This week’s Mutual Funds and ETF stories

Don’t miss these top money and investing features:

Financial advice may not be rocket science, but it’s not cookie-cutter either. Sometimes it pays to pay up for service that’s personalized to your money goals and needs. But before you do, read this week’s top story about how to spot financial advisers who may be more interested in what you can do for them than what they can do for you.

Speaking of investment managers in synch with investors, get to know an impossibly rare mutual fund that charges shareholders less if its performance doesn’t match its benchmark index. Then, check out how to mount a strong defense against a stock market decline, get up to speed on 401(k) fees, and see why money shouldn’t be a four-letter word in your house.

— Jonathan Burton

INVESTING NEWS & TRENDS
Beware these 3 types of financial advisers, says this industry veteran

These people can look the part, seem nice and sound well-informed — but they are dangerous for your money.
Beware these 3 types of financial advisers, says this industry veteran

This mutual fund charges less than an index fund if it underperforms

AlllianceBernstein fund’s fees are as low as 0.10% a year.
This mutual fund charges less than an index fund if it underperforms

This may be the best time for value over growth stocks in 17 years

Growth stocks, in contrast, might lag behind as interest rates rise, says Janus fund manager Justin Tugman.
This may be the best time for value over growth stocks in 17 years

Here’s the real reason why buying a stock after it splits can be a money maker

Splits signal that management is bullish on their stock, writes Mark Hulbert.
Here’s the real reason why buying a stock after it splits can be a money maker

Worried about the stock market dropping? Here’s how to protect your nest egg

Keep equities as core holdings, but make changes around the edges.
Worried about the stock market dropping? Here’s how to protect your nest egg

The sneaky reason the IRS might help stocks do well ahead of Tax Day

The Dow typically posts strong results in the first half of April, writes Mark Hulbert.
The sneaky reason the IRS might help stocks do well ahead of Tax Day

Everything you need to know about 401(k) fees

Most people don’t know they have fees lurking in their retirement accounts, or how many. Everything you need to know about 401(k) fees

How I got my money back from an online scam

It pays to be persistent — and contact CEOs.
How I got my money back from an online scam

ETFs see first back-to-back monthly outflows since the financial crisis

The seemingly unending growth of the ETF industry hit a bit of a snag over the past two months, as turmoil in the U.S. stock market — the most popular area that ETFs offer exposure to — pushed investors to reallocate.
ETFs see first back-to-back monthly outflows since the financial crisis

Only 4% of families talk regularly about money — and that’s a problem

Money avoidance is prevalent among American families. Here’s why that can have dangerous consequences for their finances.
Only 4% of families talk regularly about money — and that’s a problem