Mutual Funds

When markets get shaky, I always look to bond mutual funds and ETFs as my safety net. They don’t offer big flashy returns, but they do one thing really well—preserve capital and generate steady income. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on certain types of bond funds to protect my portfolio from stock market […]

When I first heard about 12b-1 fees, I knew they were a type of ongoing charge inside mutual funds—basically a cut that went toward marketing and distribution. But what I didn’t realize was how closely those fees are regulated behind the scenes. One of the key regulatory checks on these fees is something called 15(c)

When I first started investing in mutual funds, I barely noticed the small fees buried in the fund details. One of them was called a 12b-1 fee. I assumed it was just another minor cost, but I was wrong. Over time, that fee can quietly eat away at returns—and if you’re not paying attention, you

When people ask me whether you can get 12% annual returns from mutual funds, my answer is this: yes, it’s possible—but it’s not guaranteed, and it depends a lot on what kind of mutual fund you’re talking about. I’ve run the numbers, looked at historical data, and even tried it myself. So in this article,

I ran into this myself—more than one 1099-R showing up because I owned multiple mutual funds in retirement accounts. At first, it looked confusing, but once I figured it out, it made sense. If you’re trying to handle multiple 1099-Rs in TurboTax, especially when they’re tied to mutual funds, this guide should clear everything up.

If you sold shares of a mutual fund—even just once during the year—you’ll get a Form 1099-B from your broker or fund company. This isn’t just paperwork; it tells the IRS whether you made or lost money and whether you owe capital gains taxes. So, let’s break this down step by step. 📄 What Is

If you own mutual funds and earned any dividends or capital gain distributions, you’re probably getting a Form 1099-DIV from your brokerage. It shows what you earned—whether you took the cash or reinvested it. Even if you didn’t withdraw a penny, the IRS still counts those distributions as taxable income. Let’s go over what it

If you’ve ever sold shares from a mutual fund, your broker probably sent you a Form 1099-B. This form is how the IRS keeps track of any capital gains or losses you made from that sale. Here’s everything you need to know. 📄 What Is Form 1099-B? Form 1099-B is an IRS tax document your

Investing in mutual funds and using Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) can feel overwhelming at first. When I started, I had many questions too. To help you get clear, I’ve put together 108 commonly asked questions and answers about mutual funds and SIPs — everything from basics to advanced topics, taxes, risks, and strategies. Mutual Funds

If you sold mutual funds during the tax year and you’re wondering whether to file your federal income tax return using Form 1040 or Form 1040A, I’m here to clarify the rules and help you decide which form applies to your situation. What Are Form 1040 and Form 1040A? Before diving into mutual funds, it’s