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5,. YOURS, HUTUALLY Copyright c 1992 by Garry w. Beckman, B.A. This column has treated specific investment pro- ducts which are of interest and benefit to the private invester. They have been either fixed income or equity in nature. For those uncomfortable or timid about direct investing, there is an investment vehicle which permits the investor to participate in either fixed income or equity investments without direct lending or ownership This, of course, is the very popular mutual funds. In his excellent book on financial planning, "Financial PurSuite", the author Graydon G. Watters defines a mutual fund as follows: "A pooled group of invest- ment assets that provides diversified holdings and professional management to investors. The total value of the investment is subdivided . in equal shares and distributed among fund holders in proportion to their dollar investment. An openâ€"ended investment company combines the money of many people whose investment goals are similar and invests this money in a wide vaâ€" riety of securities." There are many financial companies that offer mutual funds direct sales basis or through licenced agents. Some companies offer close to twenty different funds to the investing public. rThere are over 600 funds to chose from. What type of fund does one invest in? Typically, a personal investment objective seeks a return on investment dollars in the} form of income and/or growth. It will be of no surprise that mutual funds cater to those needs. Basically, funds are offerâ€" ed as income funds (look for funds termed as diâ€" vidend, money market, T-Bill, bond, mortgage) or equity funds (look for terms like growth, equity). An individual seeking a combination of income and capital growth will find funds called balanced funds as candidates. Funds have been developed for investors who require specialization or internaâ€" tional exposure. Examples would include funds termed as global, currency, real estate, strip bond, and precious metals. Some argue that mutual fund investments buy pro- fessional management, diversification, minimum administration, automatic reinvestment of dividends, regular purchase facilities and income withdrawal plans. Mutual funds are touted as practical vehicles for a dollar cost averaging equally. program. That 18 the regular investment of an equal sum of dollars in a mutual fund's units. As such, one buys more units when markets are low; less units when mar- kets are high. This can be a powerful investment lever over an extended period of time. There is much more to mutual funds. Considerations of RRSP/RRIF eligibility , fund size, acquisition and redemption costs, administrative efficiency, expense ratios come into play. You will want an idea of the track record of the fund‘s manager and the fund's performance. As mutual funds grow in number some contend that selecting a suitable fund for your portfolio is as challenging as selecting the appropriate stock or bond. A competent Financial Advisor can be your guide to your mutual fund investâ€" ments. *** Garry Beckman is a Finan- cial Advisor with Midland Walwyn Capital Inc., Ottawa branch, at toll free 1â€"800-237-5775 I’m free of all prejudices. I hate everyone W. C. FIELDS JAN/FEB 1992 NORTH LEEDS LANTERN 21 The challenge of parenting is a fullâ€" time job. Parenting groups are set up for mothers and fathers to learn new parenting skills and to gain support. Family Focus and the Public Health Unit are working together to offer a parenting group in Westport and Elgin. A parenting group Will begin in Portland soon also. If you are interested in a parenting group in your own (ommunity or you would like more information about or would like to Sign up for one of the parenting groups contact family Focus at $59- 1069. Family Forus is offering a new program to tho c1)mmiuiity. llu’rri is IHJW (3 wonmui's Employment Counsellor who can (live women on social assistance (Glam, Fllfl) opportunities to find meaningful omplnymenl, up grade their education, or learn new skills. For more Information please (nnlail Family Focus 359~ 1069. l CJCJTH__ ijZCJFWWE? E§~Kflbd (EIETJEJQCUSSI T“! â€"~â€"__EBEET_BFEEFT?ETTBHE and families shared their warmth and kindness over the holiday season. Donations of qifls were given by BETA SIGMA PHI of Westport and Elqin. In addition, the staff and management of NORTH LEEDS TRANSIT gave $500 toward gifts to young children who attend one of our programs. Local families also gave donations. Their generosity is much appreciated. Individual, couple and family counselling, inâ€"home support, volunteer, information and referral serVites are some of the other serVices available to the community (if Ncn'lfx!,ecnls .1t l.lflH ly Tiiriv.. C:CIIIflLJ3LI:E)L_IEL_EI!15EREI_[3£3 The challenge of playing with a new toy would surely cheer up any child on a winter day. Somewhere in North Leeds every Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Thursday morning and Thursday afternoon playgroups are set up for mothers, fathers, caregivers, grandparents to bring preschoolers. At these groups, preschoolers can play with many wonderful toys and adults can social with other community members. There is also the opportunity to discuss child rearing practices or concerns with others in the group or with a staff person. On some occasions toys and books can be borrowed. Currently you can "drop~in" any time at one or all of the following locations: Tuesday afternoons: Newboro Wednesday mornings: Family Focus, Elgin Thursday afternoons: Seeley's Bay Thurs morninq(lst & 3rd of month): Delta Thurs afternoon (2nd & 41h of month):Portland If you are interested in starting one in your area or would like information on the play groups contact Family Forus at 359~10b9. The play groups are part of the Child Care Resource Program at Family Focus. 113)L_J_£EDHDJJ)[5_1.IJBEKBEKY The mobile toy lending library is in different communities once per month: Westport lst Thursday 10 to 12 Toledo 3rd Tuesday 10 to 12 Delta 3rd Thursday 10 to 12 Borrowing the toys can give families an opportunity to try out a toy before purchasing it. We have a wide selection of safe and sturdy toys for families and caregivers to use in their homes. We have puzzles, games, building toys, musical instruments and tOys and some larger items. Please feel free to come in and look around and play. They toy library is part of the Child Care Resource Program at Family Focus. For information contact us at 1â€"800â€"267-4406 tor 359â€"1069.