Money: Fund Investors Are Due A Refund

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Most mutual-fund companies that sell through brokers give clients a discount on up-front commissions once they invest $25,000. But because of complex rules and carelessness, brokers often fail to award breakpoint discounts to their customers. The National Association of Securities Dealers is cracking down, telling brokerages to send out refunds possibly worth tens of millions of dollars. Although your broker should determine if you qualify, it doesn't hurt to ask or to read your fund prospectus and statement of additional information, both of which list breakpoint rules. All money invested with one fund firm--say, American Funds or Franklin Templeton--generally combines to qualify you for the discount. In many cases, family members' investments count too. --B.K.

Invest More, Pay Less A sample breakpoint schedule

INVESTMENT FRONT-END SALES CHARGE

Less than $25,000 5.0% $25,000 to $49,999 4.3% $50,000 to $99,999 3.8% $100,000 to $249,999 3.3% $250,000 to $499,999 2.8% $500,000 to $999,999 2.0% $ 1 million or more 0

Source: National Association of Securities Dealers