Online Investing Hacks

The Best Mutual Fund Screens for a Fee

Although free screens get the basic job done, turbo-charged mutual fund screens can improve your results and earn their subscription fee.

Mutual fund investors are stingy, if the number of mutual fund screens for a fee is any indication. Compared to stock screens that cost money, the pickings are pitiful for fund investors willing to pay for extra bells and whistles. That’s probably because the best free fund screens on the Web are good enough for most investors. But what you’re missing when you opt for a free mutual fund screen is not only enhanced screening capabilities, but extra goodies such as in-depth, independent analyst research at Morningstar or cool data-visualization fund analysis tools at SmartMoney. If you put these additional tools to use making better mutual fund choices, the fees involved are a pittance compared to the money you can earn with improved returns.

What You Pay For

When you pay a fee, you want a site that helps you figure out what kind of fund you need, sorts through all of the options, and makes it easy to regularly check on your portfolio. With some sites, you can access current financial news, investment information and analysis for funds, stocks and bonds, as well as portfolio tracking tools. Table 7-9 differentiates the tools that come with a price offered by three top web sites.

Tip

If you’re a fund investor trying to get your portfolio on track or just checking on it now and then, consider subscribing to one ...