Mutual Funds: THIRD-QUARTER REVIEW FOR INVESTORS : Finding a Mutual Fund

Although there are plenty of mutual fund guides offering basic information and sometimes advice, one quick way to contact a fund is to ask for its number through 800 directory assistance ((800) 555-1212). The great majority of funds have toll-free numbers.

For more help, a handful of guides:

* “Morningstar Mutual Fund 500” is a comprehensive listing of 500 funds Morningstar considers promising. The guide gives detailed profiles but no advice. It costs $35 and is at bookstores, or it can be ordered from Morningstar by calling (800) 876-5005.

* “The Mutual Fund Buyer’s Guide” by Norman G. Fosback takes an abbreviated look at 1,700 funds. It also has about 45 pages on investing that could be valuable to the novice. At bookstores for $30.

* IBC/Donoghue’s “Mutual Funds Almanac” combines statistics on 3,200 funds with investing information. The cost is $42.95, including shipping. A “Money Fund Directory” lists more than 1,000 money funds and costs $32.95. Both can be had for $53.95. Write to IBC/Donoghue Inc., P.O. Box 9104, Ashland, MA 01721-9104.

* For people looking for no-load and low-load funds, “The Investor’s Guide to Low-Cost Mutual Funds” put out by the Mutual Fund Education Alliance is an inexpensive resource at $7. Write to Mutual Fund Education Alliance, 1900 Erie St., Suite 120, Kansas City, MO 64116.

* “The Investment Company Institute Directory” lists virtually all mutual funds and does a solid job of explaining the basics. The cost is $8.50. Write to “Directory,” Investment Co. Institute, P.O. Box 27850, Washington, DC 20038-7850.