I love NTF's for building a position or even a portfolio, but you have to ask yourself "Why are some MF's NTF and others aren't". To get on an NTF list with a brokerage the mutual fund company must pay the brokerage a fee (typically 40 basis points of the AUM through the brokerage). This fee is then passed onto the individuals through the mutual fund expense ratio. So, there is no free lunch.
I didn't mean to highjack this thread. Here are a few suggestions for Fidelity NTF core positions:
EXDAX - Manning & Napier Pro-Blend Cnsrv Term S
EXWAX - Manning & Napier World Opportunities
HIINX - Harbor International Inv CL
ARTGX - Artisan Global Value Inv CL
Fidelity screens for funds with NTF, lower ER, and good returns and touts them as their fund picks: http://www.fidelity.com/products/funds/fundpicks/overview.shtml
They also list some funds lists from others (see top left section on this page): http://personal.fidelity.com/research/funds/?bar=p
(looks like you have some nice positions in your non-retirement account)

Again, another vote for PRWCX, which is my core holding. Also, their retirement funds are an excellent choice as well.

Favorites at TRP: several of the bond funds (Prwbx, Prcix, Prsnx, Rpsix, Premx) and Pridx, International Discovery, foreign small-mid growth stock. I like the composition of, but have never owned, two of their blend funds -- Prsix, Personal Strat Income, and Trrix, Retirement Income.
This is an answer to the headline question, "what's your favorite fund," which is different from the apparent question in the post, concerning a (single?) fund for an IRA. Hard to reply about the latter, not knowing what your sister's other investments are, and all that usual stuff.

Even during retirement you still need some equity exposure to keep up with inflation. Also I notice you don't have much foreign bonds, particularly emerging market bonds. Personally I prefer emerging market local currencies funds to hedge against declining US dollars.
Few to consider:
Pimco Emerging Local Currency Bond, Institute share, PELBX
TCW Emerging Market Local Currency bond, institute share, TGWIX

I am designing an income-producing in-retirement portfolio for an elderly loved one. My overall plan is to allocate money into several different strategies to mitigate management risk. I am considering an AssetBuilder capital preservation portfolio for one of these strategies.
I wondered if anyone had had any experience with AssetBuilder as a money management house. I am not particularly seeking comments about Scott Burns, DFA, or the theories behind DFA's indexing strategies. I am more looking for information on what it is like to invest money with them. Is the customer service good? Do they return emails and phone calls in a timely way? Are the tools for monitoring investments online sufficient for an individual investor's needs?
Any experienced-based comments will be welcome.
Thanks.
gfb

Hello,
I am new to investing, having only really begun researching over the past six months, and prior to that making contributions to 401K.
I recently opened a Scottrade account where I purchase stocks and have a Fidelity account where I hold my mutual funds. I have no allegiance to either but I had the fidelity account due to a rollover 401k and was convinced by a friend that Scottrade is less risky about how they hold their/my cash. I have individual accounts at both brokerages.
One thing I do like about Scottrade compared to Fidelity, is that they allow smaller contributions to funds after the min is met.
Anyway, I intend to hold the majority of my investments in mutual funds and for now they will be held in the fidelity account. The goals of these investments are both retirement and growth. I will dedicate a portion of all assets to retirement at some point.
What are some recommendations for core position ideas, starting with Fidelity funds and then others. If other, what are the reasons to look outside fidelity in terms of a core position?
Current non-retirement fund investments approx = %50 Cash, 20% TGLDX, 13% DEFIX, 17% ARIVX
I am reading "Common Scenes on Mutual Funds" as a primer on the topic.
Thanks in advance
DPN

Yes, if splitting retirement investments between the two Spectrum funds, it is advisable to rebalance annually back to the original 50/50 mix. I'd also note that some of us "control freaks" lean towards the Spectrum funds as a purer play; while the Retirement funds Mike mentioned gradually shift allocations towards fixed income over the years. If using Spectrum funds then, it is incumbent on the individual to make allocation changes over time. Assuming a long time horizon, I'd remain fully in the Spectrum funds for a good many years. Aside from this important distinction there's probably not much difference. PRSGX carries an ER of .85 and PSILX is at 1.01, making the combined about .92% . Retirement 2030 (TRRCX) carries a lower ER of .72%, likely due in part to greater use of index funds.

