Invest in Third Avenue Mutual Funds

Investing in Third Avenue Funds can seem like a difficult task if you've never done it before, but it's really quite easy. Third Avenue Management, which serves as the investment adviser to the funds, has been in operation for over 20 years and prides itself on a high rate of return over the long term.

Know Your Company

Get to know the company you have chosen to handle your investment. Third Avenue has been in business since 1986 and offers high-performing funds with relatively low risk.

Avoid paying broker fees when you invest. Third Avenue offers four main categories of no-load mutual funds. "No-load" basically means "no fee" if you make the investment on your own.

Define Personal Goals

Decide why you have chosen to invest. Are you saving for retirement, a house or simply putting your excess funds away until you decide what you really want to do with your money? Third Avenue mutual funds offer several different options depending on your investment needs.

Determine how much you can afford to invest. Now that you've outlined your financial goals, be certain that you're only investing an amount you can handle. Mutual funds are relatively low risk, but no financial strategy is 100% fool-proof.

Make the Investment

Visit the online homepage for Third Avenue Funds. Click on the "Mutual Funds" option.

Compare the different mutual funds available and note how they correspond with your financial goals. Look at the charts, percentages and risk factors.

Choose the fund that best fits with your financial timeline. Remember, you are also looking for a Third Avenue mutual fund with an affordable minimum investment and comfortable level of risk and rate of return.

Go to the "Invest" section on the upper right-hand corner of the homepage and click on it.

Download the new account application. This paperwork will have everything you need to request the Third Avenue Fund you've decided on.

Fill out the forms and send them to the listed address.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for help. If the information offered by Third Avenue is too complicated for you to decipher, consult a financial adviser.
• Check on your funds every month to measure their performance.
• When submitting secure information online, double-check the lower right hand corner of your computer for the lock security symbol. Do not send your private data unless your computer is secure.