that.

Loaded funds may charge a fee on the front end or the back end, depending on the agreement and the class of shares you purchase. But over time, key words, over time, load funds can be just as competitve, if not more so, in expenses and returns.

If I had to go with one fund family, and there are many, that I would have to put my name on the line for someone new or experienced, it would the American Funds.

They've been in the business for over 75 yrs, well respected within the industry, they have the longest tenured portfolio managers, they tend to lead the pack year after year in keeping expenses low for investors, and more importantly their funds post solid returns - many of them for decades!

Whether you're looking to start a non-retirement account, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, or College Savings Plan, this company is as rock solid as they come - I promise you that.

Again, the argument of no load vs load has been around as long as Warpath itself has, so it's not anything new to hear it here. People will always be on both sides of that fence, and justifiably so. But I would just tell anyone to check out everything. And yes, having a Financial Advisor is good thing.

Gereally speaking, it's probably a good idea to find a seasoned professional by way of referal rather than trying to just walk through the door and handing over your money to 'some guy'. You want to ensure your long term goals and objectives mesh well with your advisor's temperment, professionalism, and experience. In a nutshell, does he or she make you feel comfortable?

02-03-2007, 04:41 PM	#17
12thMan MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: washington, D.C. Posts: 11,460	Re: Money Matters I think there is a place for Index Funds as well as no-lund funds. No Load, however, doesn't always translate to lower expese ratios. Typically with Index Funds that's the rule, but all bets are off after that. Loaded funds may charge a fee on the front end or the back end, depending on the agreement and the class of shares you purchase. But over time, key words, over time, load funds can be just as competitve, if not more so, in expenses and returns. If I had to go with one fund family, and there are many, that I would have to put my name on the line for someone new or experienced, it would the American Funds. They've been in the business for over 75 yrs, well respected within the industry, they have the longest tenured portfolio managers, they tend to lead the pack year after year in keeping expenses low for investors, and more importantly their funds post solid returns - many of them for decades! Whether you're looking to start a non-retirement account, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, or College Savings Plan, this company is as rock solid as they come - I promise you that. Again, the argument of no load vs load has been around as long as Warpath itself has, so it's not anything new to hear it here. People will always be on both sides of that fence, and justifiably so. But I would just tell anyone to check out everything. And yes, having a Financial Advisor is good thing. Gereally speaking, it's probably a good idea to find a seasoned professional by way of referal rather than trying to just walk through the door and handing over your money to 'some guy'. You want to ensure your long term goals and objectives mesh well with your advisor's temperment, professionalism, and experience. In a nutshell, does he or she make you feel comfortable?