If she is looking to invest in just one fund to start out with, I would go with one of their retirement target date funds. Their all-in-one retirement funds are some of the best out there.
One of my favorite funds I use from TRP is the New Era PRNEX fund. It holds natural resource and energy stocks. Like most of their funds, it's a good steady-eddie fund if you want to be in this sector. Less volatile than most.

A New Winner on the Mutual Fund Charts
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_18/b4226047177881.htm
top 5 franklin templeton funds to buy now
http://www.investorplace.com/38034/franklin-templeton-401k-mutual-funds-to-buy/
the secret to smart investing
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/On-Retirement/2011/04/21/the-secret-to-smart-investing-
several huge dividend payout stocks [ot]
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2011/04/19/one-huge-dividend-play.aspx
Cali Muni Market commentary [ot]
http://www.leisurecapital.net/links/newsletters/03-2011.pdf
Bond Investors Bound for Shock When Rates Surge, Cohen Says
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-04-21/bond-investors-bound-for-shock-when-rates-surge-cohen-says.html
are small cap etf overheating
http://community.nasdaq.com/News/2011-04/are-smallcap-etfs-overheating.aspx?storyid=71801
the power of passive investing
http://www.indexuniverse.com/publications/journalofindexes/joi-articles/9130-the-power-of-passive-investing.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=
investors cashing in on higher food prices
http://www.etfchannel.com/article/201104/investors-cashing-in-on-higher-food-prices-de-mon-pot-adm-moo-jja-dba-fud-food041911.htm/
Don't Let Hidden Costs Gobble Up Your Return
http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=377289
an etf portfolio for cheapskates
http://money.msn.com/exchange-traded-fund/an-etf-portfolio-for-cheapskates-moneyshow.aspx
muni bonds that won't blow up
http://www.wibw.com/nationalnews/headlines/Muni_bonds_that_wont_blow_up__120099699.html
How to Buy Silver At a Bargain Price Using Options
http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article27641.html
S&P Downgrade Shows U.S. Debt Crisis Could Have Dire Consequences
http://moneymorning.com/2011/04/19/sp-downgrade-shows-u-s-debt-crisis-could-have-dire-consequences/
defaults unlikely
http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/120_75/fed-banks-defaults-unlikely-1025733-1.html
fairholme fund weighed down by poorly performing financial stocks
http://www.gurufocus.com/news/129199/fairholme-fund-weighed-down-by-poorly-performing-financial-stocks

Hi Burt,
ACINX appears to be available for $1K minimum in retirement accounts at Wellstrade according to a test trade I just made. SGOIX is available for $1K minimum in retirement accounts at Thinkorswim, according to recent reports on the M* forums. And a M* forum member reportedly made a $10K purchase of SGOIX recently in a WT retirement account using a WT rep.
I would own only one of these funds, and I would definitely prefer SGOIX due to better performance over the past 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods with much lower standard deviations over these periods.
Kevin

Hi rmt,
YES, but the limitation of $5K per year and foregoing one's part of a retirement plan would not be my personal preference. One may, if I recall the IRS info properly is that a 529 annual limit is $13,000K per year.
Your point, however; is well taken and good info.
Take care,
Catch

