Comparing mutual funds is a relatively tricky ordeal. Before we talk about how to compare mutual funds let's look at the different types of mutual funds:

•Equity funds: are made up of investments of only common stock. These can be riskier (and earn more money) than other types.

•Fixed-income funds: are made up of government and corporate securities that provide a fixed return and are usually low risk.

•Balanced Funds: combine both stocks and bonds in the investment pool and offer a moderate to low risk. While low risk may sound good, it is also accompanied by lower rates of return-meaning you risk less, but your investment won't earn as much. You have to decide how much risk you're willing to take on before you invest your money.

Picking mutual funds is a little difficult due to the sheer diversity of the mutual fund market. Confused yet? It's okay, the best thing is to do your research. Try checking sites such as kiplinger.com or morningstar.com that keep tabs on the variety of mutual funds entering the market and which ones you should watch.

A very hot item right now is anything "green" oriented. That is, companies that help other companies reduce their carbon footprint. A very big player in the mutual fund "green" market right now is Winslow Green Growth: risky like all small fast-start companies but potentially profitable. Try not to invest more than 10% of your capital into this one, but check it out nonetheless. Other mutual funds to check are ones that have a large role in next generation fuel sources, notably, solar power, wind power and ethanol. Remember to always do your research before you sink your hard earned money into any mutual fund.

Go to http://www.imutualfundsinvest.com for information on how to evaluate mutual funds and decide among stock, index, money market, bond mutual funds depending on which type of investment fund is right for you.

As anyone who has spent even a little time looking into mutual funds should already know, a load means an expense or a fee, in which case the term no load mutual fund sounds like something that should be grabbed as quickly as possible. This term implies that there are no expenses associated with this particular type of mutual fund. And no load funds are definitely a wise decision, because load in specific, means a sales charge. In order to buy mutual funds, many investors will simply go to a broker, speak with them for a short while, and take their advice about which mutual funds to purchase. In exchange for their time, effort, and advanced 'expertise', brokers will charge a large sales charge because everyone needs to make a living, right?

Investors who are considering putting their money into a mutual fund will find that there are over 10,000 different mutual funds from which to choose. They may also find that this glut of mutual funds makes the decision to invest very daunting and they will want to know which funds are the safest as well as the most lucrative. Each person has his or her own preferences, needs, and requirements, and the decision that is ultimately made will reflect the differences between each person's requirements. Here's where mutual fund ratings come in.