When Dave talks about mutual fund investing for retirement, he always says to choose good growth stock mutual funds. But with thousands of funds to choose from, how do you know which ones fit the bill?

Mutual funds are like people. The only way to separate the good ones from the stinkers is to get to know them. But unlike people, you can find all the important information about a mutual fund on its printed prospectus or online profile. Here are six important features youll need to review as you select funds to invest in:

Objective

This is a summary of the funds goal and the types of investments it will make to achieve that goal. Look at funds that fall into one of the four categories Dave recommends: growth, growth and income, aggressive growth, and international.

Fund Manager Experience

As with any job, youll want an experienced manager calling the shots for your mutual fundsomeone with at least five to 10 years of experience. Keep in mind, though, that many managers mentor their successors for several years. So a fund with a new manager can be worth considering if the fund has consistently performed well.

Sectors

Sectors refer to the types of businesses the fund invests in, such as financial services or healthcare. A balanced distribution among sectors means the fund is well diversified.

Performance (Rate of Return)

You want a history of strong returns for any fund you choose to invest in. Focus on long-term returns, 10 years or longer if possible. Youre not looking for a specific rate of return, but you do want a fund that consistently outperforms most funds in its category.

Cost

Dave recommends front-end load funds in which you pay fees and commissions when you make your investment. It allows your money to grow without being bogged down by expensive management fees. Also pay attention to the funds expense ratio. A ratio higher than 1% is considered expensive.

Turnover Ratio

Turnover refers to how often investments are bought and sold within the fund. A low turnover ratio of 50% or less shows the management team has confidence in its investments and isnt trying to time the market for a bigger return.

Make the Right Choice With Expert Advice

If this sounds like a lot of information to dig through and compare, youre right! The good news is you dont have to do it all alone. You can work with an investing advisor who understands that youre in charge of selecting your own retirement investments. One of Daves investing Endorsed Local Providers (ELPs) will give you the guidance you need to choose the right funds for your retirement plan. Contact your ELP today!