Congratulations on your new family member. I salute you for looking ahead to college savings. I recommend:
1) You think of this investment task as initiating construction of a portfolio. Choice of fund should be subordinated to a plan for asset-allocation. See savingsforcollege.com for an overview of how different 529 plans approach the idea of age-based allocation. I suggest this not to steer you toward any particular model, but just as a prompt for your own thinking about what sort of allocation you want to choose now, and how you might like to change it over time.
2) Although saving for college is similar in some respects to saving for retirement, I think it is important to remember the differences (particularly if you choose to adapt a target date retirement fund for this purpose). To me, the major differences are that the timeframe for college savings is generally shorter, and then the spending period is much shorter. Both differences imply being more conservative with education money than you would be with retirement money.
3) I assume that you chose the Roth IRA approach over the 529 approach because you preferred flexibility about the ultimate use of the money, and about choice of investment vehicles. I have twice had to reclassify 529 money (once for unpleasant, and later for pleasant reasons), I believe this to be a canny choice. While it seems appealing to keep money in separate bins for separate purposes, many unexpected things can happen in 18 years. Unexpected events tend to occur life-wide; they don't respect the categories for money that our plans depend upon. It is humbling enough to have to change plans without also having to pay penalties.
Best of luck.
gfb

Hi, geis!
Remember that this will be a first fund, not your final portfolio. Mr. Yacktman, blessed in mind and apprehension, is about 70 now and while there are a few 88-year-old fund managers . . .
Over time, it would be wise to shift your asset allocation toward short-term investments so there's less risk of a catastrophe when your child's in high school. Three ways to do that:
1. monitor the allocation and shift it yourself (maximum control, maximum prospect for forgetting to)
2. invest in a 529 with an age-option. Iowa, for example, has an age-track that invests in a changing mix of Vanguard index funds. Dull but predictable.
3. invest in a retirement date fund, where the "retirement" date is about the same as the start date for college (2025 or 2030, I'd guess). These funds are broadly diversified, but become more conservative every few years. My own preference would be for one of the T. Rowe Price Retirement funds. Retirement 2025 (TRRHX) is 60% US stocks, 20% international (including a sliver of emerging markets), 20% income (including slivers of commodities, junk, e.m. and international bonds).
For what it's worth,
David

Congrats...some thoughts:
1. If you & your wife have an employer who provides a match to your 401k you double each dollar invested...do this first.
2. After you max this out, both of you should contribute to your ROTH.
3. Finally, its a toss up whether you should fund a taxable accounts (think emergency fund, rental property, land, art, collectibles) in your names or a college plan in your children's name. My experience is that your family will be better served if you first provide for your retirement...not college. College will take care of itself with grants, scholarships, work study and student loans. After all of these student based opportunities are realized you may very well assist your kids with your money. But, when you designate your money early on in their names (529 Plans) formulas like (FAFSA) change dramatically. You actually hinder your son or daughter chances at these need based college financial programs because you sacrificed your retirement plan. Later, will they resent the fact that you are broke in old age and you need their help? The best gift we can give our kids is often our own financial health.

Two Thoughts:
(1) Yacktman and most others allow you to establish monthly contribution plans without putting any money up front. Great way to start investing-almost as "painless" as payroll deduction. You are also allowed to change the amount at any time or stop completely once you reach the normal minimum. Linked Yacktman's IRA application (see section #5). Not trying to push you to Yacktman because I know absolutely nothing about them. Just wanted to show how these AIPs work.
http://www.yacktman.com/pdfs/iraapp.pdf
(2) Recommend you try to keep this money separate from your retirement funds, as 00BY mentioned, and also that you devise some form of graduated allocation model for the college money so as not to have it all in the stock market as college begins. Example: you could allocate 100% to an equity fund during the first year. Than move 5% of the total to a short-term bond fund, laddered CDs or other low risk product at the beginning of each new year. When the child turns 11, you'd have half the money safeguarded from the gyrations of the stock market. At 16, you'd have 75% so positioned. I considered target date retirement funds. However, these assume you are going to live an additional 30 years or so after their stated retirement date. Some still hold 50% in equities at that time. Wouldn't advise using them for this purpose.

