BEST MUTUAL FUND COMPANY FOR BEGINNERS

Most mutual fund companies won't let you invest unless you plunk down $1,000 or more. But at T. Rowe Price, you can buy a top-notch fund for $50 a month, if you sign up to have your investments automatically withdrawn from your bank account.

Kiplinger's recently named T. Rowe Price as one of the top 12 brands you can trust. I suggest starting in a broadly-diversified fund, such as Spectrum Growth (PRSGX), Equity Market Index (POMIX) or Retirement 2040 (TRRDX). See A Beginning Investor's Best Friend to learn more.

--Erin Burt