7 retirement investing mistakes

Psssst. Wanna hear a good stock tip?

No, we're not going to tell you about the next Google. We're going to tell you to do your homework. Here's what to look for when researching funds:

• Type of fund (large-cap growth, small-cap value, etc.).
• How long the manager has been there.
• How much the fund costs (expense ratio).
• Minimum investment required.
• Portfolio holdings (list of securities).
• Performance information -- remember, past performance does not guarantee future return.

Morningstar, an independent investment research and ranking site, offers a wealth of free information about mutual funds. Look beyond the star rating, though. Ask for the prospectus from the fund company or brokerage firm.

Get a copy of the most recent semiannual report (you'll likely find it online). These reports frequently feature a letter from the portfolio manager. His or her discussion of the past six months will give you an indication of how he or she runs the fund.