A “sales charge” is included in the cost of shares in most mutual funds. To an investor who understands words better than figures, a selling charge is like taxes something to be avoided, if possible. To a more analytical investor, the ques tion is “Where can I get the best net over-all results? In a company with or without this charge?”

Before examining the practical effect of a sales charge, let us make clear that among American investment companies there are pronounced differences in both the method and the fees for buying and selling their shares, and a large mi nority of these companies have no sales charge. Certified Financial Planner - Read More.