How do you buy mutual funds?

One can buy mutual funds through an employer's 401(k) plan menu, from the fund companies directly, through a "supermarket" that offers funds from many providers or through a human broker or financial planner, according to the Wall Street Journal. Examples of mutual fund companies include Vanguard and Fidelity.

Some mutual fund companies allow the purchase of funds from other companies and many online brokerages also have fund supermarkets, according to the Wall Street Journal. Typically, brokers add additional fees such as sales charges, therefore it is most cost-effective to seek assistance, if needed, from a financial planner who charges by the hour, according to the Wall Street Journal.