How to Analyze Funds, and You May Retire Sooner Than Planned

According to the Investment Company Institute, more than 120 million individuals in the U.S. own some type of fund. After all, they may not have a choice; the most common way Americans save for retirement is through an employer plan such as a 401(k), and in most of those plans, the only investment choices are a menu of funds. Robert Brokamp and Amanda Kish discuss the factors to consider when evaluating mutual funds and ETFs. Also in this episode:-Interest rates are rising, bond prices are falling, and the Fed is staying put… as is Jerome Powell.-Approximately a third of car buyers who traded in a vehicle had negative equity, and auto loan default rates are at their highest level since 2010.-Almost half of retirees stop working sooner than expected, mostly not by choice, so factor a shorter career into your retirement calculations.-We’re already a third through 2026, so revisit those New Year’s resolutions from January by getting caught up with our “Year Well Planned” challenge. Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Amanda Kish, CFA, CFP®Engineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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How to Analyze Funds, and You May Retire Sooner Than Planned is an episode from Motley Fool Money by The Motley Fool.

This episode is 25:29 long.

This episode was published on May 2, 2026.

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