MyStockFund makes it easy for you to begin an investment program and move closer to your financial goals.

• "Can small contributions really make a difference?"
• "Are stocks risky?"
• "Can diversification help me manage risk?"
• "Is it any less risky to buy shares over time?"
• "What information is available to help me make stock purchase decisions?"
• "How do I get account information or make trades?"

Yes. Even if you don't have a lot to invest, regular investments made over a long period of time can grow to a sizable nest egg. Watch what happens to an investor who stashes away just $100 a month...

Time, Compounding Returns and Stocks' Growth Potential

This example assumes an 8% annual return on a $100 monthly investment and no deduction for taxes. This is a hypothetical example. Your investment's performance will vary. (top of page)

Stocks are not stable value investments. The shares you buy today may be worth more or less tomorrow, depending on changes in the economy, the direction of interest rates, company events, the outlook for the stock market as a whole and other factors.

Millions of investors are willing to accept this risk because stocks offer the potential to earn significantly higher returns than are available on more conservative investments. For many of us, it would be difficult to reach our most challenging financial goals, like saving for retirement, without this kind of growth potential. (top of page)

Yes, the old adage "Don't keep all your eggs in one basket" is a solid strategy for investors too. Simply put, diversification means spreading your money among different stocks, industries and asset classes (like cash, bonds and stocks). This makes the performance of your overall portfolio less dependent on the success or failure of any single investment.

MyStockFund encourages diversification by allowing you to invest in as many stocks on our stock list as you want without paying a fee to buy shares. Diversification is an effective risk-reduction strategy but it does not ensure a gain or protect against a loss. (top of page)

If you invest a set amount of money in the same stocks on a regular basis, it can be less risky than making a spontaneous lump-sum purchase. Here's how...

Lump-Sum Investment: Investor 1 buys $1,200 of Company Z shares in a single transaction. To a greater extent than the scheduled investments approach profiled, Investor 1's return will be based on the timing of his investment — did he invest at what will prove to be a low price for his stock or did he buy all of his shares at a high?

Scheduled Investments: Investor 2 buys stocks over time. He systematically invests $100 in Company Z shares each month for one year. In this way, he effectively averages the price he pays for his shares and all but eliminates the chance that he would purchase all of his shares at the highest price.

The difference is between jumping in and wading in. Remember though that no stock market investor is ensured a gain or protected against a loss. And, in order for a periodic investment approach to be an effective risk management strategy, you must maintain your investment program over a long period of time and buy shares regardless of the stock's price. Company Z and its stock price assumptions are hypothetical. Your investment results will vary. (top of page)

You'll have access to MyStockFund's stock research reports and can use our detailed search screens to identify stocks that meet your requirements. Search by company name, ticker symbol, industry group or market capitalization. MyStockFund also provides charts and data for major stock market indices and a wide range of educational resources. These can help you stay up to date on market events and keep your investment program on track. (top of page)

Once you subscribe, you'll be able to use your ID and password to log-on to the site and...

• view current portfolio holdings
• get market information
• research companies
• use the MyFundBuilder page to add or delete stocks from your buy list
• sell stocks during market hours.

MyStockFund is designed to be easy to use. Even if you're new to investing, we expect you'll be comfortable using the site to request information and make transactions. Subscribers are also welcome to call a MyStockFund member care representative at 866-386-3253 (FUNDBLD) Representatives are here to answer your questions about services and enrollment. Our hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm ET.

To preview MyStockFund transaction pages or the breadth of market and account information available to subscribers, click Take a Tour. (top of page)