Actually, there are no-load funds out there as well. 8% is not really a good return, because the market average is approximately 10%. Over the last 15 years or so, S&P has in fact returned approximately 12%. So wouldn't an index fund be a better idea. There is a big difference between a mutual fund and an index fund. It turns out that most mutual funds don't beat the market. Plus index funds also charge much less than mutual funds. Check out some ishares ETF's. South Africa is rolling, and Brazil too. Didn't Japan's market return 40% last year? I am myself trying to beat the market. I handpick my stocks. Doing okay...