Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Invest In TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds

Making an investment commitment with TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds is a breeze. A safe alternative to individual stocks, mutual funds typically provide more stability and diversity.

Get to Know Your Company

Do your research. TIAA-CREF offers 18 different types of mutual funds that are classified as "no-load," meaning that you will not be charged a fee unless you enlist the assistance of a broker.

Expect quality service. Whether or not you choose to invest with the help of a broker, you can have faith that TIAA-CREF will be there if you need help. TIAA-CREF has prided itself on quality service for over 85 years.

Know that your money is safe. Although mutual funds still carry a slight risk, TIAA-CREF handles over $380 billion dollars.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Examine your intentions before you invest. TIAA-CREF offers several mutual funds that are designed for both short-term and long-term goals, so it's important to understand what you're aiming for in order to find the right fund for you.

Understand the level of risk that you can afford to take in order to meet your goals. TIAA-CREF offers mutual funds in the more uncertain areas of international equity and real estate as well as traditional offerings, such as the stock market or fixed income.

Make the Investment

Log on to your computer and go TIAA-CREF's homepage.

Click on the "Products" bar, which will lead you the "Mutual Funds" option. On the right-hand side of the screen, click on "Get Started" under "Open an Account."

Read the prospectus offered for each mutual fund. The prospectus will give you all the information you need to determine which mutual fund will match with your financial goals.

Choose how you would like to apply: by mail or online. If by mail, print out the paper application, fill it out and send it in. To apply electronically, complete the forms provided online and hit "Submit."

Tips & Warnings

  • Determine whether TIAA-CREF is taking on new clients. When their mutual funds go through changes, they sometimes limit participation to current investors. If this seems to be the case, contact them to resolve the issue.
  • Use caution when entering personal information online. Be certain that your computer is secure before conducting such a transaction.

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