I can't be strong enough when pointing out how absolutely vital it is to check a mutual funds performance record through ALL TYPES of markets before investing in it. More often that not the top funds of the last year were the worst performing funds the year before. A great fund should make you money in all types of markets. These are few and far between but they do exist. Kiplinger's has a great Fund Finder tool.

A search for funds that have returned over 20% for each of the 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year periods yields 12 funds that, right off the bat, have a much better chance of performing well for you long term, than do 95% of funds. To really narrow down the fund of your dreams a deeper look may be necessary. We'll look at that later in the week.mortgage calculator