No longer can individuals depend on employers to provide them with retirement security and independence. The employer's contribution to the employees pension has been reduced. In some cases, the vesting period has been extended. Retirement Investments 101: Mutual Funds provides reports of 35 financial categories that are diversified allocations. In each report, there is a wealth of information of a successful mutual fund--it's like finding a needle in a haystack. You have year-to date, 3-year, 5-year performance, income distribution and return. This reference information helps find value for your retirement portfolio investments. At your finger tip, you can compare the degree of success of 35 financial investments, e.g. Large-Cap Value vs. Mid-Cap Value or Equity Income vs. Flexible/Securities, etc. Here are the facts of of 25 equity/stock financial reports: Average 3-year total return: 10.84% Average 5-year total return: 11.32% Calculated growth of $10,000 invested for 3 years Calculated growth of $10,000 invested for 5 years Total mutual funds in financial category Ranking percentage Mutual fund reports of 10 bond market reports: Average 3-year total return: 2.49% Average 5-year total return: 5.43% Calculated growth of $10,000 invested for 3 years Calculated growth of 10 years invested for 5 years Total mutual funds in each Bond market category Ranking percentage There is a chapter on Retirement, Individual Retirement Accounts, Mutual Funds and Retirement Prosperity. Retirement Investments 101: Mutual Funds abundance of information helps build and maintain financial security and independence. Being a retiree I should know because I practice what I preach /s/King A. Kovacs