mutual funds are rip off re.....coz they charge too much..well then get a class B or CLass C funds..which have no charge or less charge.....its up to you..either u can get the one with the front load or back load, more than that..look at the return for last 10-15 years, you wont go wrong. historically mutual funds have always returned more than 8%. as far as the charge is concerned..remember u get what you paid for....