WM TRUST I
485APOS, 2000-12-28
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<PAGE>   1

   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 28, 2000


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                     Securities Act of 1933 File #33-27489
                 Investment Company Act of 1940 File #811-5775
                                   FORM N-1A

          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]

                          Pre-Effective Amendment No.


                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 34


      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]

                                Amendment No. 36

                                  WM Trust II

               (Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)

                                      AND

                     Securities Act of 1933 File #333-01999
                 Investment Company Act of 1940 File #811-07577
                                   FORM N-1A

          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]

                          Pre-Effective Amendment No.


                         Post-Effective Amendment No. 10


      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]

                                Amendment No. 11


                 WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC


               (Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)

                                      AND


                     Securities Act of 1933 File #002-10766

                 Investment Company Act of 9140 File #811-00123
                                   FORM N-1A

          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]

                          Pre-Effective Amendment No.


                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 79



      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]

                                Amendment No. 76

                                   WM Trust I

               (Exact name of Registrant as specified in Charter)

                1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

                    (Address of principal executive offices)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code (206) 461-3800

                                  John T. West
                1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

                    (Name and address of agent for service)


With a copy to:

Joseph B. Kittredge, Esq.
Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, MA 02110



It is proposed that this filing will become effective:


      [ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

      [ ] on [date] pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

      [ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485

      [X] on March 1, 2001 pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485

      [ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485

      [ ] on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485

      [ ] this post-effective amendment designated a new effective date for a
          previously filed post-effective amendment.

<PAGE>   2

                            WM   GROUP   OF   FUNDS
                                   PROSPECTUS

                                 MARCH 1, 2001

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Strategic Asset Management Portfolios

- Strategic Growth Portfolio
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Conservative Growth Portfolio
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Balanced Portfolio
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Conservative Balanced Portfolio (formerly Income Portfolio)
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Flexible Income Portfolio
----------------------------------------------------------------
Equity Funds

- Equity Income Fund (formerly Bond & Stock Fund)
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Growth & Income Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------

- Growth Fund of the Northwest (Northwest Fund)

----------------------------------------------------------------
- Growth Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Mid Cap Stock Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Small Cap Stock Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- International Growth Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed-Income Funds

- Short Term Income Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- U.S. Government Securities Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Income Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- High Yield Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
Municipal Funds

- Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- California Municipal Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
Money Funds

- Money Market Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
- California Money Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  WM Group of Funds provides a broad selection
                    of investment alternatives to investors.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a crime.
<PAGE>   3

                            WM   GROUP   OF   FUNDS


                                 MARCH 1, 2001

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  PAGE
<S>                                               <C>
Risk/Return Summary.............................    2
  Strategic Asset Management Portfolios.........    3
  Equity Funds..................................    8
  Fixed-Income Funds............................   15
  Municipal Funds...............................   19
  Money Funds...................................   22
  Summary of Principal Risks....................   25
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolios and Funds...   30
Description of the Portfolios and Funds.........   34
  Strategic Asset Management Portfolios.........   34
  Equity Funds..................................   34
  Fixed-Income Funds............................   36
  Municipal Funds...............................   37
  Money Funds...................................   39
Common Investment Practices.....................   40
Ways to Set Up Your Account.....................   48
How Can I Invest in the Portfolios and Funds?...   49
Which Class of Shares is Best for Me?...........   51
  Class A Shares................................   51
  Class B Shares................................   53
Distribution Plans..............................   54
Distribution of Income and Capital Gains........   54
How Can I Sell My Shares?.......................   55
How Can I Exchange My Shares?...................   56
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes..............   56
How NAV is Determined...........................   57
Advisors and Sub-Advisors.......................   57
Individual Fund Managers........................   58
Financial Highlights............................   61
Appendix A......................................   83
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   4

                              RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

WM Group of Funds provides a broad range of investment choices, including asset
allocation strategies available through WM Strategic Asset Management
Portfolios, LLC (the "Portfolios"). This summary identifies the investment
objective, principal investment strategies and principal risks of each Portfolio
and Fund. The principal investment strategies identified in this summary are not
the only investment strategies available to the Portfolios and Funds, and some
of the principal investment strategies may not be available at any given time.
For a discussion of all of the investment strategies available to the Portfolios
and Funds, please see the Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI").

The principal investment strategies identified in this summary provide specific
information about each of the Portfolios and Funds, but there are some general
principles WM Advisors and the sub-advisors apply in making investment
decisions. When making decisions about whether to buy or sell equity securities,
WM Advisors and the sub-advisors will consider, among other things, a company's
strength in fundamentals, its potential for earnings growth over time, and the
current price of its securities relative to their perceived worth. When making
decisions about whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments, WM Advisors and
the sub-advisors will generally consider, among other things, the strength of
certain sectors of the fixed-income market relative to others, interest rates
and other general market conditions, as well as the credit quality of individual
issuers.

The discussion of each Portfolio's and Fund's principal investment strategies
includes some of the principal risks of investing in such Portfolio or Fund. You
can find additional information about each Portfolio and Fund, including a more
detailed description of these and other principal risks of an investment in each
Portfolio or Fund, in the "Summary of Principal Risks". Investments mentioned in
the summary and described in greater detail under "Common Investment Practices"
below appear in BOLD TYPE. Please be sure to read the more complete descriptions
of the Portfolios and Funds, and the related risks, before you invest.

Below the description of each Portfolio or Fund is a bar chart showing how the
investment returns of its Class A shares have varied in the past ten years, or
in the years since the Portfolio or Fund began if that is less than ten years.
The bar chart is intended to provide some indication of the volatility of the
Portfolio's or Fund's returns. The table following each bar chart shows how, for
each class of shares, average annual total returns of the Portfolio or Fund
compare to returns of a broad-based securities market index for the last one,
five and ten years (or, for a newer Portfolio or Fund, for the life of the
Portfolio or Fund). Performance shown in the table reflects the maximum
applicable sales charge, but performance shown in the bar chart does not reflect
any sales charges. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY AN INDICATION OF FUTURE
PERFORMANCE.

There can be no assurance that any Portfolio or Fund will achieve its objective.
It is possible to lose money by investing in the Portfolios and Funds. An
investment in a Portfolio or Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured
or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. Although the Money Funds seek to preserve the value of your
investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the
Money Funds.

                                        2
<PAGE>   5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           STRATEGIC GROWTH portfolio

OBJECTIVE  This Portfolio seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. In
general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Strategic Growth Portfolio should
offer you the potential for a low level of income and a high level of capital
growth, while exposing you to a high level of principal risk.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  All of the Portfolios allocate their
assets among certain of the Funds to achieve their objectives. This Portfolio
generally invests at least 75% of its net assets in the Equity Funds.


The Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its assets in each of the Short Term
Income, High Yield and Money Market Funds. It may also invest up to 50% of its
assets in each of the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest, Growth, Mid Cap
Stock, Small Cap Stock and International Growth Funds.


The Portfolio may also invest in U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, short-term debt
rated A or higher, commercial paper (including master notes and bank
obligations), REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS such as futures
contracts and options.

The Portfolio shares the principal risks of each of the Funds it invests in, as
well as Portfolio Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Strategic Growth Portfolio Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1996                                                                             14.59
1997                                                                             12.38
1998                                                                             22.63
1999                                                                             44.48
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was   % (for the quarter
ended, and the lowest was   % (for the quarter ended.)


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past       Since Inception
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years       (5/31/95)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**
RUSSELL 3000 INDEX***
</TABLE>


  * The Portfolio's performance through December 31, 1998 benefitted from the
    agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Portfolio's
    expenses. Performance prior to November 1, 1996, represents the performance
    of the Sierra Asset Management Account ("SAM Account"), Aggressive Growth
    Strategy, a discretionary asset allocation account that was the predecessor
    to the Portfolio. The SAM account's performance has been adjusted to reflect
    mutual fund fees and expenses, however, it was not registered as a mutual
    fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and therefore it was not
    subject to certain restrictions that might have affected its performance.
    Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect
    deduction of the maximum applicable sales charges.
 ** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
    companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock
    market.
*** This index is intended to represent the equity market as a whole.

                                        3
<PAGE>   6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         CONSERVATIVE GROWTH portfolio

OBJECTIVE  This Portfolio seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. In
general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Conservative Growth Portfolio
should offer you the potential for a low to medium level of income and a medium
to high level of capital growth, while exposing you to a medium to high level of
principal risk.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  All of the Portfolios allocate their
assets among certain of the Funds to achieve their objectives. This Portfolio
generally invests at least 60% of its net assets in the Equity Funds.


The Portfolio may invest up to 30% of its assets in each of the Short Term
Income, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and Money Market Funds.
It may also invest up to 40% of its assets in each of the Equity Income, Growth
& Income, Northwest, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock and International
Growth Funds.


The Portfolio may also invest in U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, short-term debt
rated A or higher, commercial paper (including master notes and bank
obligations), REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS such as futures
contracts and options.

The Portfolio shares the principal risks of each of the Funds it invests in, as
well as Portfolio Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Conservative Growth Portfolio Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             22.87
1992                                                                              4.46
1993                                                                             18.58
1994                                                                             -3.47
1995                                                                             22.65
1996                                                                             11.26
1997                                                                              8.65
1998                                                                             18.82
1999                                                                             40.28
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Since Class B
Average Annual Total Returns                             Past         Past         Past          Inception
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                  One Year    Five Years    Ten Years       (6/30/94)
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
RUSSELL 3000 INDEX**
CAPITAL MARKET BENCHMARK***
</TABLE>


  * The Portfolio's performance through December 31, 1998 benefitted from the
    agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Portfolio's
    expenses. Performance prior to November 1, 1996 represents the performance
    of the Sierra Asset Management Account ("SAM Account"), Growth Strategy, a
    discretionary asset allocation account that was the predecessor to the
    Portfolio. The SAM Account's performance has been adjusted to reflect mutual
    fund fees and expenses, however, it was not registered as a mutual fund
    under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and therefore it was not subject
    to certain restrictions that might have affected its performance. Average
    annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction of the
    maximum applicable sales charges.

 ** This index is intended to represent the equity market as a whole.

*** This is a blended mix of capital market indices that is intended to
    represent a proxy for portfolio performance. The benchmark allocation is as
    follows: 35% S&P 500, 20% MSCI EAFE + Emerging Markets, 20% Lehman Bros.
    Mutual Fund (1-5) Gov/Corp Index, 20% Salomon Bros. 90-day T-Bills, and 5%
    Russell 2000 Growth. A description of the components of the Portfolio's
    Capital Market Index can be found in the Statement of Additional
    Information, which you can obtain free of charge by calling 800-222-5852.

                                        4
<PAGE>   7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               BALANCED portfolio

OBJECTIVE  This Portfolio seeks to provide as high a level of total return
(consisting of reinvested income and capital appreciation) as is consistent with
reasonable risk. In general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Balanced
Portfolio should offer you the potential for a medium level of income and a
medium level of capital growth, while exposing you to a medium level of
principal risk.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  All of the Portfolios allocate their
investments among certain of the Funds to achieve their objectives. This
Portfolio invests at least 30% and no more than 70% of its net assets in both
the Equity Funds and the Fixed-Income Funds.


The Portfolio may invest up to 40% of its assets in each of the Short Term
Income, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and Money Market Funds.
It may also invest up to 30% of its assets in each of the Equity Income, Growth
& Income, Northwest, Growth, Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock and International
Growth Funds.


The Portfolio may also invest in U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, short-term debt
rated A or higher, commercial paper (including master notes and bank
obligations), REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS such as futures
contracts and options.

The Portfolio shares the principal risks of each of the Funds it invests in, as
well as Portfolio Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*

[Balanced Portfolio Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             17.41
1992                                                                              2.46
1993                                                                             16.20
1994                                                                             -4.62
1995                                                                             21.73
1996                                                                              8.50
1997                                                                             10.22
1998                                                                             16.27
1999                                                                             26.97
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                              Past         Past        Past         Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                   One Year    Five Years   Ten Years   Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX**
RUSSELL 3000 INDEX***
CAPITAL MARKET BENCHMARK****
</TABLE>


   * The Portfolio's performance through December 31, 1998 benefitted from the
     agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Portfolio's
     expenses. Performance prior to November 1, 1996 represents the performance
     of the Sierra Asset Management Account ("SAM Account") Balanced Strategy, a
     discretionary asset allocation account that was the predecessor to the
     Portfolio. The SAM Account's performance has been adjusted to reflect
     mutual fund fees and expenses, however, it was not registered as a mutual
     fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and therefore it was not
     subject to certain restrictions that might have affected its performance.
     Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect
     deduction of the maximum applicable sales charges.

  ** This index is intended to represent the fixed-income market as a whole.

 *** This index is intended to represent the equity market as a whole.

**** This is a blended mix of capital market indices that is intended to
     represent a proxy for portfolio performance. The benchmark allocation is as
     follows: 25% Lehman Bros Mutual Fund Short (1-5) Gov/Corp Index, 25%
     Salomon Bros 90-day T-Bills, 20% Lehman Bros Mortgage Index, 15% S&P 500,
     and 15% MSCI EAFE + Emerging Markets. A description of the components of
     the Portfolio's Capital Market Index can be found in the Statement of
     Additional Information, which you can obtain free of charge by calling
     800-222-5852.

                                        5
<PAGE>   8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        CONSERVATIVE BALANCED portfolio

OBJECTIVE  This Portfolio (formerly known as Income Portfolio) seeks to provide
a high level of total return (consisting of reinvestment of income and capital
appreciation), consistent with a moderate degree of principal risk. In general,
relative to the other Portfolios, the Conservative Balanced Portfolio should
offer you the potential for a medium to high level of income and a medium to low
level of capital growth, while exposing you to a medium to low level of
principal risk.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  All of the Portfolios allocate their
assets among certain of the Funds to achieve their objectives. This Portfolio
invests between 40% and 80% of its net assets in a combination of the
Fixed-Income Funds and the Money Market Fund and between 20% and 60% of its net
assets in the Equity Funds.


The Portfolio may invest up to 40% of its assets in each of the Short Term
Income, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and Money Market Funds.
It may also invest up to 30% of its assets in each of the Equity Income, Growth
& Income, Northwest, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock and International
Growth Funds.


The Portfolio may also invest in U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, short-term debt
rated A or higher, commercial paper (including master notes and bank
obligations), REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS such as futures
contracts and options.

The Portfolio shares the principal risks of each of the Funds it invests in, as
well as Portfolio Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*

[Income Portfolio Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           ANNUAL RETURN (%)
                                                                           -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             16.51
1992                                                                              7.12
1993                                                                             10.51
1994                                                                             -7.50
1995                                                                             16.67
1996                                                                              2.24
1997                                                                              8.29
1998                                                                              5.28
1999                                                                              1.97
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                  Past        Past        Past        Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                       One Year   Five Years   Ten Years   Inception 6/30/94
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX**
CAPITAL MARKET BENCHMARK***
</TABLE>


  * Effective August 1, 2000, the investment objective and policies of the
    Portfolio changed. Accordingly, the performance of the Portfolio shown above
    may not reflect what the Portfolio's performance would have been under its
    current investment objective and policies. The Portfolio's performance
    through December 31, 1998 benefitted from the agreement of WM Advisors and
    its affiliates to limit the Portfolio's expenses. Performance prior to
    November 1, 1996 represents the performance for the Sierra Asset Management
    Agreement Account ("SAM Account"), Fixed Strategy, a discretionary asset
    allocation account that was the predecessor to the Portfolio. The SAM
    Account's performance has been adjusted to reflect mutual fund fees and
    expenses, however, it was not registered as a mutual fund under the
    Investment Company Act of 1940, and therefore it was not subject to certain
    restrictions that might have affected its performance. Average annual
    returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction of the maximum
    applicable sales charges.

 ** This index is intended to represent the fixed-income market as a whole.

*** This is a blended mix of capital market indices that is intended to
    represent a proxy for portfolio performance. The benchmark allocation is as
    follows: 20% Salomon Bros, 90-day T-Bills, 30% Lehman Bros Mutual Fund Short
    (1-5) Gov/Corp Index, 10% Lehman Bros Mortgages Index and 10% Lehman Bros
    BAA LT Corporate Bond Index. A description of the components of the
    Portfolio's Capital Market Index can be found in the Statement of Additional
    Information, which you can obtain free of charge by calling 800-222-5852.