Howdy,
First, congratulations to both of you; and to looking forward for your newborn.
ROTH IRA's, a few things to consider:
---A ROTH IRA will be limited to $5,000/year and less if your income is more than $105K/year.
---Your household will be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty (as you or your wife will not be age 59.5) and regular taxation of any monies drawn for your child's use for educational purposes. FED and STATE.....
---You will not have your "own" ROTH for retirement
529 college accounts:
---negative....you may only reallocate the invested monies once per calendar year. This is subject to change.
---positives: 529's generally allow (varies state to state) to investment up to $325K into the account, at which time no further investments may be made, BUT...anyone may place the monies into the account......so, if you can convince a total stranger to fund the 529; NO problem with where the money comes from. Relatives may give to you or the fund directly for bdays and such for your child.
---you may qualify for state tax breaks using a 529 from your home state.
*****although the ability to move money around in a 529 is restricted to the once a year thingy; most 529's have enough fund choices to create a balanced "fund of funds". Also, one is not restricted to using a 529 from your own state and if you find 5 different 529's that you like from 5 different states, you may open a 529 with each state.
GOOGLE the words: 529 "and the name of a particular state" to find plan info. Also, Savingforcollege.com has some features to review that do not require a subscription.
NOTE: you will find "broker" sold 529 plans. I would avoid the extra cost of this arrangement; unless you are not comfortable with deciding the investment allocations.
This link regards the current IRA rules and regs.
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p590/index.html
Everything is subject to change and I may have forgotten something; but this will give you something else to chew upon.
Take care,
Catch

My note is that I'd actually suggest the more aggressive form of inflation protection of Pimco Commodity RR (PCRDX for D shares, I think), given the age and given the long-term reinvestment of the rather large distributions of the fund has had a history of throwing off. Not to say that Permanent Portfolio isn't great, but I'd recommend it for those closer to retirement.

Congratulations on your new arrival!
Have you considered using a 529 account for baby's college education. ROTH IRA will give you more flexibility (i.e. you don't have to use it for college, you can also use it for retirement). But I do prefer to keep retirement separate from kids college if you can swing it.
Do you already have a brokerage account (fidelity, charles schwab, etc)? Which one? I'm trying to get an idea of which funds may be available to you. Most discount online brokers have some low minimum investment mutual funds that you can choose from for an IRA. But there are also some funds that still require $2,500 or more as an initial investment.
DplhcOracl gave some good options. I will add a few more:
FPACX FPA Crescent
GLRBX James Balanced Golden Rainbow
EXWAX Manning & Napier World Opportunities
ARTGX Artisan Global Value Inv
A few questions that might help us to help you. Do you want a balanced fund with stocks and bonds? Domestic or international fund? Risky or conservative? In my recommendations, I tried to stick with funds that could be considered as a core part of your portfolio.

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1217286/000119312511100451/d497.htm
Supplement dated April 18, 2011 to the Prospectuses dated February 28, 2011
Effective May 2, 2011, the Highbridge Dynamic Commodities Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) will be publicly offered on a limited basis. Investors will not be eligible to purchase shares of the Fund, except as described below:
Shareholders of record of the Fund as of May 2, 2011 are able to continue to purchase additional shares in their existing Fund accounts either through J.P. Morgan Funds Services or a Financial Intermediary and may continue to reinvest dividends or capital gains distributions from shares owned in such Fund;
Shareholders of record of the Fund as of May 2, 2011 are able to add to their accounts through exchanges from other J.P. Morgan Funds;
Group employer retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans (and their successor plans), which have the Fund available to participants on or before April 18, 2011, may continue to open Fund accounts for new participants and purchase additional shares in existing participant accounts. Group employer retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans (and their successor plans) may also establish new accounts with the Fund, provided the group employer retirement plan has been accepted for investment by the Fund and its distributor on or before May 2, 2011. Additionally, certain fee-based advisory programs may purchase shares of the Fund for new and existing accounts. These particular programs were accepted for continued investment by the Fund and its distributor on or before May 2, 2011;
Ÿ Current and future JPMorgan SmartRetirement Funds and such other J.P. Morgan Funds as are designated by the J.P. Morgan Funds Board of Trustees will be able to purchase shares of the Fund.
If all shares of the Fund in an existing shareholder’s account are voluntarily redeemed or involuntarily redeemed (due to instances when a shareholder does not meet aggregate account balance minimums or when participants in Systematic Investment Plans do not meet minimum investment requirements), then the shareholder’s account will be closed. Such former Fund shareholders will not be able to buy additional Fund shares or reopen their accounts in the Fund. The foregoing restrictions, however, do not apply to participants in eligible employer retirement plans.
If the Fund receives a purchase order directly from an investor who is not eligible to purchase shares of the Fund, after the limited offering dates outlined above, J.P. Morgan Funds Services will attempt to contact the investor to determine whether he or she would like to purchase shares of another J.P. Morgan Fund or would prefer that the investment be refunded. If J.P. Morgan Funds Services cannot contact the investor within 30 days, the entire investment will be refunded.

