I enjoy helping younger investors get started with investing. One of the first things they ask is how do you get started investing. Most young investors I talk to are looking for an easy plan to follow. Mutual funds offer a great way to start a pretty simple investment plan. As investors get more experienced may want to add stock to their portfolios but mutual funds provide a good base to build on.

Here are a couple of mutual fund options I recommended for someone getting started. These funds are for investors seeking maximum long-term growth of capital and with a long-term investment horizon of at least five years.

1. Young investors who are willing to take more risk should take a look at the Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund. The fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds with an allocation of approximately 80% in stocks and 20% in bonds. The minimum to start an account is $3,000 with additional investments of $100. Expense ratio is .27%

2. Don't have $3,000, Take a look at the Vanguard Star Fund which has a minimum of $1,000. The STAR Fund invests in a diversified group of other Vanguard mutual funds and follows a balanced investment approach by placing 60% to 70% of its assets in common stocks through eight stock funds; 20% to 30% of its assets in bonds through two bond funds; and 10% to 20% of its assets in short-term investments through a short-term bond fund. Expense ratio is .35%

3. Can't come up with $1,000, can you find $25? The AARP Mutual Funds allow you to open an account with an investment of $25 if you sign up for a monthly contribution of $25 or you can set up an account with a single investment of $100. Additional investments to the account can be made at any time with a minimum of $25. The AARP Aggressive Fund as it has a nice balanced portfolio including some international exposure. The funds are managed by State Street Global Advisors and has an allocation of approximately 75% in stocks and 25% in bonds. Expense ratio is .91% but is currently capped at .50%.

I am not saying these investments are right for everyone but for someone just starting out and looking to invest, these funds are a good place to start. Check the mutual fund objective and make sure if matches yours before investing. These funds can be used for a taxable account or for a Roth IRA.

Disclosure: The Div Guy owns some Vanguard Mutual funds and the AARP Aggressive Fund for my children.