                                        6
<PAGE>   9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           FLEXIBLE INCOME portfolio

OBJECTIVE  This Portfolio seeks to provide a high level of total return
(consisting of reinvestment of income with some capital appreciation). In
general, relative to the other Portfolios, the Flexible Income Portfolio should
offer you the potential for a high level of income and a low level of capital
growth, while exposing you to a low level of principal risk.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  All of the Portfolios allocate their
assets among certain of the Funds to achieve their objectives. This Portfolio
generally invests no more than 30% of its net assets in the Equity Funds.


The Portfolio may invest up to 40% of its assets in each of the Short Term
Income, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and Money Market Funds.
It may also invest up to 30% of its assets in each of the Equity Income, Growth
& Income, Northwest, Growth, Mid Cap Stock and Small Cap Stock Funds.


The Portfolio may also invest in U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, short-term debt
rated A or higher, commercial paper (including master notes and bank
obligations), REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS such as futures
contracts and options.

The Portfolio shares the principal risks of the Funds it invests in, as well as
Portfolio Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*

[Flexible Income Portfolio Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1994                                                                             -6.10
1995                                                                             20.98
1996                                                                              6.48
1997                                                                             10.25
1998                                                                              9.24
1999                                                                              8.64
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                       Past        Past         Since Class A         Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)            One Year   Five Years   Inception (3/31/93)   Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                              <C>        <C>          <C>                   <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX**
CAPITAL MARKET BENCHMARK***
</TABLE>


  * The Portfolio's performance through December 31, 1998 benefitted from the
    agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Portfolio's
    expenses. Performance prior to November 1, 1996 represents the performance
    of the Sierra Asset Management Account ("SAM Account") Value Strategy, a
    discretionary asset allocation account that was the predecessor to the
    Portfolio. The SAM Account's performance has been adjusted to reflect mutual
    fund fees and expenses, however, it was not registered as a mutual fund
    under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and therefore it was not subject
    to certain restrictions that might have affected its performance. Average
    annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction of the
    maximum applicable sales charges.

 ** This index is intended to represent the fixed-income market as a whole.

*** This is a blended mix of capital market indices that is intended to
    represent a proxy for portfolio performance. The benchmark allocation is as
    follows: 40% Lehman Bros Mutual Fund Short (1-5) Gov/Corp Index, 40% Salomon
    Bros 90-day T-Bills, 10% Lehman Bros Mortgage Index and 10% S&P 500. A
    description of the components of the Portfolio's Capital Market Index can be
    found in the Statement of Additional Information, which you can obtain free
    of charge by calling 800-222-5852.

                                        7
<PAGE>   10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               EQUITY INCOME fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund (formerly known as Bond & Stock Fund) seeks to provide a
relatively high level of current income and long-term growth of income and
capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
dividend-paying common stocks and preferred stocks. The Fund's investments may
also include bonds, convertible securities, U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, AMERICAN
DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS (ADRs) and EUROPEAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS (EDRs),
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (including collateralized mortgage obligations),
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs).
In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for investments that
provide regular income in addition to some opportunity for capital appreciation.
Equity investments are typically made in "value" stocks currently selling for
less than WM Advisors believes they are worth.


Among the risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk                   - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             21.75
1992                                                                              9.89
1993                                                                              9.27
1994                                                                             -2.13
1995                                                                             31.18
1996                                                                             13.60
1997                                                                             19.89
1998                                                                              6.93
1999                                                                              4.83
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (3/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE BOND***
</TABLE>


  * Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect
    deduction of the maximum applicable sales charges.

 ** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
    companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock
    market.

*** This index is generally considered representative of the U.S. Government and
    corporate bond markets.

                                        8
<PAGE>   11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              GROWTH & INCOME fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth. Current income
is a secondary consideration.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for common
stocks that it believes are currently undervalued and whose issuers WM Advisors
believes have the potential to increase earnings over time. WM Advisors seeks
out companies that it believes have solid management, a competitive advantage,
and the resources to maintain superior cash flow and profitability over the long
term.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign                - Management Risk
  Investment Risk        - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             27.39
1992                                                                             11.01
1993                                                                              6.83
1994                                                                              2.58
1995                                                                             33.15
1996                                                                             22.28
1997                                                                             29.52
1998                                                                             14.41
1999                                                                             18.26
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (3/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charges.

** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
   companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock market.

                                        9
<PAGE>   12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 NORTHWEST fund


OBJECTIVE  The Growth Fund of the Northwest (referred to as Northwest Fund in
this Prospectus) seeks long-term growth of capital.



PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in common
stocks of companies located or doing business in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon
and Washington. The Fund's investments may include REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
(REITS).


In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for equity securities
that it believes are undervalued, yet well-managed, with excellent long-term
growth possibilities.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            -Non-diversification
- Credit Risk             Risk
- Currency Risk          - Derivatives Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Liquidity Risk
  Risk                   - Management Risk
- Geographic             - Smaller Company Risk
  Concentration Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             43.98
1992                                                                              3.54
1993                                                                              2.50
1994                                                                             -1.42
1995                                                                             26.52
1996                                                                             22.56
1997                                                                             32.88
1998                                                                             22.98
1999                                                                             42.27
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended         ), and the lowest was         % (for the quarter ended         ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (3/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charge.
** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
   companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock market.

                                       10
<PAGE>   13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  GROWTH fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in common
stocks, including FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, that, in the opinion of WM Advisors or
the sub-advisor, offer potential for growth. The Fund may also invest in
commercial paper and preferred stock.


In selecting investments for the Fund, Janus Capital Corporation, the Fund's
sub-advisor, looks for individual companies that it believes have exceptional
potential for growth, regardless of economic conditions. Companies are evaluated
on their individual merit, their ability to generate earnings growth, and their
superior management teams, rather than on the broad analysis of a particular
sector or market trend.



Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk                   - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1994                                                                              0.65
1995                                                                             36.25
1996                                                                             16.92
1997                                                                              9.78
1998                                                                             57.10
1999                                                                             94.42
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended         ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended         ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                  Past         Past         Since Class A          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)       One Year    Five Years    Inception (4/5/93)    Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>           <C>                   <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charges.

** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
   companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock market.

                                       11
<PAGE>   14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               MID CAP STOCK fund

OBJECTIVE  The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily (at least
65% of its assets) in common stocks of companies having market capitalizations
in the range of companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index at the time of
purchase. In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for equity
investments in companies which have solid management, a competitive advantage,
and the resources to maintain superior cash flow and profitability over the long
term.

In determining whether securities should be sold, the Advisor considers factors
such as high valuations relative to other investment opportunities, and
deteriorating short or long-term business fundamentals or future growth
prospects. The Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security merely because
its issuer's market capitalization is no longer in the range represented by the
S&P MidCap 400 Index.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Credit Risk            - Management Risk
- Currency Risk          - Derivatives Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Smaller Company Risk
  Risk
- Leveraging Risk
</TABLE>


NO PERFORMANCE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FOR THE MID CAP STOCK FUND BECAUSE IT
HAD NOT BEEN IN OPERATION FOR A FULL CALENDAR YEAR AS OF THE DATE OF THIS
PROSPECTUS.

                                       12
<PAGE>   15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              SMALL CAP STOCK fund


OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.



PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in equity
securities, including FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, of companies with market
capitalizations of less than $1.4 billion. The Fund may also utilize STRATEGIC
TRANSACTIONS (derivatives) such as futures and options on futures.

In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for small cap companies
that it expects to achieve growth in earnings and revenues or that it believes
are currently undervalued relative to their true worth.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk
                         - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares
[Emerging Growth Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             39.29
1992                                                                             15.40
1993                                                                             22.27
1994                                                                             -0.34
1995                                                                             32.26
1996                                                                              8.50
1997                                                                             12.63
1998                                                                              4.94
1999                                                                             71.61
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended         ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended         ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX***
</TABLE>


  * Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect
    deduction of the maximum applicable sales charges.
 ** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
    companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock
    market.
*** This index represents the smallest 2000 companies followed by Russell and is
    used to measure the small cap market.

                                       13
<PAGE>   16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           INTERNATIONAL GROWTH fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.


PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in equity
securities of foreign issuers, including issuers located in developing or
emerging market countries. The Fund may also use STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS
(derivatives) such as FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.



In selecting investments for the Fund, Capital Guardian Trust Company, the
Fund's Subadvisor, seeks to identify foreign stocks which have an attractive
valuation, high return on invested capital, excellent cash flow, strong balance
sheets, and strong management. Capital Guardian utilizes a research driven
"bottom-up" approach in that decisions are made based upon extensive field
research and direct company contacts. Capital Guardian blends its basic
value-oriented approach with macroeconomic and political judgments on the
outlook for economies, industries, currencies, and markets.



Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk
                         - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares
[International Growth Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             14.42
1992                                                                            -10.57
1993                                                                             32.35
1994                                                                             -1.31
1995                                                                              4.87
1996                                                                              8.02
1997                                                                             -2.49
1998                                                                              4.08
1999                                                                             49.91
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the bar chart. If those
charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the periods
shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter ended
        ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended         ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL EAFE INDEX*
</TABLE>


 * Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the applicable sales charges.
** This index includes stock markets of Europe, Australia and the Far East
   weighted by capitalization and represents the equity markets of 18 countries.

                                       14
<PAGE>   17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             SHORT TERM INCOME fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund (formerly known as Short Term High Quality Bond Fund) seeks
as high a level of current income as is consistent with prudent investment
management and stability of principal.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests in short-term bonds
and other FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES, which are rated in the top four categories by
a nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("investment grade") or
are of comparable quality. Under normal circumstances, the Fund maintains a
dollar-weighted average portfolio duration of three years or less.
The Fund's investments may include CORPORATE SECURITIES, U.S. AND FOREIGN
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and MORTGAGE- and ASSET-BACKED
SECURITIES.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign                - Management Risk
  Investment Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1994                                                                             -2.05
1995                                                                             10.03
1996                                                                              4.09
1997                                                                              5.77
1998                                                                              6.30
1999                                                                              2.92
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended         ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended         ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                 Past         Past          Since Class A          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)      One Year    Five Years    Inception (11/1/93)    Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>           <C>                    <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND SHORT (1-5)
INVESTMENT GRADE DEBT INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charge.
** This index includes all investment-grade, corporate debt securities with
   maturities of one to five years.

                                       15
<PAGE>   18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks a high level of current income consistent with safety
and liquidity.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, including collateralized mortgage obligations and other
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Fund may also invest in DOLLAR ROLLS, which
involve leverage.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Credit Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Leveraging Risk        - Management Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             14.72
1992                                                                              6.12
1993                                                                              8.12
1994                                                                             -4.91
1995                                                                             19.45
1996                                                                              2.48
1997                                                                              9.92
1998                                                                              7.21
1999                                                                              0.13
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended         ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended         ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (3/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT BOND INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charge.
** This index includes all U.S. Government agency and Treasury securities.

                                       16
<PAGE>   19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  INCOME fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks a high level of current income consistent with
preservation of capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in a
diversified pool of FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES, including corporate securities,
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES and MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (including
collateralized mortgage obligations), up to 35% of which may be in LOWER-RATED
SECURITIES (which are sometimes called "junk bonds"). The Fund may also invest
in convertible securities.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

- Market Risk


- Credit Risk


- Currency Risk


- Foreign Investment Risk           - Leveraging Risk

                                    - Derivatives Risk
                                    - Liquidity Risk
                                    - Management Risk

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Income Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             17.29
1992                                                                              7.38
1993                                                                             10.82
1994                                                                             -4.82
1995                                                                             21.58
1996                                                                              3.46
1997                                                                             10.51
1998                                                                              7.15
1999                                                                              0.09
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                Past        Past        Past         Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                     One Year   Five Years   Ten Years   Inception (3/30/94)
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE BOND INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charge.
** This index is generally considered representative of the U.S. government and
   corporate bond markets.

                                       17
<PAGE>   20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                HIGH YIELD fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
high-yielding LOWER-RATED SECURITIES (sometimes called "junk bonds"), which may
include FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Fund may also invest in higher-rated
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES, preferred stock and convertible securities.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

- Market Risk


- Credit Risk


- Currency Risk


- Foreign Investment Risk


                                    - Leveraging Risk


                                    - Derivatives Risk


                                    - Liquidity Risk


                                    - Management Risk


                                    - Smaller Company Risk


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*

[Income Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1999                                                                             12.02
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the return shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the return shown would be lower. During the period
shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter ended
           ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended            ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                              Past         Since Class A          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                   One Year    Inception (4/8/98)     Inception (5/5/98)
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>                    <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS HIGH YIELD INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charge.

** This index includes all below investment-grade, corporate debt securities.

                                       18
<PAGE>   21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              TAX-EXEMPT BOND fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide a high level of income that is exempt from
federal income tax while protecting investors' capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS issued by states, counties, cities or other governmental
entities, including MUNICIPAL LEASES, AMT-SUBJECT BONDS and INVERSE FLOATING
RATE OBLIGATIONS, that generate income exempt from federal income tax. The Fund
may also invest in taxable FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES (including junk bonds) and
utilize STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS (derivatives) such as interest rate futures and
options.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Credit Risk            - Management Risk
- Leveraging Risk        - Tax Risk
- Derivatives Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares
YEARLY PERFORMANCE GRAPH

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             11.36
1992                                                                              9.00
1993                                                                             12.54
1994                                                                             -6.53
1995                                                                             18.25
1996                                                                              2.52
1997                                                                              8.59
1998                                                                              5.08
1999                                                                             -4.40
2000
</TABLE>


Sales Charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (3/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the applicable sales charges.
** This index includes all investment grade, tax-exempt bond issues.

                                       19
<PAGE>   22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide as high a level of current income that is
exempt from federal and California state income tax as is consistent with
prudent investment management and preservation of capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
intermediate-and long-term California MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS, including MUNICIPAL
LEASES and AMT-SUBJECT BONDS. The Fund may also invest in other municipal
obligations and utilize STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS (derivatives) such as interest
rate futures and options.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>
- Market Risk           - Derivatives Risk
- Credit Risk           - Liquidity Risk
-Geographic             - Management Risk
 Concentration Risk     - Tax Risk
-Leveraging Risk
</TABLE>


The Fund is also "non-diversified," which means that the Fund may invest more of
its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than other mutual funds. Thus, the
Fund is also subject to Non-Diversification Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
Yearly Performance Graph

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                              9.65
1992                                                                              9.17
1993                                                                             13.65
1994                                                                             -8.61
1995                                                                             18.09
1996                                                                              4.42
1997                                                                             10.30
1998                                                                              6.09
1999                                                                             -4.53
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charge.
** This index includes all investment grade tax-exempt bond issues.

                                       20
<PAGE>   23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide as high a level of current income that is
exempt from federal and California state income tax as is consistent with
prudent investment management and preservation of capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
intermediate-term insured California MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS, including MUNICIPAL
LEASES and AMT-SUBJECT BONDS. The weighted average effective maturity of the
Fund's investments is ten years or less, and the maximum effective maturity of
any of its investments is fifteen years. The Fund may also invest in other
municipal obligations and utilize STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS (derivatives) such as
interest rate futures and options.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Credit Risk            - Liquidity Risk
-Geographic Concentra-   - Management Risk
 tion Risk               - Tax Risk
- Leveraging Risk
</TABLE>


The Fund is also "non-diversified," which means that the Fund may invest more of
its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than other mutual funds. Thus, the
Fund is also subject to Non-Diversification Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1995                                                                             16.45
1996                                                                              3.91
1997                                                                              7.14
1998                                                                              5.26
1999                                                                             -0.83
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                 Past         Past          Since Class A          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)      One Year    Five Years    Inception (4/04/94)    Inception (6/30/94)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>           <C>                    <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charge.

