How to Invest In Merrill Lynch Mutual Funds

Headquartered in New York City since 1914, Merrill Lynch is considered one of the largest financial institutions in the world. In fact, Merrill Lynch is often the first name that potential investors think of regarding mutual funds. They offer not only their own Merrill Lynch mutual funds, but also dozens of outside fund opportunities as well, including a selection of no-load and low-load fund families.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A good foundation of investment knowledge
• An amount of money to invest (preferably at least $5,000 in order to take advantage of the Merrill Lynch fund advisor program)
• A computer with a high-speed connection to the Internet

How to Invest in Merrill Lynch Mutual Funds

1. Head to the Invest-faq website to study up on the basics of investments--and mutual funds in particular.
2. Contact a Merrill Lynch financial advisor once you feel ready to discuss mutual funds. He or she will want to know how much money you can feasibly invest per year, as well as how many more years you plan to work before retiring.
3. Discuss your overall goals with this advisor and let him or her suggest a few select Merrill Lynch mutual funds for you.
4. Order the prospectus for each fund.
5. Read each prospectus carefully and decide on the best fund for you.
6. Decide whether or not you want to become a member of the Merrill Lynch fund advisor program.
7. Contact your Merrill Lynch financial advisor when you're ready to invest.

Tips & Warnings

• Merrill Lynch offers customers a mutual fund advisor program (MFA), recognizing the need for real guidance and dedicated assistance when investing in mutual funds.
• As a member of the MFA program, you get portfolios that are customized for your needs, plus a team that is dedicated to this particular area of investment.
• Merrill Lynch also offers an Automated Investment Program (AIP) that can simplify the investment process. Participants choose their funds and then specify the amount and timing of their purchases. The program is focused on long-term growth. This program may also reduce an investor's cost per share, on average.
• The Merrill Lynch MFA program requires a minimum investment of $5,000 and charges a quarterly fee based on the asset value of the fund.
• Merrill Lynch is large enough that those with more money to invest are likely to be more satisfied with the level of attention they receive.
• If you're not looking to make a large initial investment, there may be smaller, less intimidating financial establishments that might suit your needs better.