It is a good idea to read a fund prospectus before investing. Different mutual funds have different fund fees. The amount of money you have invested in the fund will determine the fees. Some common types of mutual fund fees are account fees, exchange fees, management fees, redemption fees, and 12b-1 fees charged for marketing and distribution costs. Some fees are charged once upon the purchase or sale of fund shares, while others are charged on an ongoing basis. Detailed information about all of the fees charged by a specific mutual fund can be found in its prospectus.
Another source is the Securities and Exchange which requires that a mutual fund's prospectus include a standardized expense table within the first three pages. You can also consult a mutual fund cost calculator such as the one available through the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov/investor/tools.shtml.
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