** This index includes all investment grade tax-exempt bond issues.

                                       21
<PAGE>   24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               MONEY MARKET fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to maximize current income while preserving capital
and maintaining liquidity.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests in high-quality
money market instruments, which may include U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, FLOATING
AND VARIABLE RATE SECURITIES, MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS, U.S. dollar denominated
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, and
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Credit Risk            - Management Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Money Market Risk
  Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             5.39
1992                                                                             3.06
1993                                                                             2.41
1994                                                                             3.47
1995                                                                             5.33
1996                                                                             4.87
1997                                                                             5.04
1998                                                                             5.00
1999                                                                             4.56
2000
</TABLE>


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                          Past         Past         Past          Since Class B
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)               One Year    Five Years    Ten Years    Inception (5/2/94)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
MERRILL LYNCH 3-MONTH U.S. TREASURY BILL INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1997 benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
   Class B share average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table
   reflect the maximum applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

** This is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of 3-month U.S.
   Treasury bills currently available in the marketplace.

                                       22
<PAGE>   25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to maximize current income that is exempt from
federal income tax while preserving capital and maintaining liquidity.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
high-quality, short-term, fixed-income MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS issued by states,
counties, cities or other governmental entities that generate income exempt from
federal income tax. The Fund's investments may include VARIABLE RATE
OBLIGATIONS, HOLDINGS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES, MUNICIPAL LEASES,
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES and ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX ("AMT")-
SUBJECT BONDS.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>
- Market Risk           - Management Risk
- Credit Risk           - Tax Risk
- Liquidity Risk        - Money Market Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[Tax-Exempt Money Market Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             4.18
1992                                                                             2.41
1993                                                                             2.06
1994                                                                             2.37
1995                                                                             4.00
1996                                                                             3.05
1997                                                                             3.18
1998                                                                             3.07
1999                                                                             2.69
2000
</TABLE>


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past         Past
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Ten Years
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS A SHARES
MERRILL LYNCH 3-MONTH U.S. TREASURY BILL INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.

** This is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of 3-month U.S.
   Treasury bills currently available in the marketplace.

                                       23
<PAGE>   26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             CALIFORNIA MONEY fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to maximize current income that is exempt from
federal and California state personal income tax, consistent with safety of
principal and maintenance of liquidity.


PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
high-quality, short-term, fixed-income MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS issued by states,
counties, cities or other governmental bodies that generate income exempt from
California state personal income tax. The Fund may also invest in VARIABLE RATE
OBLIGATIONS, HOLDINGS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES, MUNICIPAL LEASES,
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES AND ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX
("AMT")-SUBJECT BONDS.



Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Credit Risk            - Management Risk
- Geographic             - Tax Risk
  Concentration Risk     - Money Market Risk
</TABLE>


The Fund is also "non-diversified," which means that the Fund may invest more of
its assets in the securities of fewer issuers than other mutual funds. Thus, the
Fund is also subject to Non-Diversification Risk.

YEARLY performance of Class A Shares*
[California Money Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Calendar Year                                                               Annual Return (%)
1991                                                                                    3.85
1992                                                                                    2.60
1993                                                                                    1.85
1994                                                                                    2.20
1995                                                                                    3.11
1996                                                                                    2.76
1997                                                                                    2.85
1998                                                                                    2.48
1999                                                                                    2.27
2000
</TABLE>


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past         Past
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Ten Years
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS A SHARES
MERRILL LYNCH 3-MONTH U.S. TREASURY
BILL INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1998 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.

** This is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of 3-month U.S.
   Treasury bills currently available in the marketplace.

                                       24
<PAGE>   27

                           SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RISKS


The value of your investment in a Portfolio or Fund changes with the value of
the investments held by that Portfolio or Fund. Many factors can affect that
value, and it is possible that you may lose money on investments in the
Portfolios and Funds. Factors that may affect a particular Portfolio or Fund as
a whole are called "principal risks." They are summarized in this section. The
chart at the end of this section displays similar information. All Portfolios
and Funds are subject to principal risks. These risks can change over time,
because the types of investments made by the Portfolios and Funds can change
over time. Investments mentioned in this summary and described in greater detail
under "Description of the Funds" or "Common Investment Practices" appear in BOLD
TYPE. Those sections also include more information about the Funds, their
investments and the related risks.


- MARKET RISK.  Each of the Portfolios and Funds is subject to market risk,
  which is the general risk of unfavorable changes in the market value of a
  Fund's portfolio securities.


    One aspect of market risk is interest rate risk. As interest rates rise,
    your investment in a Portfolio or Fund is likely to be worth less because
    its income-producing equity or debt investments are likely to be worth less.
    This type of risk is generally greater for securities with longer
    maturities.


    Even Funds such as the Short Term Income and U.S. Government Securities
    Funds are subject to interest rate risk, even though they generally invest
    substantial portions of their assets in the highest quality debt securities,
    such as U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.


    Interest rate risk is generally greater for Funds that invest in debt
    securities with longer maturities. This risk may be compounded for Funds
    such as the U.S. Government Securities, Income, Tax-Exempt Bond and
    California Municipal Funds that invest in MORTGAGE-BACKED or other ASSET-
    BACKED SECURITIES that may be prepaid. These securities have variable
    maturities that tend to lengthen when that is least desirable -- when
    interest rates are rising. Increased market risk is also likely for Funds
    such as the Short Term Income and Income that invest in debt securities
    paying no interest, such as ZERO-COUPON, PRINCIPAL-ONLY and INTEREST-ONLY
    SECURITIES.


    The Equity Funds, by investing in equity securities, such as common stock,
    preferred stock and convertible securities, are exposed to a separate set of
    market risks. Those risks include the risks of broader equity market
    declines as well as more specific risks affecting the issuer, such as
    management performance, financial leverage, industry problems and reduced
    demand for the issuer's goods or services.


- CREDIT RISK.  Each of the Funds may be subject to credit risk to the extent it
  invests in FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. This is the risk that the issuer or the
  guarantor (or, in the case of the California Insured Intermediate Municipal
  Fund, the insurer) of a debt security, or the counterparty to any of a Fund's
  portfolio transactions (including, without limitation, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS,
  REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, LENDING OF SECURITIES and other
  over-the-counter transactions), will be unable or unwilling to make timely
  principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations.
  Varying degrees of credit risk, often reflected in Credit Ratings, apply.
  Credit risk is particularly significant for Funds such as the Equity Income,
  Growth & Income, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, Income, High Yield
  and Tax-Exempt Bond Funds that may invest significantly in LOWER-RATED
  SECURITIES. These securities and similar unrated securities (commonly known as
  "junk bonds") have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative
  credit risks. The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest, Growth, Mid Cap
  Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income, Income and
  High Yield Funds, which make FOREIGN INVESTMENTS denominated in U.S. dollars,
  are also subject to increased credit risk because of the added difficulties
  associated with requiring foreign entities to honor their contractual
  commitments, and because a number of foreign governments and other issuers are
  already in default. The Money Market Fund may also make U.S. dollar
  denominated FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.



- CURRENCY RISK.  Funds such as the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Growth, Mid
  Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term


                                       25
<PAGE>   28


  Income, Income and High Yield Funds that invest in securities denominated in,
  and/or receive revenues in, foreign currencies will be subject to currency
  risk. This is the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to
  the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar
  will decline in value relative to the currency hedged.



- FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK.  Each of the Funds with FOREIGN INVESTMENTS such as
  the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock,
  International Growth, Short Term Income, Income and High Yield Funds, may
  experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than Funds with investments
  solely in securities of U.S. companies. This is because the securities markets
  of many foreign countries are relatively small, with a limited number of
  companies representing a small number of industries. Additionally, foreign
  securities issuers are usually not subject to the same degree of regulation as
  U.S. issuers. Reporting, accounting and auditing standards of foreign
  countries differ, in some cases significantly, from U.S. standards. Also,
  nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage,
  political changes or diplomatic developments could adversely affect a Fund's
  investments in a foreign country. In the event of nationalization,
  expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment.
  Adverse developments in certain regions, such as Southeast Asia, may adversely
  affect the markets of other countries whose economies appear to be unrelated.
  The Northwest and the Money Market Funds may also make U.S. dollar denominated
  FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.



- GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION RISK.  Funds such as the Northwest, California
  Municipal, California Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money
  Funds that invest significant portions of their assets in concentrated
  geographic areas like the northwestern United States or California generally
  have more exposure to regional economic risks than Funds making investments
  more broadly.



- LEVERAGING RISK.  When a Fund is BORROWING money or otherwise leveraging its
  portfolio, the value of an investment in that Fund will be more volatile and
  all other risks will tend to be compounded. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small
  Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income, U.S. Government
  Securities, Income, California Municipal and California Insured Intermediate
  Funds may achieve leverage by using REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and/or
  DOLLAR ROLLS. The Equity Income and Growth & Income Funds and Fixed-Income and
  Municipal Funds may achieve leverage through the use of INVERSE FLOATING RATE
  INVESTMENTS. Funds such as the Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock,
  International Growth, Short Term Income, U.S. Government Securities,
  California Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds may also
  take on leveraging risk by investing collateral from securities loans, by
  using STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS (derivatives) and by BORROWING money to meet
  redemption requests.



- NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK.  Most analysts believe that overall risk can be
  reduced through diversification, while concentration of investments in a small
  number of securities increases risk. Each of the California Municipal,
  California Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds is NON-
  DIVERSIFIED. This means they can invest a greater portion of their assets in a
  relatively small number of issuers and will have greater concentration of
  risk. Some of those issuers may present substantial credit or other risks.


- DERIVATIVES RISK.  Each of the Funds, except the Money Funds, may, subject to
  the limitations and restrictions stated elsewhere in this Prospectus and the
  SAI, enter into STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS involving derivatives such as forward
  contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps, caps, floors and collars, which
  are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value
  of something else, such as an underlying asset, reference rate or index. In
  addition to other risks such as the credit risk of the counterparty,
  derivatives involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk
  that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with
  relevant assets, rates and indices.

- LIQUIDITY RISK.  Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are
  difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing a Fund from selling out of
  these ILLIQUID SECURITIES at an advantageous price. All of the Funds may be
  subject to liquidity risk. Funds that engage in STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS, make
  FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, or invest in securities involving

                                       26
<PAGE>   29

  substantial market and/or credit risk tend to be subject to greater liquidity
  risk. In addition, liquidity risk increases for Funds that hold RESTRICTED
  SECURITIES.

- MANAGEMENT RISK.  Each Portfolio and Fund is subject to management risk
  because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. WM Advisors, or the
  sub-advisor if applicable, will apply its investment techniques and risk
  analyses in making investment decisions for the Portfolios or Funds, but there
  can be no guarantee that they will meet stated objectives or produce desired
  results. In some cases derivatives and other investments may be unavailable or
  WM Advisors or the sub-advisor may choose not to use them under market
  conditions when their use, in hindsight, may be determined to have been
  beneficial to the Portfolios or Funds.


- SMALLER COMPANY RISK.  Market risk and liquidity risk are particularly
  pronounced for stocks of companies with relatively small market
  capitalizations. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or
  financial resources, or they may depend on a few key employees. The Equity
  Funds, the Small Cap Stock Fund, and the High Yield Fund in particular,
  generally have the greatest exposure to this risk.



- TAX RISK.  The Municipal Funds and Tax-Exempt Money Market and California
  Money Funds are subject to the risk that some or all of the interest they
  receive might become taxable by law or be determined by the Internal Revenue
  Service (or the relevant state tax authority) to be taxable. In this event,
  the value of the Funds' investments would likely fall, and some or all of the
  income distributions paid by the Funds might become taxable. In addition, some
  or all of the income distributions paid by these Funds may be subject to
  federal alternative minimum income tax.


- MONEY MARKET RISK.  While the Money Funds are designed to be relatively low
  risk investments, they are not entirely free of risk. The Money Funds may not
  be able to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share, as a result of a
  deterioration in the credit quality of issuers whose securities the Funds
  hold, or an increase in interest rates. In addition, the Money Funds are still
  subject to the risk that the value of your investment may be eroded over time
  by inflation.

- PORTFOLIO REALLOCATION RISK.  From time to time, one or more of a Portfolio's
  underlying Funds may experience relatively large investments or redemptions
  due to reallocations or rebalancings by the Portfolios as recommended by WM
  Advisors. These transactions will affect such Funds, since the Funds that
  experience redemptions as a result of reallocations or rebalancings may have
  to sell portfolio securities and Funds that receive additional cash will have
  to invest such cash. While it is impossible to predict the overall impact of
  these transactions over time, there could be adverse effects on portfolio
  performance to the extent that the Funds may be required to sell securities or
  invest cash at times when they would not otherwise do so. These transactions
  could also accelerate the realization of taxable income if sales of securities
  resulted in gains and could also increase transaction costs. WM Advisors is
  committed to minimizing such impact on the Funds to the extent it is
  consistent with pursuing the investment objectives of the Portfolios. WM
  Advisors may nevertheless face conflicts in fulfilling its dual
  responsibilities to the Portfolios and the Funds. WM Advisors will at all
  times monitor the impact on the Funds of transactions by the Portfolios.

- PORTFOLIO RISK.  Each of the Portfolios allocates its assets among the Funds
  as determined by its Advisor and in accordance with the investment
  restrictions discussed above. As a result, the Portfolios share the risks of
  each of the Funds in which they invest, which are described above.


    In particular, the Portfolios may be subject to credit risk. For instance,
    the Strategic Growth Portfolio can invest up to 50% of its assets in each of
    the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Growth, Mid Cap Stock and Small Cap
    Stock Funds and up to 25% of its assets in the High Yield Fund. Each of
    these Funds may invest significant amounts of its assets in lower-rated
    securities ("junk bonds"). The Portfolios may also be exposed to FOREIGN
    INVESTMENT RISK through their investments in the Growth, Mid Cap Stock,
    International Growth or Small Cap Stock Funds. In choosing among the
    Portfolios, investors should understand the risks of each of the Funds and
    the extent to which each Portfolio invests in each Fund.


                                       27
<PAGE>   30

    Investing in Funds through the Portfolios involves certain additional
    expenses and tax results that would not be present in a direct investment in
    the Funds. See "Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes" for additional
    information about the tax implications of investing in the Portfolios.

    Under certain circumstances, a Fund may determine to pay a redemption
    request by a Portfolio wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of
    securities from its portfolio, instead of cash. In such cases, the
    Portfolios may hold portfolio securities until WM Advisors determines that
    it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.

    The officers, trustees, advisor, distributor and transfer agent of the
    Portfolios serve in the same capacities for the Funds. Conflicts may arise
    as these persons and companies seek to fulfill their fiduciary
    responsibilities to the Portfolios and the Funds.

                                       28
<PAGE>   31

                            PRINCIPAL RISKS by fund


The following chart summarizes the Principal Risks of each Fund other than
Market Risk, Credit Risk, Liquidity Risk, Management Risk and Portfolio
Reallocation Risk, which apply to all of the Funds. The portfolios share in the
risks of each of the Funds in which they invest. Risks not marked for a
particular Fund may, however, still apply to some extent to that Fund at various
times.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Foreign     Geographic                                                  Smaller        Money
                        Currency   Investment  Concentration  Leveraging  Non-Diversification  Derivatives  Company  Tax   Market
                          Risk        Risk         Risk          Risk            Risk             Risk       Risk    Risk   Risk
<S> <C>                 <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>                  <C>          <C>      <C>   <C>
    EQUITY
    INCOME                  X          X                          X                                 X          X
    fund
    GROWTH &
    INCOME                  X          X                          X                                 X          X
    fund
    NORTHWEST
    fund                    X          X             X                             X                X          X

    GROWTH
    fund                    X          X                          X                                 X          X
    MID CAP
    STOCK                   X          X                          X                                 X          X
    fund
    SMALL CAP
    STOCK                   X          X                          X                                 X          X
    fund
    INTERNATIONAL
    GROWTH                  X          X                          X                                 X          X
    fund
    SHORT TERM
    INCOME                  X          X                          X                                 X
    fund
    U.S. GOVERNMENT
    SECURITIES                                                    X                                 X
    fund
    INCOME
    fund                    X          X                          X                                 X
    HIGH YIELD
    fund                    X          X                          X                                 X          X
    TAX-EXEMPT
    BOND                                                          X                                 X                 X
    fund
    CALIFORNIA
    MUNICIPAL                                        X            X                X                X                 X
    fund
    CALIFORNIA INSURED
    INTERMEDIATE                                     X            X                X                X                 X
    MUNICIPAL fund
    MONEY
    MARKET                             X                                                                                     X
    fund
    TAX-EXEMPT
    MONEY MARKET                                                                                                      X      X
    fund
    CALIFORNIA
    MONEY                                            X                             X                                  X      X
    fund

<CAPTION>

<S>  <C>
</TABLE>


                                       29
<PAGE>   32

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
                                   AND FUNDS


This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you invest in
Class A or Class B shares of a Portfolio or Fund. Each of the Funds may offer
other classes of shares that are subject to different fees and expenses. For
information about other classes of shares offered by the Funds, please contact
WM Shareholder Services at 800-222-5852. The examples on the next two pages are
intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolios and Funds
with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that your
investment has a 5% return each year, required for illustration purposes by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and that the Portfolio's or Fund's operating
expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower than those in
the examples.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                SHAREHOLDER FEES                            CLASS A         CLASS B
                   (fees paid directly from your investment)             SHARES (in %)   SHARES (in %)
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                             <C>             <C>              <C> <C>
         Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a
         percentage of offering price)
         Equity Funds and Strategic Growth, Conservative Growth,
           Balanced and Conservative Balanced Portfolios                      5.50            0.00
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Fixed-Income Funds, Municipal Funds and Flexible Income
           Portfolio                                                          4.50(1)         0.00
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Money Funds                                                          0.00(2)         0.00
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of
         original purchase price or redemption proceeds, as
         applicable)(5)                                                       0.00(3)         5.00(4)
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (1) 3.50% for Short Term Income Fund.
         (2) Regular sales charges apply when Class A shares of a Money Fund (on which no sales charge
         was paid at time of purchase) are exchanged for shares of any other Fund.
         (3) Certain investors who purchase Class A shares without paying an initial sales charge may
         be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% on redemptions within the first year or 0.50%
             on redemptions within the second year after purchase. Class A shares are not otherwise
             subject to a deferred sales charge.
         (4) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on shares redeemed in the first year. For
         shares held longer than one year, the deferred sales charge declines according to the
             schedules set forth under "Class B Shares -- Contingent deferred sales charge" in this
             Prospectus. The maximum deferred sales charge for Class B shares of the Short Term Income
             Fund is 4.00%.
         (5) A $10 fee may be charged for redemptions made by wire transfer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       30
<PAGE>   33

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             ANNUAL FUND
                                                         OPERATING EXPENSES
                                                     (expenses that are deducted
         CLASS A SHARES                                   from Fund assets)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Total
                                                                                 Annual
                                                         Service                  Fund
                                            Management   (12b-1)      Other     Operating
                                               Fees      Fees(2)    Expenses    Expenses
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
         Strategic Growth Portfolio(3)         0.65%       0.25%          %           %
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Conservative Growth Portfolio(3)      0.65        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Balanced Portfolio(3)                 0.65        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Conservative Balanced Portfolio(3)    0.65        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Flexible Income Portfolio(3)          0.65        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Equity Income Fund                    0.59        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Growth & Income Fund                  0.53        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Northwest Fund                        0.63        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Growth Fund(1)                        0.85        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Mid Cap Stock Fund                    0.75        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Small Cap Stock Fund                  0.85        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         International Growth Fund             0.99        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Short Term Income Fund(1)             0.50        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         U.S. Government Securities Fund(1)    0.50        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Income Fund(1)                        0.50        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         High Yield Fund                       0.63        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Tax-Exempt Bond Fund(1)               0.48        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         California Municipal Fund             0.50        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         California Insured Intermediate
         Municipal Fund                        0.50        0.25
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Money Market Fund                     0.45        0.00
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund(1)       0.45        0.00
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         California Money Fund                 0.45        0.00
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------

                                             EXAMPLES: You would pay the following expenses
                                             on a $10,000 investment assuming a 5% annual
         CLASS A SHARES                      return and redemption at the end of each period:
         ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------

                                                One         Three         Five           Ten
                                               Year         Years         Years         Years
         ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>           <C> <C>
         Strategic Growth Portfolio(3)         $           $             $             $
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Conservative Growth Portfolio(3)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Balanced Portfolio(3)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Conservative Balanced Portfolio(3)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Flexible Income Portfolio(3)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Equity Income Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Growth & Income Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Northwest Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Growth Fund(1)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Mid Cap Stock Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Small Cap Stock Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         International Growth Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Short Term Income Fund(1)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         U.S. Government Securities Fund(1)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Income Fund(1)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         High Yield Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Tax-Exempt Bond Fund(1)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         California Municipal Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         California Insured Intermediate
         Municipal Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Money Market Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund(1)
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
         California Money Fund
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
-----------------
</TABLE>


    (1) Reflects the Advisor's obligation to limit Total Annual Fund Operating
        Expenses through October 31, 2000, as described on page 62.

    (2) 12b-1 fees represent servicing fees which are paid to the Distributor.
        See "Which Class of Shares is Best for Me -- Distribution Plans."


    (3) Does not include underlying Fund expenses that the Portfolios bear
        indirectly. Management Fees and Other Expenses have been restated to
        reflect current fees.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       31
<PAGE>   34

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     ANNUAL FUND
                                                 OPERATING EXPENSES
                                             (expenses that are deducted
     CLASS B SHARES                               from Fund assets)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Distribution                 Total
                                                   and                     Annual
                                                 Service                    Fund
                                  Management     (12b-1)        Other     Operating
                                     Fees        Fees(2)      Expenses    Expenses
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>  <C>                          <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>
     Strategic Growth
     Portfolio(4)                   0.65%         1.00%             %           %
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Conservative Growth
     Portfolio(4)                    0.65          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Balanced Portfolio(4)           0.65          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Conservative Balanced
     Portfolio(4)                    0.65          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Flexible Income Portfolio(4)    0.65          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Equity Income Fund              0.59          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Growth & Income Fund            0.53          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Northwest Fund                  0.63          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Growth Fund(1)                  0.85          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Mid Cap Stock Fund              0.75          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Small Cap Stock Fund            0.85          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     International Growth Fund       0.99          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Tax-Exempt Bond Fund(1)         0.48          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     California Municipal Fund(1)    0.50          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     California Insured
     Intermediate Municipal Fund     0.50          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Short Term Income Fund(1)       0.50          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     U.S. Government Securities
     Fund(1)                         0.50          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Income Fund(1)                  0.50          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     High Yield Fund                 0.63          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Money Market Fund               0.45          1.00
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
---------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   EXAMPLES: You would pay the following expenses on a $10,000
                                   investment assuming a 5% annual return and either
                                   a) redemption at the end of each period or
     CLASS B SHARES                b) no redemption:
     ----------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                  (a)                                 (b)
                                   One    Three     Five      Ten      One    Three     Five      Ten
                                   Year   Years    Years    Years(3)   Year   Years    Years    Years(3)
     ----------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>        <C> <C>
     Strategic Growth
     Portfolio(4)                  $      $        $         $         $      $        $         $
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Conservative Growth
     Portfolio(4)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Balanced Portfolio(4)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Conservative Balanced
     Portfolio(4)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Flexible Income Portfolio(4)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Equity Income Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Growth & Income Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Northwest Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Growth Fund(1)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Mid Cap Stock Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Small Cap Stock Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     International Growth Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Tax-Exempt Bond Fund(1)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     California Municipal Fund(1)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     California Insured
     Intermediate Municipal Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Short Term Income Fund(1)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     U.S. Government Securities
     Fund(1)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Income Fund(1)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     High Yield Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
     Money Market Fund
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
</TABLE>


  (1) Reflects the Advisor's obligation to limit Total Annual Fund Operating
      Express through October 31, 2000, as described on page 62.

  (2) 0.25% of the 12b-1 fees shown represent servicing fees which are paid to
      the Distributor. Long-term Class B shareholders may pay more than the
      sales charge paid by Class A shareholders. See "Which Class of Shares is
      Best for Me -- Distribution Plans."


  (3) Class B shares convert to Class A shares after eight years; accordingly,
      the expense amounts for years nine and ten are based on Class A share
      expenses.


  (4) Does not include underlying Fund expenses that the Portfolios bear
      indirectly. Management Fees and Other Expenses have been restated to
      reflect current fees.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       32
<PAGE>   35

ESTIMATED AGGREGATE PORTFOLIO EXPENSES


The following table sets forth the estimated aggregate expenses of the
Portfolios, including expenses of the underlying Funds, based upon expenses
shown in the table above for each Portfolio and for each underlying Fund's Class
I shares, which are available only to the Portfolios. These estimates assume a
constant allocation by each Portfolio of its assets among the underlying Funds
identical to the actual allocation of the Portfolio at October 31, 2000. A
Portfolio's actual expenses may be higher as a result of changes in the
allocation of the Portfolio's assets among the underlying Funds, the expenses of
the underlying Fund's, and/or the Portfolio's own expenses.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           EXAMPLES: You would pay the following
                                                         combined expenses on a $10,000 investment
                                                        assuming a 5% annual return and redemption
                                                                at the end of each period.
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Total
                                             Annual
                                            Combined
                                            Operating     One       Three       Five         Ten
                                            Expenses     Year       Years       Years       Years
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
         CLASS A SHARES
         Strategic Growth Portfolio
         Conservative Growth Portfolio
         Balanced Portfolio
         Conservative Balanced Portfolio
         Flexible Income Portfolio

         CLASS B SHARES
         Strategic Growth Portfolio
         Conservative Growth Portfolio
         Balanced Portfolio
         Conservative Balanced Portfolio
         Flexible Income Portfolio
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                  EXAMPLES: You would pay the following
                                                combined expenses on a $10,000 investment
                                              assuming a 5% annual return and no redemption
                                                       at the end of each period.
         ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------

                                               One           Three       Five         Ten
                                              Year           Years       Years       Years
         ----------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C> <C>
         CLASS A SHARES
         Strategic Growth Portfolio
         Conservative Growth Portfolio
         Balanced Portfolio
         Conservative Balanced Portfolio
         Flexible Income Portfolio
         CLASS B SHARES
         Strategic Growth Portfolio
         Conservative Growth Portfolio
         Balanced Portfolio
         Conservative Balanced Portfolio
         Flexible Income Portfolio
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



As of October 31, 2000, the Portfolios' assets were allocated among the
underlying Funds as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Strategic    Conservative                 Conservative    Flexible
                                                       Growth         Growth       Balanced       Balanced       Income
                                                      Portfolio     Portfolio      Portfolio     Portfolio      Portfolio
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>
  Money Market Fund
  Short Term Income Fund
  U.S. Government Securities Fund
  Income Fund
  High Yield Fund
  Growth & Income Fund
  Northwest Fund
  Growth Fund
  Mid Cap Stock Fund
  Small Cap Stock Fund
  International Growth Fund
  Other Assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       33
<PAGE>   36

                    DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTFOLIOS AND FUNDS

This section provides a more complete description of the principal investment
strategies and risks of each Portfolio and Fund. The "Common Investment
Practices" section that follows provides additional information about the
principal investment strategies of the Funds and identifies the Portfolios and
Funds that may engage in such practices to a significant extent. You can find
additional descriptions of the Funds' strategies and risks in the Statement of
Additional Information ("SAI"). Except for policies explicitly identified as
"fundamental" in this Prospectus or the SAI, the investment objectives and
investment policies set forth in this Prospectus and the SAI are not fundamental
and may be changed at any time without shareholder consent. Except as otherwise
indicated, all policies and limitations are considered at the time of purchase;
the sale of securities is not required in the event of a subsequent change in
valuation or other circumstances.

STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIOS

The Portfolios offer you the opportunity to pursue a variety of specially
constructed asset allocation strategies. The Portfolios are designed for
long-term investors seeking total return for tax-advantaged retirement and other
long-term investment or savings accounts.

In order to achieve its investment objective, each Portfolio typically allocates
its assets, within predetermined percentage ranges, among certain of the Funds.
Even so, the Portfolios may temporarily exceed one or more of the applicable
percentage limits for short periods. The percentages reflect the extent to which
each Portfolio will normally invest in the particular market segment represented
by each underlying Fund, and the varying degrees of potential investment risk
and reward represented by each Portfolio's investments in those market segments
and their corresponding Funds. The Advisor may alter these percentage ranges
when it deems appropriate. The assets of each Portfolio will be allocated among
the Funds in accordance with its investment objective, the Advisor's outlook for
the economy and the financial markets, and the relative market valuations of the
Funds.

In addition, in order to meet liquidity needs or for temporary defensive
purposes, each Portfolio may invest, without limit, directly in stock or bond
index futures and options thereon and the following short-term instruments:

- short-term obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies,
  instrumentalities, authorities or political subdivisions;

- other short-term debt securities rated A or higher by Moody's or S&P, or if
  unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the Advisor;

- commercial paper, including master notes;

- bank obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits
  and bankers' acceptances; and

- repurchase agreements.

At the time a Portfolio invests in any commercial paper, bank obligations or
repurchase agreements, the issuer must have outstanding debt rated A or higher
by Moody's or S&P; the issuer's parent corporation, if any, must have
outstanding commercial paper rated Prime-1 by Moody's or A-1 by S&P; or, if no
such ratings are available, the investment must be of comparable quality in the
opinion of the Advisor. In addition to purchasing shares of the Funds, a
Portfolio may use futures contracts and options in order to remain effectively
fully invested in proportions consistent with the Advisor's current asset
allocation strategy for the Portfolio. Specifically, each Portfolio may enter
into futures contracts and options thereon, provided that the aggregate deposits
required on these contracts do not exceed 5% of the Portfolio's total assets. A
Portfolio may also use futures contracts and options for bona fide hedging
transactions. Futures contracts and options may also be used to reallocate the
Portfolio's assets among asset categories while minimizing transaction costs, to
maintain cash reserves while simulating full investment, to facilitate trading,
to seek higher investment returns, or to simulate full investment when a futures
contract is priced attractively or is otherwise considered more advantageous
than the underlying security or index. As a fundamental policy, which may not be
changed without shareholder vote, each Portfolio will concentrate its
investments in shares of the Funds.

EQUITY FUNDS

EQUITY INCOME FUND.  The Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying common stocks
and preferred stocks. The Fund may invest in money market instruments for

                                       34
<PAGE>   37


temporary or defensive purposes. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities
of any maturity, including mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government
securities and asset-backed securities, and may also invest up to 35% of its
assets in below investment grade bonds (sometimes called junk bonds). The Fund
may purchase or sell U.S. Government securities or collateralized mortgage
obligations on a "when-issued" or "delayed-delivery" basis in an aggregate of up
to 20% of the market value of its total net assets. The Fund may invest up to
25% of its assets in real estate investment trusts, known as "REITs." The Fund
may write (sell) covered call options. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its
assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers.


GROWTH & INCOME FUND.  The Growth & Income Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. The Fund may also invest in money market instruments for temporary or
defensive purposes. To limit risk, repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days will not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may invest
up to 25% of its assets in REITs. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities
of any maturity, including mortgage-backed securities, and may invest up to 35%
of its assets in below investment grade fixed-income securities.


NORTHWEST FUND.  Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's total
assets will be invested in the common stocks of companies whose principal
executive offices are located in the Northwest States of Alaska, Idaho, Montana,
Oregon and Washington.


The Fund is permitted to invest in money market instruments for temporary or
defensive purposes. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in REITs, and
may write (sell) covered call options.

Because the Fund concentrates its investments in companies located or doing
business in the Northwest, the Fund is not intended as a complete investment
program, and could be adversely impacted by economic trends within the
five-state area.


GROWTH FUND.  The Growth Fund invests primarily in common stocks believed to
have significant appreciation potential. The Fund also may invest in debt
securities, bonds, convertible bonds, preferred stock and convertible preferred
stock, including up to 20% of its assets in non-investment-grade debt
securities.


The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities, usually
foreign common stocks, and up to 5% of its assets in securities of companies in
(or governments of) developing or emerging countries (sometimes referred to as
"emerging markets"). The Fund may also engage in certain options transactions,
enter into financial futures contracts and related options for the purpose of
portfolio hedging and enter into currency forwards or futures contracts and
related options for the purpose of currency hedging.


MID CAP STOCK FUND.  The Mid Cap Stock Fund invests primarily (normally at least
65% of its assets) in common stocks of companies with market capitalizations in
the range represented by companies included in the S&P Mid Cap 400 Index. The
Fund may also invest in money market instruments for temporary or defensive
purposes. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in REITs. The Fund may
invest in fixed-income securities of any maturity, including mortgage-backed
securities, and may invest up to 35% of its assets in below investment grade
fixed-income securities.


The Fund may purchase or sell U.S. Government securities or collateralized
mortgage obligations on a "when-issued" or "delayed-delivery" basis in an
aggregate up to 20% of the market value of its total net assets. The Fund may
write (sell) covered call options. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets
in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers.

SMALL CAP STOCK FUND.  The Small Cap Stock Fund invests primarily in equity
securities of companies with market capitalization of less than $1.4 billion at
the time of purchase. In addition to common stock, the Fund's equity securities
may include convertible bonds, convertible preferred stock and warrants to
purchase common stock. The Fund may also invest in money market instruments for
temporary or defensive purposes. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in
securities of foreign issuers and up to 5% of its assets in securities of
issuers located in developing or emerging countries. The Fund may invest up to
35% of its assets in non-investment-grade debt securities ("junk bonds") if the
Advisor believes that doing so will be consistent with the goal of capital
appreciation.

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND.  The International Growth Fund invests primarily in
equity securities of issuers located in foreign countries that the Fund's
sub-advisor believes present attractive investment opportunities. Criteria for
determining the appropriate distribution of investments among various countries

                                       35
<PAGE>   38

and regions include prospects for relative economic growth, expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the outlook for
currency relationships and the range of investment opportunities available to
international investors. The relative strength or weakness of a particular
country's currency or economy may dictate whether securities of issuers located
in such country will be purchased or sold. The Fund may invest without limit in
the securities of issuers located in any one country (except as provided below
with respect to emerging markets countries). The Fund will emphasize established
companies, although it may invest in companies of varying sizes as measured by
assets, sales and capitalization.

The Fund invests in common stock and may invest in other securities with equity
characteristics, such as trust or limited partnership interests, preferred
stock, rights and warrants. The Fund may also invest in convertible securities.
The Fund invests in securities listed on foreign or domestic securities
exchanges and securities traded in foreign or domestic over-the-counter markets,
and may invest in restricted or unlisted securities.

The Fund intends to stay fully invested in the securities described above to the
extent practical. Fund assets may be invested in short-term debt instruments to
meet anticipated day-to-day operating expenses, and for temporary defensive
purposes. In addition, when the Fund experiences large cash inflows, it may hold
short-term investments until desirable equity securities become available. These
short-term instruments are generally rated A or higher by Moody's or S&P, or, if
unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the Fund's sub-advisor.

The Fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in the securities of companies in or
governments of developing or emerging markets, provided that no more than 5% of
the Fund's total assets are invested in any one emerging markets country. For
temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest a major portion of its assets
in securities of U.S. issuers. Furthermore, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its
total assets in investment grade corporate debt securities having maturities
longer than one year, including Euro-currency instruments and securities.

FIXED-INCOME FUNDS


SHORT TERM INCOME FUND.  The Short Term Income Fund maintains a weighted average
duration of three years or less and a weighted average maturity of five years or
less. Duration is a measure that relates the price volatility of a security to
changes in interest rates. The duration of a debt security is the weighted
average term to maturity of the present value of future cash flows, including
coupon payments and principal repayments. Thus, duration involves WM Advisors'
judgment with respect to both interest rates and expected cash flows.


The Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in debt securities that, at
the time of purchase, are rated in one of the top four rating categories by one
or more NRSROs or, if unrated, are judged to be of comparable quality by the
Advisor ("investment grade" securities). All debt securities purchased by the
Fund will be investment grade at the time of purchase.

The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by domestic and foreign
governments and government agencies and instrumentalities and in high-grade
corporate debt obligations, such as bonds, debentures, notes, equipment lease
and trust certificates, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage
obligations and asset-backed securities.

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in foreign fixed-income securities,
primarily bonds of foreign governments or their political subdivisions, foreign
companies and supranational organizations, including non-U.S. dollar-denominated
securities and U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities issued by foreign issuers
and foreign branches of U.S. banks. Investment in foreign securities is subject
to special risks. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in preferred stock.
The Fund may engage in certain options transactions, enter into financial
futures contracts and related options for the purpose of portfolio hedging and
enter into currency forwards or futures contracts and related options for the
purpose of currency hedging. The Fund may invest in certain illiquid
investments, such as privately placed obligations, including restricted
securities. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of
unaffiliated mutual funds. The Fund may borrow money or enter into reverse
repurchase agreements or dollar roll transactions in the aggregate up to 33 1/3%
of its total assets. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in
asset-backed securities, which represent a participation in, or are secured by
and payable from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets, most
often a pool of similar assets.

                                       36
<PAGE>   39

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND.  The U.S. Government Securities Fund invests
primarily in a selection of obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies.
The Fund may also invest in collateralized mortgage obligations or repurchase
agreements which are secured by those types of obligations. It is a fundamental
policy of the Fund to invest only in U.S. Government securities, including
mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations and
repurchase agreements which are secured by U.S. Government securities. The Fund
may borrow up to 5% of its total net assets for emergency, non-investment
purposes. The Fund may also enter into dollar roll transactions.

INCOME FUND.  The Income Fund invests most of its assets in:

- debt and convertible debt securities;

- U.S. Government securities, including mortgage-backed securities issued by the
  Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Federal National Mortgage
  Association ("FNMA"), and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") or
  similar government agencies;

- commercial mortgage-backed securities;

- obligations of U.S. banks that belong to the Federal Reserve System;

- preferred stocks and convertible preferred stocks;

- the highest grade commercial paper as rated by S&P or Moody's; and

- deposits in U.S. banks.

The Fund may also invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and
receive interest, dividends and sale proceeds in foreign currencies. The Fund
may engage in foreign currency exchange transactions for hedging purposes in
connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities or to protect
against changes in the value of specific securities held by the Fund. It may
also purchase and sell currencies on a spot (i.e., cash) basis, enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date, and
buy and sell foreign currency futures contracts. The Fund may borrow up to 5% of
its total net assets for emergency, non-investment purposes, and may enter into
dollar roll transactions. The Fund may purchase securities of issuers which deal
in real estate or securities which are secured by interests in real estate, and
it may acquire and dispose of real estate or interests in real estate acquired
through the exercise of its rights as a holder of debt obligations secured by
real estate or interests therein. The Fund may also purchase and sell interest
rate futures and options. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
lower-rated fixed-income securities (sometimes called "junk bonds").

HIGH YIELD FUND.  The High Yield Fund invests, under normal market conditions,
at least 65% of its assets in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities
(including debt securities, convertible securities and preferred stocks) rated
lower than BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's or of equivalent quality as determined
by the Advisor. The remainder of the Fund's assets may be invested in any other
securities the Advisor believes are consistent with the Fund's objective. These
may include higher rated fixed-income securities, common stocks and other equity
securities. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers including
those located in developing or emerging countries, and engage in hedging
strategies involving options.

MUNICIPAL FUNDS

Each of the Municipal Funds and the California Money Fund invests most of its
assets in fixed-income obligations issued by states, countries, cities and other
governmental bodies that generate income that is exempt from federal income tax
other than the federal alternative minimum tax ("Municipal Obligations").
Current federal income tax laws limit the types and volume of bonds qualifying
for the federal income tax exemption of interest which may affect the ability of
a Fund to purchase sufficient amounts of tax-exempt securities.

TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND.  The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund will invest at least 80% of its
assets in Municipal Obligations, including inverse floating rate obligations,
under normal market conditions.

The Fund specifically limits these investments to: municipal bonds, municipal
notes and securities of unaffiliated tax-exempt mutual funds. The Fund also may
invest up to 35% of its assets in lower-rated securities.

In adverse markets, the Fund may seek to protect its investment position by
investing up to 50%

                                       37
<PAGE>   40

of its portfolio in taxable short-term investments such as:

- U.S. Government securities;

- commercial paper rated in the highest grade by either S&P or Moody's;

- obligations of U.S. banks;

- time or demand deposits in U.S. banks; and

- repurchase agreements relating to municipal securities or any of the foregoing
  taxable instruments.

Interest income from these investments that is distributed to you by the Fund
may be taxable.

The Fund may also purchase and sell interest rate futures and options. The Fund
may also invest in AMT-Subject Bonds, although, so long as its name includes the
words "tax-exempt" and the SEC so requires, those investments will be limited to
20% of the Fund's total assets.


CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND.  The California Municipal Fund invests primarily in
intermediate- and long-term California municipal obligations that are Municipal
Obligations that generate interest which is exempt from California State
personal income tax. It is a fundamental policy of the Fund that, under normal
market conditions, at least 80% of its total assets will be invested in these
obligations. These obligations may include AMT-Subject Bonds.


The Fund will invest primarily in investment grade Municipal Obligations. The
Fund may also invest in inverse floating rate obligations, which are generally
more volatile than other types of Municipal Obligations.

The Fund may, under normal circumstances, invest up to 20% of its assets in

- Municipal Obligations that are not exempt from California personal income tax;

- short-term Municipal Obligations;

- taxable cash equivalents, including short-term U.S. Government securities,
  certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances, commercial paper rated
  Prime-1 by Moody's or A-1+ or A-1 by S&P, repurchase agreements (collectively
  "Short-Term Instruments"); and

- securities of money market mutual funds (subject to the limitations set forth
  under "Common Investment Practices").

The Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest in these securities
without limitation. Also, as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940
Act, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in the securities of a
small number of issuers.

CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND. The California Insured
Intermediate Municipal Fund will invest primarily in insured intermediate-term
California Municipal Obligations. It is a fundamental policy of the Fund that it
will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in Insured California
Municipal Obligations (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position).
Under normal market conditions, the dollar-weighted average maturity of the
securities in which the Fund invests will be more than three years but less than
ten years. The maximum effective maturity (the maturity date without regard to
call provisions, except that for pooled single family mortgage securities
effective maturity is the average life of the underlying mortgage obligations)
of any Municipal Obligation in which the Fund invests will be fifteen years.

All of the Municipal Obligations in which the Fund invests, taking into account
any insurance, are investment grade securities. For more information, see "About
Bond Insurance" on the following page.

The Fund may invest without limitation in AMT-Subject Bonds.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in

- uninsured Municipal Obligations;

- Municipal Obligations that are not exempt from California personal income tax;
  and

- short-term Municipal Obligations and taxable cash equivalents, including
  Short-Term Instruments and securities of unaffiliated money market mutual
  funds (subject to the limitations set forth under "Common Investment
  Practices") and may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest in these
  securities without limitation.

In addition, the Fund may invest in inverse floating rate obligations. The Fund
may engage in hedging transactions through the use of financial futures and
options thereon. It may also purchase and sell securi-

                                       38
<PAGE>   41

ties on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, invest in mortgage-backed
securities, enter into repurchase agreements, invest in stand-by commitments and
lend portfolio securities. The Fund may invest in floating rate and variable
rate obligations, including participation interests therein (referred to
collectively as "Hedging Transactions").

The insured Municipal Obligations in which the California Insured Intermediate
Municipal Fund will invest and the other Municipal Funds may invest are insured
under insurance policies that relate to the specific Municipal Obligation in
question and that are issued by an insurer having a claims-paying ability rated
AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody's. This insurance is generally non-cancelable and
will continue in force so long as the Municipal Obligations are outstanding and
the insurer remains in business.

The insured Municipal Obligations are insured as to the scheduled payment of all
installments of principal and interest as they fall due. The insurance covers
only credit risk and therefore does not guarantee the market value of the
obligations in a Fund's investment portfolio or a Fund's NAV. The Fund's NAV
will continue to fluctuate in response to fluctuations in interest rates. A
Fund's investment policy requiring investment in insured Municipal Obligations
will not affect the Fund's ability to hold its assets in cash or to invest in
escrow-secured and defeased bonds or in certain short-term tax-exempt
obligations, or affect its ability to invest in uninsured taxable obligations
for temporary or liquidity purposes or on a defensive basis.

MONEY FUNDS

The Money Funds invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated short-term, money market
securities. They will only purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or securities that are, or have
issuers that are,

- rated by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
  ("NRSROs"), such as Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service,
  Inc. ("Moody's"), in one of the two highest rating categories for short-term
  debt securities,

- rated in one of the two highest categories for short-term debt by the only
  NRSRO that has issued a rating, or

- if not so rated, are determined to be of comparable quality.

A description of the rating systems of S&P and Moody's is contained in Appendix
A to this Prospectus and in the SAI. At the time of investment, no security
purchased by a Money Fund (except U.S. Government Securities subject to
repurchase agreements and variable rate demand notes) will have a maturity
exceeding 397 days, and each Money Fund's average portfolio maturity will not
exceed 90 days. The Money Funds will attempt to maintain a stable net asset
value ("NAV") of $1.00, but there can be no assurance that any Money Fund will
be able to do so.

MONEY MARKET FUND.  To accomplish its objective, the Money Market Fund invests
solely in money market instruments that are selected from the following six
general categories:

- U.S. Government securities;

- short-term commercial notes (including asset-backed securities) issued
  directly by U.S. and foreign businesses, banking institutions, financial
  institutions (including brokerage, finance and insurance companies) and state
  and local governments and municipalities to finance short-term cash needs;

- obligations of U.S. and foreign banks with assets of more than $500 million;

- securities issued by foreign governments, their agencies or instrumentalities
  or by supranational entities;

- short-term corporate obligations rated in one of the two highest rating
  categories by Moody's or S&P; and

- repurchase agreements.

TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND.  The Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund invests
primarily in a diversified selection of Municipal Obligations, the income from
which is exempt from federal income tax. These obligations include fixed income
obligations issued by states, counties, cities or other governmental bodies that
generate income exempt from federal income tax. Short-term Municipal Obligations
may include, but are not limited to, tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation
notes, revenue anticipation notes and project notes, or other forms of
short-term municipal loans and obligations. Under normal market conditions, the
Fund will not invest more than 20% of its assets in obligations that pay
interest subject to alternative minimum tax ("AMT-Subject Bonds").

                                       39
<PAGE>   42

For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest more than 20% of its
assets in instruments eligible for purchase by the Money Market Fund, which may
produce income that is not exempt from federal income taxes.

The Fund may also invest in variable rate demand obligations, stand-by
commitments, when-issued securities and forward commitments.


CALIFORNIA MONEY FUND.  To accomplish its objective, the California Money Fund
invests in a portfolio of Municipal Obligations. It is a fundamental policy of
the Fund to invest, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its total
assets in Municipal Obligations. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its
total assets in Municipal Obligations issued by the State of California and its
political subdivisions and certain other governmental issuers (such as the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico), which produce income that is exempt from
California State personal income tax. The Fund may also invest in AMT-Subject
Bonds.


The Fund may also invest in variable rate demand obligations, stand-by
commitments, when-issued securities and forward commitments.

For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest more than 20% of its
assets in instruments eligible for purchase by the Money Market Fund, which may
produce income that is not exempt from federal income taxes or California
personal income tax.

COMMON INVESTMENT PRACTICES

The next several pages contain more detailed information about types of
securities in which the Funds may invest, and strategies which the Advisor or
the respective sub-advisor may employ in pursuit of that Fund's investment
objective and a summary of risks and restrictions associated with these
securities and investment practices. For more information, see the SAI.


