Investing Assets & Markets Mutual Funds Should You Buy Mutual Funds? Learn Why You Should or Should Not Buy Mutual Funds By Lee McGowan Lee McGowan Lee McGowan is a certified financial planner, a certified financial analyst, and a fee-only financial advisor. He is the president and senior wealth advisor at Monument Group Wealth Advisors. His analysis and commentary have been published in The Wall Street Journal, Investor's Business Daily, and The Journal of Financial Planning (where he also served on the Advisory Board). learn about our editorial policies Updated on January 14, 2022 Reviewed by Thomas J. Brock Reviewed by Thomas J. Brock Thomas J. Brock is a CFA and CPA with more than 20 years of experience in various areas including investing, insurance portfolio management, finance and accounting, personal investment and financial planning advice, and development of educational materials about life insurance and annuities. learn about our financial review board Investors buy mutual funds for many reasons. They may buy mutual funds to accomplish a long-term goal like retirement or they may buy mutual funds to generate a stream of income while they are in their retirement years. Whatever the reason to buy mutual funds, one thing is clear—it's important to understand the pros and cons of mutual funds before investing. Click on the link in each heading to find more information on the topic: Learn the Definition of a Mutual Fund What is the definition of a mutual fund?. Getty Images There are many types of mutual funds and there are multiple reasons why investors buy mutual funds. But if you are considering buying mutual funds, begin with the basics and understand the definition of a mutual fund. Should You Buy Mutual Funds: The Pros Learn the pros of mutual funds. Getty Images When it comes to mutual fund investing, it is sometimes difficult to understand the advantages as they apply to your specific situation. In this link, you will find three "pros of mutual funds" that are easily understood. Read about these "pros" and learn more about investment diversification, types of funds, and professionally managed portfolios. Should You Buy Mutual Funds: The Cons Learn the cons of mutual funds before you buy. Getty Images As with any investment product, there are disadvantages to mutual funds. In this article, we outline some of the cons of mutual funds that every investor should be aware of prior to making an investment. You may notice that these cons of mutual funds are shared with other investment products. Learn the Difference Between Disadvantages of Buying Mutual Funds and Opinions Are the so-called disadvantages of mutual funds just opinions?. Getty Images What's right for one investor may not be right for another. There is too much attention focused on the so-called disadvantages of mutual funds. Too many journalists looking for a story and too many product pitchmen looking to sell their alternative product. Oftentimes these so-called disadvantages are used to simply build a case against mutual funds. Be on the lookout for these specific so-called disadvantages of mutual funds. What to Do Before You Invest in Mutual Funds Do your homework on mutual funds. Getty Images Before you make your final decision to invest in mutual funds, read a comprehensive, detailed list of items about mutual funds. You will learn about what you are paying for in mutual funds, how to research funds, and details about other investments (i.e., ETFs, closed-end funds, UITs). Learn How to Invest in Mutual Funds Learn about investing in mutual funds. Getty Images If you have decided to add mutual funds to your portfolio, your next step is to sift through the myriad of choices. "Where do you buy mutual funds?" and "will you use an advisor?" may be a couple of questions on your mind. In this link, read more about seeking advice, the cost of an advisor, and doing it yourself. Should You Buy Mutual Funds: Avoid the Pitfalls Know the pitfalls of mutual funds before investing. Getty Images If you are researching mutual funds, you are bound to read about and/or hear about the pitfalls of investing in mutual funds. But, as with many other issues, there are steps you can take to avoid these pitfalls. In this link, learn about how to avoid many of the pitfalls that are over-hyped in the media and by sales folks. A Few More Words Before You Buy Mutual Funds Mutual funds aren't for everyone. The best way to know if you should buy mutual funds (or not) is to learn how they work and know their advantages and disadvantages. Then you'll have a better idea as to whether mutual funds are smart investment choices for you and your financial goals. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit