If you have a 401(k), IRA, or just about any other type of investment, chances are you hold shares in at least one mutual fund. But do you know exactly what a mutual fund is? Do you know how it works? And do you know how our recent economic situation will affect your mutual-fund investments?

In Mutual Funds for the Utterly Confused, Paul Petillo answers all of you investment questions. Using plain, jargon-free language and colorful analogies, he describes all the different types of mutual funds available, including money market funds, bond funds, stock funds, ETFs, and index funds. Petillo walks you through the subject step-by-step to help you gain a firm grasp of your current investments--and make informed decisions on future investments.

This easy-to-understand guide includes:

• Critical information about management styles and risk tolerance
• Descriptions of fund management structure
• Perspectives from fund managers, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the industry
• Advice on measuring performance, enhanced by formulas and tables