BORROWING.  The Funds may borrow money from banks solely for temporary or
emergency purposes, subject to various limitations. If a Fund borrows money, its
share price and yield may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing
is paid off. For the Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International
Growth, Short Term Income, California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate
Municipal and California Money Funds, and for the Portfolios, such borrowings
may not exceed 30% of total assets. The Equity Income, Growth & Income,
Northwest, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield, Tax-Exempt Bond,
Money Market and Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds may borrow up to 5% of their
total assets for emergency purposes. In addition, the Money Market and
Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds may borrow up to one-third of their total assets
to meet redemption requests. Each of the foregoing percentage limitations on
borrowings is a fundamental policy of the respective Portfolios and Funds.



The Short Term Income, U.S. Government Securities and Income Funds may enter
into DOLLAR ROLLS. A Fund enters into a DOLLAR ROLL by selling securities for
delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracting to repurchase,
typically in 30 or 60 days, substantially similar (same type, coupon and
maturity) securities on a specified future date. This may be considered
borrowing from the counterparty and may produce similar leveraging effects. The
proceeds of the initial sale of securities in the dollar roll transactions, for
example, may be used to purchase long-term securities which will be held during
the roll period. To the extent that the proceeds of the initial sale of
securities are invested, the Fund will be subject to market risk on those
securities as well as similar risk with respect to the securities the Fund is
required to repurchase.



Each of the Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth, Short
Term Income, California Municipal and California Insured Intermediate Municipal
Funds may engage in REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by a Fund may
decline below the repurchase price of the securities and, if the proceeds from
the reverse repurchase agreement are invested in securities, that the market
value of the securities bought may decline at the same time there is a decline
in the market value of the securities sold (and required to be repurchased).


FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES.  The market value of fixed-income securities held by a
Fund and, consequently, the value of the Fund's shares can be expected to vary
inversely to changes in prevailing interest rates. You should recognize that, in
periods of declining interest rates, the Fund's yield will tend to be somewhat
higher than prevailing market rates and, in periods of rising interest rates,
the Fund's yield will tend to be somewhat lower. Also, when interest rates are
falling,

                                       40
<PAGE>   43

any net inflow of money to the Fund will likely be invested in instruments
producing lower yields than the balance of its assets, thereby reducing current
yield. In periods of rising interest rates, the opposite can be expected to
occur. The prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater
market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. In addition,
obligations purchased by a Fund may be subject to the risk of default.
Fixed-Income securities, including Municipal Obligations, rated in the lower end
of the investment-grade category (Baa or BBB) and lower-rated securities may
have speculative characteristics and may be more sensitive to economic changes
and changes in the financial condition of their issuers.

The fixed-income securities in which the Funds may invest include ZERO-COUPON
SECURITIES, which make no payments of interest or principal until maturity.
Because these securities avoid the need to make current interest payments, they
may involve greater credit risks than other fixed-income securities.


FLOATING RATE, INVERSE FLOATING RATE AND VARIABLE RATE INVESTMENTS.  The Equity
Income and Growth & Income Funds, Fixed-Income Funds and Municipal Funds may
purchase floating rate, inverse floating rate and variable rate obligations,
including participation interests therein and assignments thereof.


The Money Funds may purchase floating rate and variable rate obligations,
including participation interests therein.

The Fixed-Income Funds may purchase mortgage-backed securities that are floating
rate, inverse floating rate and variable rate obligations. Municipal Obligations
purchased by the Municipal Funds may include floating rate, inverse floating
rate and variable rate obligations, including variable rate demand notes issued
by industrial development authorities and other governmental entities, as well
as participation interests therein. Although variable rate demand notes are
frequently not rated by credit rating agencies, a Fund may purchase unrated
notes that are determined by the Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor to be of
comparable quality at the time of purchase to rated instruments that may be
purchased by the Fund. The absence of an active secondary market could make it
difficult for a Fund to dispose of these securities in the event the issuer of
the note were to default on its payment obligations, and the Fund could, for
this or other reasons, suffer a loss as a result of the default.

Each Fund may also invest in securities representing interests in tax-exempt
securities, known as inverse floating obligations or "residual interest bonds,"
which pay interest rates that vary inversely with changes in the interest rates
of specified short-term tax-exempt securities or an index of short-term
tax-exempt securities. The interest rates on inverse floating-rate obligations
or residual interest bonds will typically decline as short-term market interest
rates increase and increase as short-term market rates decline. These securities
have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage. They will
generally respond to changes in market interest rates more rapidly than
fixed-rate long-term securities (typically twice as fast). As a result, the
market values of inverse floating-rate obligations and residual interest bonds
will generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate tax-exempt
securities.


FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS AND CURRENCY MANAGEMENT.  The Equity
Funds and Fixed-Income Funds (with the exception of the Equity Income, Growth &
Income, Northwest and U.S. Government Securities Funds) may, subject to the
investment limitations stated elsewhere in this Prospectus and the SAI, engage
in foreign currency exchange transactions. Funds that buy and sell securities
denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and receive interest,
dividends and sale proceeds in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, may enter
into foreign currency exchange transactions to convert to and from different
foreign currencies and to convert foreign currencies to and from the U.S.
dollar. These Funds either enter into these transactions on a spot (i.e., cash)
basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or
use forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.


These Funds also may enter into foreign currency hedging transactions in an
attempt to protect against changes in foreign currency exchange rates between
the trade and settlement dates of specific securities transactions or changes in
foreign currency exchange rates that would adversely affect a portfolio position
or an anticipated portfolio position. These transactions tend to limit any
potential gain that might be realized should the value of the hedged currency
increase. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of
the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value
of these securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of

                                       41
<PAGE>   44

market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward
contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of currency
market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a
hedging strategy is highly uncertain. In addition, when the Advisor or a Fund's
sub-advisor believes that the currency of a specific country may deteriorate
against another currency, it may enter into a forward contract to sell the less
attractive currency and buy the more attractive one. The amount in question
could be less than or equal to the value of the Fund's securities denominated in
the less attractive currency. The Fund may also enter into a forward contract to
sell a currency which is linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all
of the Fund's portfolio securities are or could be denominated, and to buy U.S.
dollars. These practices are referred to as "cross hedging" and "proxy hedging."

Forward currency exchange contracts are agreements to exchange one currency for
another - for example, to exchange a certain amount of U.S. dollars for a
certain amount of Japanese yen - at a future date and specified price. Because
there is a risk of loss to the Fund if the other party does not complete the
transaction, the Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor will enter into forward
currency exchange contracts only with parties approved by the Trusts' Board of
Trustees or persons acting pursuant to their direction.


Each of the Funds other than the Money Funds (with the exception of the Equity
Income, Growth & Income, Northwest and U.S. Government Securities Funds) may
invest in securities which are indexed to certain specific foreign currency
exchange rates. These securities expose the Funds to the risk of significant
changes in rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and any foreign currency to
which an exchange rate-related security is linked. In addition, there is no
assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market
will exist for a particular exchange rate-related security due to conditions in
the debt and foreign currency markets. Illiquidity in the forward foreign
exchange market and the high volatility of the foreign exchange market may from
time to time combine to make it difficult to sell an exchange rate-related
security prior to maturity without incurring a significant loss.


While the foregoing actions are intended to protect the Fund from adverse
currency movements, there is a risk that currency movements involved will not be
properly anticipated, and there can be no assurance that such transactions will
be available or that the Funds will use such transactions even if they are
available. Use of currency hedging techniques may also be limited by the need to
protect the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").


FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.  The Equity Income, Growth & Income and Northwest Funds and
the Money Market Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers if such
securities are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Small Cap Stock, International
Growth, Short Term Income, Income and High Yield Funds may invest in both U.S.
dollar denominated and non-U.S. dollar denominated foreign securities. There are
certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities, including those
resulting from


- fluctuations in currency exchange rates,

- devaluation of currencies,

- future political or economic developments and the possible imposition of
  currency exchange blockages or other foreign governmental laws or
  restrictions,

- reduced availability of public information concerning issuers, and

- the fact that foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform
  accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory
  practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
  companies.

Moreover, securities of many foreign companies may be less liquid and their
prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable domestic companies.
In addition, there is the possibility of expropriation, nationalization,
confiscatory taxation and limitations on the use or removal of funds or other
assets of the Funds, including the withholding of dividends. The risks
associated with foreign securities are generally greater for securities of
issuers in emerging markets.

In addition, while the volume of transactions effected on foreign stock
exchanges has increased in recent years, in most cases it remains well below
that of the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly, the Funds' foreign investments
may be less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than comparable
investments in securities of U.S. companies. Moreover, the settlement periods
for foreign securities, which are often longer than those for securities of U.S.
issuers, may affect

                                       42
<PAGE>   45

portfolio liquidity. In buying and selling securities on foreign exchanges, the
Funds normally pay fixed commissions that are generally higher than the
negotiated commissions charged in the United States. In addition, there is
generally less governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
brokers and issuers in foreign countries than in the United States. Foreign
securities generally are denominated and pay dividends or interest in foreign
currencies, and the value of the Funds' net assets as measured in U.S. dollars
will be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in exchange rates.


The Equity Funds and the Short Term Income, Income and High Yield Funds may
invest in securities of foreign issuers directly or in the form of AMERICAN
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ("ADRs"), EUROPEAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ("EDRs"), GLOBAL
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ("GDRs") or other similar securities representing securities
of foreign issuers. These securities may not be denominated in the same currency
as the securities they represent. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a United
States bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign
securities. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary
Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued by a European financial institution
evidencing a similar arrangement. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are
designed for use in the United States securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer
form, are designed for use in European securities markets.



GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION.  Potential investors in the Northwest Fund, the
Municipal Funds (other than the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund) and the California Money
Fund should consider the possibly greater risk arising from the geographic
concentration of their investments, as well as the current and past financial
condition of California municipal issuers in the case of the Municipal Funds. In
addition to factors affecting the state or regional economy, certain California
constitutional amendments, legislative measures, executive orders,
administrative regulations, court decisions and voter initiatives could result
in certain adverse consequences affecting California municipal obligations,
respectively. See the SAI for a more detailed description of these risks.



HOLDINGS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.  When the Advisor or a Fund's
sub-advisor believes that it would be beneficial to the Fund, each of the
Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income,
Tax-Exempt Bond, California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate
Municipal, Tax-Exempt Money Market and California Money Funds may invest up to
10% of its assets in securities of mutual funds that are not affiliated with the
Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor. As a shareholder in any such mutual fund, the
Fund will bear its ratable share of the mutual fund's expenses, including
management fees, and will remain subject to the Fund's advisory and
administration fees with respect to the assets so invested. In addition, the
Growth Fund may invest Fund assets in money market funds affiliated with Janus
(its sub-advisor), provided that Janus remits to the Fund the amount of any
investment advisory and administrative services fees paid to Janus as the
investment manager of the money market fund.


ILLIQUID SECURITIES AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES.  Up to 10% of the net assets of
each Money Fund and up to 15% of the net assets of every other Fund may be
invested in securities that are not readily marketable. Such illiquid securities
may include:

- repurchase agreements with maturities greater than seven calendar days;

- time deposits maturing in more than seven calendar days;

- to the extent a liquid secondary market does not exist for the instruments,
  futures contracts and options thereon;

- certain over-the-counter options, as described in the SAI;

- certain variable rate demand notes having a demand period of more than seven
  days; and

- securities which are restricted under federal securities laws with respect to
  disposition (excluding certain Rule 144A securities, as described below).

Securities which may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, will not be included for the purposes of these restrictions,
so long as such securities meet liquidity guidelines established by the Trusts'
Board of Trustees.


Each of the Funds may purchase RESTRICTED SECURITIES (provided such securities
are, in the case of the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest, U.S.
Government Securities, Income, Tax-Exempt Bond, Money Market and Tax-Exempt
Money Market Funds eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the


                                       43
<PAGE>   46

Securities Act of 1933, as amended). Although recent and ongoing developments in
the securities markets have resulted in greater trading of restricted
securities, making restricted securities, in many instances, more liquid than
they once were considered to be, investing in restricted securities could
increase the level of illiquidity of the portfolio securities of a Fund. This
could make it more difficult for a Fund to fulfill shareholder redemption orders
on a timely basis. If a Fund were required to sell these securities on short
notice, it might be unable to obtain fair market value.


LENDING OF SECURITIES.  Certain of the Funds may lend portfolio securities to
brokers and other financial organizations. The Growth, Small Cap Stock,
International Growth and Short Term Income Funds each may lend portfolio
securities up to 20% of total assets. The Equity Income, Growth & Income,
Northwest, Mid Cap Stock, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and
Money Market Funds may lend portfolio securities up to 33% of total assets.
These transactions involve a risk of loss to the Fund if the counterparty should
fail to return such securities to the Fund upon demand.



LOWER-RATED SECURITIES.  The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Mid Cap Stock,
Small Cap Stock, Income and Tax-Exempt Bond Funds may each invest up to 35% of
their total assets, and the Growth Fund may invest up to 20% of its total
assets, in non-investment grade debt securities, sometimes referred to as "junk
bonds." The High Yield Fund may invest all of its assets in these securities,
and will generally invest at least 65% of its assets in them.


Non-investment-grade debt securities usually entail greater risk (including the
possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers), generally involve greater
price volatility and risk of principal and income, and may be less liquid than
higher-rated securities. Both price volatility and illiquidity may make it
difficult for a Fund to value or to sell certain of these securities under
certain market conditions. These securities are often considered to be
speculative and involve greater risk of default or price changes due to changes
in the issuer's creditworthiness. The market prices of these securities may
fluctuate more than higher-rated securities and may decline significantly in
periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising
interest rates. For further information, see Appendix A to this Prospectus.


MORTGAGE-BACKED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  The Equity Income, Growth &
Income, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income,
U.S. Government Securities, Income, California Municipal and California Insured
Intermediate Municipal Funds may invest in GOVERNMENT MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC.


To the extent that a Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium,
mortgage foreclosures and payments and prepayments of principal (which may be
made at any time without penalty) will tend to result in the loss of that
premium. The yield of a Fund may be affected by reinvestment of prepayments at
higher or lower rates than the original investment. In addition, like other debt
securities, the value of mortgage-backed securities will generally fluctuate in
response to market interest rates.

The U.S. Government guarantees the timely payment of interest and principal for
GNMA certificates. However, the guarantees do not extend to the securities'
yield or value, which are likely to vary inversely with fluctuations in interest
rates. Also, the guarantees do not extend to the yield or value of the Fund's
shares.

Government stripped mortgage-based securities represent beneficial ownership
interests in either principal distributions (principal-only securities or "PO
strips") or interest distributions (interest-only securities or "IO strips")
from government mortgage-backed securities. Investing in government stripped
mortgage-backed securities involves the risks normally associated with investing
in mortgage-backed securities issued by government entities. In addition, the
yields on PO and IO strips are extremely sensitive to prepayments on the
underlying mortgage loans. If a decline in the level of prevailing interest
rates results in a higher than anticipated rate of principal prepayment,
distributions of principal will be accelerated, thereby reducing the yield to
maturity on IO strips and increasing the yield to maturity on PO strips.
Conversely, if an increase in the level of prevailing interest rates results in
a rate of principal prepayments lower than anticipated, distributions of
principal will be deferred, thereby increasing the yield to maturity on IO
strips and decreasing the yield to maturity on PO strips. Sufficiently high
prepayment rates could result in the Fund losing some or all of its initial
investment in an IO strip. The Funds will acquire government stripped mortgage-

                                       44
<PAGE>   47

backed securities only if a liquid secondary market for the securities exists at
the time of acquisition. However, there can be no assurance that the Funds will
be able to effect a trade of a government stripped mortgage-backed security at a
time when it wishes to do so.


In addition, the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Mid Cap Stock, Short Term
Income and Income Funds may invest in commercial mortgage-backed securities,
which are similar to government mortgage-backed securities, except that they are
not issued or guaranteed by governmental entities. Commercial mortgage-backed
securities include collateralized mortgage obligations and real estate mortgage
investment conduits ("REMICs"). While commercial mortgage-backed securities are
generally structured with one or more types of credit enhancement, and often
have high credit ratings, they lack the credit status of a governmental agency
or instrumentality.



