How to Invest in John Hancock Mutual Funds

John Hancock Funds has a history of serving investors that extends back more than 30 years. Its parent company has been providing financial services for more than 200 years. John Hancock offers a variety of funds in equity, sector, international, income and tax-free income categories, as well as asset allocation and money markets funds. John Hancock mutual funds allow you to invest and take advantage of the expertise of knowledgeable, experienced financial professionals.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Investment adviser or broker
• Money to invest

John Hancock Mutual Fund Options

1. Know that John Hancock offers a number of equity funds. Equity funds invest primarily in stocks.

2. Get to know sector funds. The John Hancock Funds are aimed at investments within a particular industry or market sector, such as agriculture or medical technology.

3. Understand that John Hancock offers international mutual funds. These funds focus on stocks from foreign companies.

4. Get to know John Hancock income funds. Know that these funds focus primarily on current income, rather than capital appreciation, by investing in bonds and other debt instruments.

5. Recognize that tax-free income funds seek to invest primarily for current income that is exempt from federal or state taxes.

6. Understand that money market funds invest in short-term securities, seeking current income. These funds offer check-writing privileges.

7. Recognize that asset allocation funds invest in several different funds, allowing investors to enjoy immediate diversification.

Choosing a Fund

8. Visit JHFunds.com and review the available fund options, according to your investment goals. You can search for funds by category, rating or style.

9. Review daily price, performance and tax information for the funds that interest you.

10. Using an online investment Web site, compare the John Hancock funds that interest you with other funds in the same categories. MorningStar.com offers a mutual fund comparison tool.

11. Download and review prospectuses for attractive John Hancock funds.

12. With the help of a broker or investment adviser, select the funds that suit your needs and goals and purchase shares.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've invested in a John Hancock mutual fund, you'll have the option of accomplishing a number of tasks online. You'll be able to access your mutual fund account, view balances and account histories, request electronic statement delivery and order tax forms. You may also purchase additional mutual fund shares online. You'll have to register to gain online account access.