Finally a short par 3 hole. A nice 110 yard wedge shot should put you pin high. I hope your still keeping the score card up to date. So far I'm right on target, I've pared everything, how's your game going? Oh ya, we're suppose to be talking about mutual funds.

Mutual funds, in my almost humble opinion, is the most excellent way to invest your "serious" investment dollars. It's O.K. to have some play money that you throw at the stock market and buy this stock or that, but when it comes to things like your retirement, your children's education, and any other serious financial goals that you have, it's time to be serious, and mutual funds is where we get serious.

I am an independent financial advisor, (that just means that I'm not tied down to any one particular company). This helps me bring an opinion that is far more unbiased to the table. I help my clients discover what their goals really are, and then we choose an investment portfolio that fits them and their goals properly. Every client will have a different portfolio, because every client is different. They have different goals, ages, risk levels, time frames to work within, and the list goes on and on.

Although I am not tied to any one company, I do have some favorites that I like to use and recommend. The main reason that I like them is that they have established themselves as strong and stable companies that tend to outperform in their respective spheres. Being independent allows me to pick the best funds from the best companies. Trimark, Templeton, Mackenzie, Dynamic, these are all companies that have different funds that can be used for different investment portfolios (they are also four of my favorites).

Small Disclaimer Let me add here that you should not go out and buy mutual funds from the companies that I have listed here. You should to speak to a financial advisor and read the simplified prospectus to find out more information before making any investment decisions. Also keep in mind that unit values do fluctuate and past performance does not necessarily indicate future returns. One other thing, there are plenty of other good mutual fund companies that I have not mentioned, those four I just happen to like a lot.

Speaking of four, I think I might have hit my tee shot a little early, FOUR!!! Ouch!! That had to have hurt!!