The Equity Income, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, Short Term Income, Income,
High Yield, Money Market and Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds may purchase
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. These Funds will not invest more than 10% of their
total assets in asset-backed securities, except that the Short Term Income Fund
may invest up to 25% of its total assets in such securities. Asset-backed
securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of
mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include
such items as motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts,
leases of various types of real and personal property, including home equity
loans, and receivables from credit card agreements. The ability of an issuer of
asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying
assets may be limited.


MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS, LEASES AND AMT-SUBJECT BONDS.  The two principal
classifications of municipal bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue" bonds.
General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith
and credit, with either limited or unlimited taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are not supported by the issuer's full
taxing authority. Generally, they are payable only from the revenues of a
particular facility, a class of facilities, or the proceeds of another specific
revenue source.


The California Insured Intermediate Municipal, Tax-Exempt Money Market and
California Money Funds may acquire participations in lease obligations or
installment purchase contract obligations (collectively, "lease obligations") of
municipal authorities or entities. Lease obligations do not constitute general
obligations of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing power is
pledged. Certain of these lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses,
which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or
installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for
such purpose on a yearly basis. In addition to the "non-appropriation" risk,
these securities represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet
developed the depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds. In
the case of a "non-appropriation" lease, the Fund's ability to recover under the
lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the
repossession of the leased property, and in any event, foreclosure of that
property might prove difficult.


"AMT-Subject Bonds" are Municipal Obligations issued to finance certain "private
activities," such as bonds used to finance airports, housing projects, student
loan programs and water and sewer projects. Interest on AMT-Subject Bonds is a
specific tax preference item for purposes of the federal individual and
corporate alternative minimum taxes. See "Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes"
for a discussion of the tax consequences of investing in AMT-Subject Bonds.

Current federal income tax laws limit the types and volume of bonds qualifying
for the federal income tax exemption of interest, which may have an effect upon
the ability of the Fund to purchase sufficient amounts of tax-exempt securities.


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS.  The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest,
Mid Cap Stock, Income and High Yield Funds may invest in real estate investment
trusts, known as "REITs." REITs involve certain unique risks in addition to
those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general
(such as possible declines in the value of real estate, lack of availability of
mortgage funds or extended vacancies of property). Equity REITs may be affected
by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while
mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are
dependent upon management skills, are not diversified, are subject to heavy cash
flow dependency, risks of default by borrowers, and self-liquidation.


                                       45
<PAGE>   48

REITs are also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax-free
pass-through of income under the Code, and failing to maintain their exemptions
from registration under the 1940 Act.

Investment in REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing in
small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may
trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt
or erratic price movements than larger company securities.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.  All of the Funds may invest in repurchase agreements,
which are purchases of underlying debt obligations from financial institutions,
such as banks and broker-dealers, subject to the seller's agreement to
repurchase the obligations at an established time and price. Repurchase
agreements can be regarded as loans to the seller, collateralized by the
securities that are the subject of the agreement. Default by the seller would
expose the Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delay in
connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations. In addition, if
bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the
obligations, the Fund may be delayed or limited in its ability to sell the
collateral. The Tax-Exempt Money Market and California Money Funds' investments
in repurchase agreements are limited by their restrictions on investment in
taxable instruments. Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the SEC, the
Funds may transfer daily uninvested cash balances into one or more joint trading
accounts. Assets in the joint trading accounts are invested in repurchase
agreements or other money market instruments, and the proceeds are allocated to
the participating funds on a pro rata basis.


STAND-BY COMMITMENTS.  The Municipal, Tax-Exempt Money Market and California
Money Funds may acquire "stand-by commitments" with respect to Municipal
Obligations held in their portfolios. Under a stand-by commitment, a dealer
agrees to purchase, at a Fund's option, specified Municipal Obligations at a
specified price. A Fund may pay for stand-by commitments either separately in
cash or by paying a higher price for the securities acquired with the
commitment, thus increasing the cost of the securities and reducing the yield
otherwise available from them. The Funds will acquire stand-by commitments
solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity and do not intend to exercise their
rights thereunder for trading purposes.



STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS.  Subject to the investment limitations and restrictions
stated elsewhere in this Prospectus and the SAI, each of the Portfolios and each
of the Funds, except the Money Funds, may utilize various investment strategies
as described below to hedge various market risks, to manage the effective
maturity or duration of fixed-income securities or for other bona fide hedging
purposes. Utilizing these investment strategies, the Portfolio or Fund may
purchase and sell, exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other financial instruments. It
may also purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon,
enter into various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or
collars, and enter into various currency transactions such as currency forward
contracts, currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies
or currency futures. The Funds may write (sell) covered call options as well. A
call option is "covered" if the Fund owns the security underlying the option it
has written or it maintains enough cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities
to purchase the underlying security. All the above are collectively referred to
as "Strategic Transactions."


Strategic Transactions may be used

- to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of
  securities held in, or to be purchased for, the Fund's portfolio resulting
  from securities markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations,

- to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its portfolio
  securities,

- to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes,

- to manage the effective maturity or duration of the Fund's portfolio, or

- to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute
  for purchasing or selling particular securities.

Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to seek potentially higher returns.
Any or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time, as the use of
any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous variables including market
conditions.

                                       46
<PAGE>   49

The use of Strategic Transactions involves special considerations and risks; for
example,

- the ability of the Fund to utilize Strategic Transactions successfully will
  depend on the ability of the Advisor or the sub-advisor to predict pertinent
  market movements,

- the risk that the other party to a Strategic Transaction will fail to meet its
  obligations to the Fund,

- the risk that the Fund will be unable to close out a Strategic Transaction at
  a time when it would otherwise do so, due to the illiquidity of the Strategic
  Transaction, and

- the risk of imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price
  movements of Strategic Transactions and price movements of the related
  portfolio positions.

Strategic Transactions can reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements in the related portfolio positions.


U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  All of the Funds may invest in U.S. Government
securities, which include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as U.S.
Treasury bills, notes and bonds) and obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued or guaranteed
by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government are backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government (such as GNMA bonds), others are backed
only by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as
securities of Federal Home Loan Banks) and still others are backed only by the
credit of the instrumentality (such as FNMA and FHLMC bonds). Certain of these
obligations may receive ratings that are lower than the AAA rating typically
associated with obligations of the U.S. Treasury, reflecting increased credit
risk.



WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, FORWARD COMMITMENTS AND DELAYED-DELIVERY
TRANSACTIONS.  In order to secure yields or prices deemed advantageous at the
time, the Funds may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or a
delayed-delivery basis. Due to fluctuations in the value of securities purchased
on a when-issued or a delayed-delivery basis, the yields obtained on such
securities may be higher or lower than the yields available in the market on the
dates when the securities are actually delivered to the Fund. Similarly, the
sale of securities for delayed-delivery can involve the risk that the prices
available in the market when delivery is made may actually be higher than those
obtained in the transaction itself. The Municipal Funds and California Money
Fund may purchase Municipal Obligations offered on a "forward commitment" basis.



When-issued Municipal Obligations may include bonds purchased on a "when, as and
if issued" basis, under which the issuance of the securities depends on the
occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a proposed financing by
appropriate municipal authorities. No when-issued or forward commitments will be
made by any Municipal Fund or the California Money Fund if, as a result, more
than 20% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be committed to such
transactions. A significant commitment of a Fund's assets to the purchase of
securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase the volatility of
the Fund's NAV.



PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND TURNOVER.  Each Fund's turnover rate varies from year
to year, depending on market conditions and investment strategies. High turnover
rates increase transaction costs and may increase taxable capital gains.
Historical portfolio turnover rates for each Fund are shown under "Financial
Highlights" in this Prospectus. The Advisor and the sub-advisors will not
consider a Fund's portfolio turnover rate to be a limiting factor in making
investment decisions consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and
policies.


                                       47
<PAGE>   50

                          WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT

+ Individual or Joint Account
  Individual accounts are owned by one person. Two types of joint accounts
  (having two or more owners) can be opened:

  1) in a "joint tenancy" account, the surviving owner(s) automatically
  receive(s) the shares of any owner(s) who die(s); and

  2) in a "tenants in common" account, the heir(s) of any deceased owner
  receive(s) such owner's shares, rather than the surviving owners of the joint
  account.

+ Retirement
  Retirement plans protect investment income and capital gains from current
  taxes. Contributions to these accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement
  accounts require special applications and typically have lower minimums.

   - TRADITIONAL INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS("IRAs") If you are of legal age
     and under 70 1/2 years old, you and your spouse may each invest up to
     $2,000 of earned income in a Traditional IRA. Depending upon your income
     level and other factors, all or some of your contribution may be tax
     deductible. Contributions for the prior year must be received by April 15
     of the current year. For further information, read IRS publication 590 or
     consult your tax or investment advisor.

   - ROTH IRAs If you are of legal age with AGI not exceeding $110,000 (or
     $160,000 if married and filing jointly) you and your spouse may each
     protect up to $2,000 of earned income on a non-deductible basis (subject to
     certain limitations for single persons with AGI equal to or greater than
     $95,000 and married persons who file jointly with AGI equal to or greater
     than $150,000) per tax year from certain tax effects. Contributions for the
     prior year must be received by April 15 of the current year. For further
     information, read IRS publication 590 or consult your tax or investment
     advisor.

   - ROLLOVER IRAs You may transfer money from certain employer-sponsored
     retirement plans and keep your tax benefits (often happens when you change
     employers).

   - SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS ("SEP-IRAs") If you own a small business
     or are self-employed, you and your eligible employees could get many of the
     same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer administrative requirements.

+ Gifts or Transfers to a Minor Child
  ("UGMA" or "UTMA")
  You can give money to a child and obtain certain tax benefits. Depending on
  state laws, you can set up a custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to
  Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). Each account
  may only have one custodian and one minor.

+ Trust
  You can use a Trust for many purposes, including charitable contributions and
  providing a regular income for a child until a certain age. The trust must be
  established before an account can be opened.

+ Corporation or Other Organization
  Corporations, associations, partnerships, institutions, or other groups may
  invest for many purposes.

                                       48
<PAGE>   51

                       HOW CAN I INVEST IN THE PORTFOLIOS
                                   AND FUNDS?


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT:                 TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT:
                                       (MINIMUM $1,000 PER FUND*)            (MINIMUM $50 PER FUND**)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                  <C>
- Through Your                       Contact Your Investment              Contact Your Investment
    Investment Representative        Representative                       Representative
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- By Phone -- 800-222-5852           Exchange from another Portfolio      Exchange from another Portfolio
                                     or Fund account with the same        or Fund account with the same
                                     registration, including name,        registration, including name,
                                     address, and taxpayer ID number      address, and taxpayer ID
                                     (social security number for an       number. If you have previously
                                     individual).                         established bank information
                                                                          for electronic funds transfer,
                                     Call WM Shareholder Services at      you may purchase additional
                                     800-222-5852. (5:00 a.m. to          shares by phone.
                                     6:00 p.m., Pacific Time/8:00
                                     a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern           Call WM Shareholder Services at
                                     Time, Monday through Friday and      800-222-5852.
                                     6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Pacific
                                     Time/9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
                                     Eastern Time, on Saturdays)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- By Mail                            Complete and sign the                Make your check payable to the
                                     application. Make your check or      WM Group of Funds. Any check
                                     negotiable bank draft payable        (not payable to WM Group of
                                     to the WM Group of Funds. Any        Funds) may be rejected.
                                     check (not payable to WM Group       Indicate your account number on
                                     of Funds) may be rejected.***        your check. Include the "next
                                                                          investment" stub from your
                                     Mail the completed application       previous account statement.
                                     form and check to:                   Mail the check and stub to the
                                                                          address printed on your account
                                     THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS                statement.***
                                     P.O. BOX 9757
                                     PROVIDENCE, RI 02940-9757            Exchange by mail: call
                                                                          800-222-5852 for instructions.
</TABLE>


                                       49
<PAGE>   52
                       HOW CAN I INVEST IN THE PORTFOLIOS
                               AND FUNDS? (CONT.)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT:                 TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT:
                                       (MINIMUM $1,000 PER FUND*)            (MINIMUM $50 PER FUND**)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                  <C>
- By Wire                            1) Telephone WM Shareholder          Instruct your bank/financial
                                     Services for an application          institution to wire Federal
                                     form and instructions.               Funds as described at left
                                                                          under paragraph 2.
                                     2) Instruct your bank to wire
                                     Federal Funds exactly as
                                     follows:
                                     BOSTON SAFE DEPOSIT AND TRUST
                                     BOSTON, MA
                                     ABA# 011-001234
                                     FOR CREDIT TO:
                                     THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS
                                     ACCOUNT #167053
                                     (FUND NAME AND CLASS OF SHARES)
                                     (CUSTOMER'S NAME)
                                     (CUSTOMER'S SOCIAL SECURITY
                                     NUMBER)

                                     3) Mail the completed
                                     application form to:
                                     THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS
                                     P.O. BOX 9757
                                     PROVIDENCE, RI 02940-9757
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT:
                                       (MINIMUM $50 FOR AUTOMATIC              TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT:
                                            INVESTMENT PLANS)                (MINIMUM $50 PER FUND**)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                  <C>
- Automatic Investment Plan          1) Obtain and complete an            Pre-authorized periodic
                                     application form.                    (weekly, bi-monthly, or
  (Minimum New Account amount                                             monthly) investments will be
  $50+)                              2) Attach a voided check or          processed automatically.
                                     deposit slip from the bank
                                     account you would like the
                                     investments transferred from
                                     and indicate either the day of
                                     the week or day(s) of the month
                                     when the purchase would occur.

                                     3) Mail the application and
                                     check to the address listed
                                     above.***
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


  * $10,000 for each Portfolio and $2,000 for IRA accounts investing in a
    Portfolio.
 ** $100 for each Portfolio.
*** Payment of redemption proceeds for shares purchased by check, negotiable
    bank draft or by Automated Clearing House transfer may be delayed for up to
    15 days after purchase. See page 57 for additional information.
  + $1,000 for the Portfolios.

                                       50
<PAGE>   53

                     WHICH CLASS OF SHARES IS BEST FOR ME?

This prospectus offers you a choice of two classes of fund shares: Class A and
Class B. The next several pages will expand upon the "Fees and Expenses" section
(pages 30 - 33) to help you determine which class of shares is best for you.
This will depend upon a number of factors, including the amount you plan to
invest and how long you plan to hold your shares.

CLASS A SHARES


The offering price for Class A shares is the NAV next calculated after receipt
of a properly completed purchase order, plus (except for the Money Funds) an
initial sales charge as shown in the table below. Sales charges may be reduced
or waived as discussed following the table. The final column in each table
indicates what dealers receive for selling Class A shares.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 -Equity Funds
                                                              -Strategic Growth,
                                                             Conservative Growth,
                                                           Balanced and Conservative
                                                              Balanced Portfolios
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   REALLOWED
                                                          SALES CHARGE            TO DEALERS
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Percentage     Percentage of    Percentage
                                                  of Offering     Net Amount      of Offering
             Purchase of Class A Shares              Price         Invested          Price
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                      <C>            <C>              <C>
         Less than $50,000                           5.50%            5.82%          4.75%
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $50,000 but less than $100,000              4.75             4.99           4.00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $100,000 but less than $250,000             3.75             3.90           3.00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $250,000 but less than $500,000             3.00             3.09           2.50
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $500,000 but less than $1,000,000           2.00             2.04           1.75
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $1,000,000 or more*                          .00              .00            .00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                         -Fixed-Income Funds
                                                 (other than Short Term Income Fund)
                                                          -Municipal Funds
                                                     -Flexible Income Portfolio
         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              REALLOWED
                                                     SALES CHARGE            TO DEALERS
         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Percentage     Percentage of    Percentage
                                             of Offering     Net Amount      of Offering
             Purchase of Class A Shares         Price         Invested          Price
         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>
         Less than $50,000                      4.50%           4.71%           4.00%
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $50,000 but less than $100,000         4.00            4.17            3.50
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $100,000 but less than $250,000        3.50            3.63            3.00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $250,000 but less than $500,000        2.50            2.56            2.00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $500,000 but less than $1,000,000      2.00            2.04            1.75
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $1,000,000 or more*                     .00             .00             .00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            -Short Term Income Fund
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   REALLOWED
                                                          SALES CHARGE            TO DEALERS
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Percentage     Percentage of    Percentage
                                                  of Offering     Net Amount      of Offering
             Purchase of Class A Shares              Price         Invested          Price
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                      <C>            <C>              <C>
         Less than $50,000                           3.50%            3.63%          3.00%
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $50,000 but less than $100,000              3.00             3.09           2.50
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $100,000 but less than $250,000             2.50             2.56           2.00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $250,000 but less than $500,000             2.25             2.30           2.00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $500,000 but less than $1,000,000           2.00             2.04           1.75
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         $1,000,000 or more*                          .00              .00            .00
         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


* See "net asset value purchases" on following page.


