Built-in diversification - When you buy a mutual fund, your money is combined with the money from other investors, and allows you to buy part of a pool of investments. A mutual fund holds a variety of investments which can make it easier for investors to diversify than through ownership of individual stocks or bonds. Not all investments perform well at the same time. Holding a variety of investments may help offset the impact of poor performers, while taking advantage of the earning potential of the rest.

Professional management - You may not have the skills and knowledge to manage your own investments or want to spend the time. Mutual funds allow you to pool your money with other investors and leave the specific investment decisions to a portfolio manager. Portfolio managers decide where to invest the money in the fund, and when to buy and sell investments.

Easy to buy and sell - Mutual funds are widely available through banks, financial planning firms, investment firms, credit unions and trust companies. You can sell your fund units or shares at almost any time if you need to get access to your money. But you may get back less than you invested.

A wide range of funds to choose from - Mutual funds can be used to meet a variety of financial goals. For example: A young investor with a stable income and many years to invest may feel comfortable taking more risk to achieve greater potential return. They may invest in an Equity Fund. A mid-career investor trying to balance risk and return more moderately could invest in a Balance Mutual Fund that buy a mix of stocks and bonds. An investor approaching retirement might be less comfortable with risk and more interested in fixed income investments. They may invest in a Bond Fund.