A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing
by Burton G. Malkiel
http://www.amazon.com/Random-Walk-Down-Wall-Street/dp/0393081435
I recommend this book because it covers a lot of ground for beginner investor and this is 10th edition of book which even long time investors can find something for themselves. I strongly believe this should be one of the first set of books an investor should read. If I had to pick only one book, I would pick this one.
All About Asset Allocation, Second Edition
by Richard Ferri
http://www.amazon.com/All-About-Asset-Allocation-Second/dp/0071700781
This book covers in good detail the act of building a portfolio that incorporates different asset classes. There are many books in this category which I could recommend, but this one is easily digested by an beginning investor.
Common Sense on Mutual Funds: Fully Updated 10th Anniversary Edition
by John Bogle
http://www.amazon.com/Common-Sense-Mutual-Funds-Anniversary/dp/0470138130
This is updated version of Bogle's 1999 book. He actually left the original text in and updated data, charts and provided comments of what happened in the 10 years, what worked and what didn't. As the title indicates, it is geared towards mutual funds and mutual fund investors.
Unconventional Success: A Fundamental Approach to Personal Investment
by David F. Swensen
http://www.amazon.com/Unconventional-Success-Fundamental-Approach-Investment/dp/0743228383
This book, written by Yale Endowment Manager David Swensen, has useful discussions regarding asset classes and which ones to use in a portfolio, the conflicts of interests in the industry and some model portfolios.
Your Money and Your Brain: How the New Science of Neuroeconomics Can Help Make You Rich
by Jason Zweig
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Brain-Science-Neuroeconomics/dp/0743276698
This book might help an investor avoid common behavioral mistakes in investing which most everyone (beginners and seasoned alike) fall from time to time. By understanding what happens when we feel emotions like Greed, Fear, Regret, and Confidence we might (hopefully) avoid some of the costly mistakes. The earlier an investors is aware of these behavioral shortcomings, the better.
The Intelligent Portfolio: Practical Wisdom on Personal Investing from Financial Engines
by Christopher L. Jones
http://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Portfolio-Practical-Investing-Financial/dp/0470228040
FinancialEngines.com is a company that Nobel Laureate William Sharpe has founded. This book explains the use of Monte-Carlo portfolio simulation techniques to determine the likelihood of reaching goals (retirement etc.) and success rate. Armed with this knowledge an investor can be better prepared for the future (adjust savings level, portfolio risk, lifestyle etc.)
Peter L. Bernstein Classics Boxed Set : Capital Ideas, Against the Gods, The Power of Gold
by Peter Bernstein
http://www.amazon.com/Peter-Bernstein-Classics-Boxed-Set/dp/0471736252
A classic from Financial Historian, late Peter Bernstein. This is probably not a beginner set. But, this 3-book set is important to understand how financial theories evolved and portfolio construction and management changed from complete ad-hoc to what it is today.
Note: Hard to pick a best investment book of all times. It is probably yet to be written.