First Methodology

The fund selection rationale consists of two distinct approaches. The first approach is to select actively managed funds where the managers have shown a long-term ability to outperform the market after allowing for additional portfolio risk, regardless of the sector invested in. A fund must have the following characteristics to be considered for the Model Fund Portfolio:

1. It must be a pure no-load fund. Short-term holding penalties are allowed if paid to the fund and not the manager.
2. It must have been active for 10 years. However, exceptions are possible.
3. It must have outperformed the S&P 500 index over the past five-year and 10-year periods.
4. In its worst three-year (calendar) period it must not have had a loss; or, in particularly difficult market periods, its loss must have been substantially less than that of the S&P 500 index.
5. Its expense ratio must not be above 1.25%. Lower ratios will increase desirability.
6. Fund assets must not be over $10 billion. Some exceptions are permitted, depending on fund objectives.
7. It must currently be open to individual investors, with a minimum investment of $25,000 or less.

The above rules apply to new fund selections. Funds will not automatically be eliminated if they later violate the rules without considering other factors.

Second Methodology

The second methodology selects investment approaches that have provided excess returns or reduced portfolio risk to investors over the long term and then searches for the best traditional fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) in that area. Factors to be considered are:

1. The liquidity of the fund.
2. The resources of the management company, in the case of ETFs.
3. The investment returns and risk over as long a term as possible, given the newness of so many ETFs.
4. Selection of areas with demonstrated long-term excess returns: value stocks, small-capitalization stocks, real estate, and special areas where individuals cannot easily invest.

Portfolio Management Notes

• The Model Fund Portfolio is meant to be a portfolio, and we suggest you invest in the entire portfolio on an equal investment basis—that is, invest equal dollar amounts in each fund initially.
• If a fund is closed, create your portfolio from the remaining funds.
• You may make adjustments based on your non-fund holdings. For example, if you have partnership or individual holdings in investment real estate (not personal housing), you may reduce or eliminate any REIT funds.
• There is no need to rebalance on a regular basis. Rebalancing can be accomplished when there are portfolio changes or if one holding gets way out of line. We will notify you of any rebalancing in the Model Fund Portfolio.