Invest in Federated Mutual Funds

For more than a decade, Federated Investors, Inc. has been serving investors in the United States and throughout the world. A world-class company, Federated is one of the largest investment-management firms in the country, managing more that $220 billion in assets. Federated offers a large selection of equity, fixed-income, closed-end and money market funds in which to invest. The firm also offers separately managed accounts.

Learn the Federated Share Classes

Recognize that Class A requires a front-end sales charge. You'll pay when you purchase shares.

Understand that Class B carries a deferred sales charge. You pay when you sell your shares; sales charges decrease with each passing year.

Be aware that Class C usually doesn't carry a front-end or deferred sales charge. Instead, this class typically requires the payment of high yearly expense charges. With Federated Class C shares, you'll pay a 1 percent sales charge.

You'll pay a load of 1 percent for Class F shares and Federated will advance 1 percent at the time of your purchase, creating a 2-percent payout for the broker. Shares in this class carry a fee of 1 percent for shares redeemed within four years.

Recognize that Class K shares of the Federated Kaufmann Fund are only available to former shareholders of the Kaufmann Fund and members of their families.

Choosing a Fund

Realize that the majority of Federated Investment's mutual funds are designed with investors, assisted by financial advisers, in mind. A portion of its funds is marketed through various organizations, such as banks, insurance companies, government agencies and corporations.

Develop objectives and make an investment plan with the help of a financial adviser. Evaluate your risk tolerance and the portion of your portfolio you want to invest in mutual funds.

Review the mutual funds available on FederatedInvestors.com. You'll find fund overviews, quarterly strategy details, holding information and performance details.

Compare federated mutual funds with similar mutual funds from other firms using MorningStar.com

Download prospectuses for the Federated funds you are considering and review them carefully. Pay close attention to fees, charges, and expenses, as these will influence your actual investment returns.

Choose the funds that are best suited to your investment goals and decide how much you want to invest. Purchase shares in the Federated funds of your choosing through your financial adviser or broker.