Example: An investor considers putting $1,000 into an Equity Fund's Class A
shares. Based on the first column in the above table, 5.50% of the $1,000 would
pay for a sales charge. The charge would be $55.00, which is 5.82% of the net
investment of $945.00, as the next column shows. The dealer selling the shares
would be paid $47.50 of the $55.00, which is 4.75% of $1,000, as the last column
shows.

                                       51
<PAGE>   54

CUMULATIVE DISCOUNT.  This allows your current purchases to qualify for the
foregoing discounts by including the value of shares of the Portfolios and Funds
that were purchased subject to an initial or contingent deferred sales charge.
The discount will be based on current market value. An individual, his or her
spouse and/or minor children and trustees purchasing for single fiduciary
accounts are eligible for this discount. It is the responsibility of the
shareholder at the time of purchase to inform WM Group of Funds that the
cumulative discount applies.

LETTER OF INTENT.  This discount is for purchases made over an extended period.
It provides you with a cumulative discount on the same basis as explained in the
previous paragraph if the following conditions are met: Purchases of Class A
shares must be made within a 13-month period that begins no earlier than 90 days
before the submission of a letter of intent from the investor to the Funds. For
more information about this discount, please contact Shareholder Services or
your Investment Representative.

REINVESTMENT.  You can reinvest redemption proceeds of Class A shares that were
subject to a sales charge when first purchased in other Class A shares within
120 days without incurring another initial sales charge. You can also reinvest
any redemption proceeds of Class B shares that were subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge in Class A shares within 120 days without incurring an
initial sales charge. It is the responsibility of the shareholder at the time of
purchase to inform WM Group of Funds that the 120-day reinvestment option
applies.

NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASES.  There is no initial sales charge on Class A
purchases of $1 million or more, but such purchases are generally subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if you redeem them during the first
year after purchase or .50% if you redeem them during the second year after
purchase.

Qualified employee benefit plans that have more than 100 participants investing
in the plan or that have more than $500,000 invested in the Portfolios and Funds
may purchase shares without an initial sales charge. However, a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% may be imposed on the amount that was invested
through such a plan in Class A shares and that is redeemed (1) if, within the
first two years after the plan's initial investment in the Portfolios or Funds,
the named fiduciary of the plan withdraws the plan from investing in the
Portfolios and Funds in a manner that causes all shares held by the plan's
participants to be redeemed; or (2) by a plan participant within two years of
the plan participant's purchase of such Class A shares. The contingent deferred
sales charge will be waived on redemptions in connection with certain
involuntary distributions, including distributions arising out of the death or
post-purchase disability of a shareholder (including one who owns the shares as
joint tenant).


Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value, by officers, directors and
employees of the Advisor or its affiliates, or companies which have entered into
selling agreements with the Distributor, and to children, step-children, and
parents of such individuals. The Portfolios and Funds may also offer their
shares at net asset value to certain retirement plans; to investors who purchase
shares with the proceeds of redemptions of shares of other mutual funds advised
by WM Advisors or its affiliates within five business days of such redemptions;
to investors who purchase shares with the proceeds of redemptions of shares of
other mutual funds on which they paid an initial or deferred sales charge within
15 days and whose broker, dealer or registered investment advisor has entered
into an agreement with the Distributor specifically providing for such net asset
value purchases; and to brokers, dealers or registered investment advisors who
have entered into arrangements with the Distributor providing specifically for
the shares to be used in particular investment products made available to their
clients for which they may charge a separate fee. No sales charge will be
assessed on a purchase by any other investment company in connection with the
combination of such company with the Trust by merger, acquisition of assets or
otherwise. The Distributor will pay authorized dealers commissions on certain
net asset value purchases as described in the SAI.


EACH PORTFOLIO AND FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES OF
ANY CLASS OF ANY PORTFOLIO OR FUND AT ANY TIME.  Each Portfolio and Fund also
reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order, including purchases by
exchange.

CONSULT AN INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIVE OR SEE THE SAI IF YOU THINK YOU MAY QUALIFY
FOR ANY OF THESE PURCHASE PLANS. YOU MUST NOTIFY THE PORTFOLIO OR FUND AT THE
TIME OF PURCHASE WHENEVER A REDUCED SALES CHARGE OR NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASE
APPLIES.

                                       52
<PAGE>   55

CLASS B SHARES

Class B shares are offered at the NAV next calculated after receipt of a
properly completed purchase order, without an initial sales charge. The entire
amount of the purchase price is invested in the Fund selected. However, Class B
shares have higher distribution and service fees than Class A shares for eight
years. Also, if you redeem Class B shares within five years of purchase (four
years in the case of Class B shares of the Short Term Income Fund), you
generally must pay a contingent deferred sales charge.

The proceeds from any contingent deferred sales charges are paid to the
Distributor to defray expenses for providing distribution services for Class B
shares. Examples of such expenses include compensation to salespeople and
selected dealers. The Distributor currently pays authorized dealers commissions
of 4.00% of the price of Class B shares sold by them (3.00% for Class B shares
of the Short Term Income Fund).

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE (CDSC). Class B shares redeemed within five
years of purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge according to
the following schedule. Class B shares purchased by exchange will be subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge using the schedule of the Fund originally
purchased. Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.

Class B shares of all Funds (except for the Short Term Income Fund) and Class B
shares of all Portfolios:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  YEAR OF
                 REDEMPTION                        Contingent
               AFTER PURCHASE                 Deferred Sales Charge
-------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>
First.......................................          5.00%
Second......................................          4.00%
Third.......................................          3.00%
Fourth......................................          2.00%
Fifth.......................................          1.00%
Sixth and following.........................          0.00%
</TABLE>

Class B shares of the Short Term Income Fund:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 YEAR OF
                REDEMPTION                         Contingent
              AFTER PURCHASE                  Deferred Sales Charge
-------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>
First.....................................            4.00%
Second....................................            3.00%
Third.....................................            2.00%
Fourth....................................            1.00%
Fifth and following.......................            0.00%
</TABLE>

Class B shares of certain Funds purchased prior to March 20, 1998, may be
subject to a different contingent deferred sales charge schedule, as described
in the SAI.

The contingent deferred sales charge is calculated by applying the above
percentages to the lesser of (1) the NAV of the redeemed shares at the time they
were purchased or (2) the NAV of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption.
This means that no contingent deferred sales charge will be charged on any NAV
increases above the initial purchase price. Shares are redeemed in the order
that results in the lowest possible rate being charged. Accordingly, they will
be redeemed first from shares purchased through reinvested dividends or capital
gain distributions and then in the order of purchase.

Here is an example:

An investor purchases 100 Class B shares at $10 per share -- for a total cost of
$1,000. In the second year after the purchase, the NAV has risen to $12 per
share, and the investor has acquired 10 more shares through dividend
reinvestment.

At that time, the investor decides to make the first redemption. The transaction
includes 50 shares at $12 per share -- for a total of $600.

The first 10 shares to be redeemed will not be subject to any charge because of
the 10 shares received from dividend reinvestment.

As for the other 40 shares, the charge will be applied only to the original cost
of $10 per share. The NAV increase of $2 per share will not be considered. As a
result, $400 of the redemption proceeds (40 X $10) will be charged a rate of 4%,
which is the second-year rate shown in the table above. The resulting sales
charge will be 4% X $400, which will be $16.

The contingent deferred sales charge may be waived for redemptions of Class B
shares under these circumstances:

- Following the death or post-purchase disability of a shareholder, as defined
  in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code;

- In connection with distributions (other than transfers of assets) from an IRA
  or other retirement plan made to shareholders over age 59 1/2 (70 1/2 in the
  case of Class B shares of certain Funds purchased prior to March 20, 1998 as
  described in the SAI);

- According to a systematic withdrawal plan -- but limited to 12% annually of
  the value of the Fund at

                                       53
<PAGE>   56

  the time the systematic withdrawal plan is established; and

- In connection with the involuntary liquidation by the Portfolio or Fund of a
  shareholder's account such as described under "How to Sell Shares."

YOU MUST NOTIFY THE PORTFOLIO OR FUND WHENEVER YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A WAIVER OR
REIMBURSEMENT OF CDSC.

CONVERSION FEATURE.  Class B shares that remain outstanding for eight years will
generally convert to Class A shares of the same Portfolio or Fund based on the
relative NAVs at the time of conversion.

DISTRIBUTION PLANS

Each of the Funds has adopted distribution plans, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act, applicable to Class A and Class B and shares of the Fund (each, a
"Rule 12b-1 Plan"), respectively. The Tax-Exempt Money Market and California
Money Funds currently offer only Class A shares. Under the applicable Rule 12b-1
Plans, WM Funds Distributor, Inc., referred to as the Distributor in this
Prospectus, receives a service fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of each class. In addition, the Distributor is paid a fee as
compensation in connection with the offering and sale of Class B shares at an
annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of such shares.

The Distributor may, from time to time, pay to other dealers, in connection with
retail sales or the distribution of shares of a Portfolio or Fund, material
compensation in the form of merchandise or trips. Salespersons, including
representatives of WM Financial Services, Inc. (a subsidiary of Washington
Mutual), and any other person entitled to receive any compensation for selling
or servicing Portfolio or Fund shares may receive different compensation with
respect to one particular class of shares over another, and may receive
additional compensation or other incentives for selling Portfolio or Fund
shares.

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS


The Portfolios and Funds distribute dividends from net investment income (which
is essentially interest and dividends earned from owning securities, minus
expenses). They also make capital gain distributions if realized gains from the
sale of securities exceed realized losses. The amount of dividends of net
investment income and distributions of net realized long- and short-term capital
gains payable to shareholders will be determined separately for each Portfolio
or Fund. Dividends from the net investment income of the Balanced, Conservative
Balanced and Flexible Income Portfolios and the Fixed-Income, Municipal and
Money Funds will normally be declared daily and paid monthly. Dividends from the
net investment income of the Conservative Growth Portfolio and the Equity Income
and Growth & Income Funds will normally be declared and paid quarterly.
Dividends from the net investment income of the Strategic Growth Portfolio and
the Growth Fund will normally be declared and paid semiannually. Dividends from
the net investment income of the Northwest, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock and
International Growth Funds will normally be declared and paid annually. Except
as otherwise specified, the Portfolios and Funds distribute capital gains, if
any, at least annually, normally in December.


You have three choices regarding what you do with dividends and capital gain
distributions. You can make your choice at the time of your initial purchase or
by contacting the Funds' offices or your investment representative. The options
include:

AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT.  This procedure is automatically effective unless you
choose another option. All dividends and capital gain distributions are
reinvested into additional shares of the Portfolio or Fund.

REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS IN ANOTHER PORTFOLIO OR FUND.  Income dividends may be
automatically invested in the same class of shares of another Portfolio or Fund,
provided that Portfolio or Fund is available for sale in your state of
residence.

CASH PAYMENT OF ALL DISTRIBUTIONS.  All dividends and capital gain distributions
are deposited to your pre-authorized bank account or paid by check.

Reinvestments of income dividends and capital gain distributions are made at the
closing NAV on the day dividends or distributions are deducted from the Fund's
assets.

If you've chosen to receive dividends or capital gain distributions in cash and
your check is returned as undeliverable, the Portfolios and Funds reserve the
right (but are not obligated) to reinvest your check at the then-current NAV and
to automatically reinvest subsequent dividends and capital gain distributions in
your account. The Portfolios and Funds may also

                                       54
<PAGE>   57

automatically reinvest dividends or distributions of $10 or less.

HOW CAN I SELL MY SHARES?

You may redeem shares at any time in the following ways. The price paid per
share will be the NAV next calculated after receipt of a properly completed
redemption request (less any applicable CDSC).

TELEPHONE.  You may authorize telephone transactions on your account
application. Provided you have pre-authorized these transactions, you may redeem
or exchange shares by telephoning 800-222-5852. Telephone transaction privileges
may be restricted and generally, redemptions will not be allowed for amounts
totalling more than $50,000 per fund in a given day. You may also request these
transactions through your investment representative. Proceeds may be directed to
a pre-authorized bank or broker account or to the address of record for the
account.

It may be difficult to reach the Trusts' offices by telephone during periods of
unusual economic or market activity. Please be persistent if this occurs. The
Portfolios' and Funds' transfer agent is committed to extending its 5:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. Pacific time business hours during such periods.


WRITTEN REQUEST.  You may also redeem shares by writing the Trusts' offices.
Written requests, including requests for redemptions exceeding $50,000, may
require a signature guarantee, as described below, and the return of any
outstanding share certificates. Changes in pre-authorized redemption
instructions or your account registration may also require signature guarantees
of all registered owners. For your protection, the signature(s) must be
guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution which includes banks, credit
unions, broker dealers, national securities exchanges, savings institutions as
well as medallion signature guarantee. A medallion signature guarantee may be
obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency,
savings association, or other financial institution which is participating in a
medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The three
recognized medallion programs are Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
(STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange,
Inc. Medallion Signature Program (NYSE MSP). Signature guarantees from financial
institutions which are not participating in one of these programs will not be
accepted.


PROMPT PAYMENT.  Payment normally will be made on the next business day after
redemption, but no later than seven days after the transaction, unless you
recently purchased Fund shares by check or Automated Clearing House transfer. In
that case, redemption proceeds may be delayed for up to 15 days after the
purchase transaction, to allow for the collection of funds. Under unusual
circumstance, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for seven
days as permitted by federal securities laws. Redemption proceeds will be sent
by check or Automated Clearing House transfer to your bank account without
charge. Wire redemption proceeds may be subject to a $10 fee. The receiving bank
may also charge a fee.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.  Shareholders may choose to receive specific cash
withdrawals of at least $50 on a periodic basis. A $5,000 minimum balance in the
applicable Fund or $10,000 in the applicable Portfolio is required to establish
a systematic withdrawal plan (the minimum balance requirement is waived for IRA
accounts). Shares of the Portfolio or Fund will be redeemed to provide the
requested payment. Naturally, withdrawals that continually exceed dividend
income and capital gains will eventually exhaust the account. Class B
shareholders may use a systematic withdrawal plan to redeem up to 12% of the
Fund beginning balance annually, without incurring a contingent deferred sales
charge. The beginning balance is the Fund balance at the time the systematic
withdrawal plan is established.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.  It is costly to maintain small accounts. Accordingly, an
account may be closed after 60 days' written notice if the value in an
individual Portfolio or Fund falls below a minimum (currently $10,000 for the
Portfolios and $1,000 for the Funds or, in the case of an IRA account, $2,000
for the Portfolios and $1,000 for the Funds). Accounts will not be closed if
they fall below the minimum solely because of declines in market value. Shares
will be redeemed at the next calculated NAV, less any applicable CDSC, on the
day the account is closed. To prevent an account closure, you may purchase
shares to bring your account balance above the minimum or initiate an automatic
investment plan during the 60-day grace period.

                                       55
<PAGE>   58

IRAs AND OTHER TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS

Shares of the Portfolios or Funds may be appropriate for many retirement plans,
including IRAs. Retirement plan contributions are tax deductible in some cases,
and earnings compound on a tax-deferred and, in some cases, on a tax-free basis
until withdrawn.

Information about IRAs and other qualified retirement plans is available from
the Trusts' offices or your Investment Representative.

HOW CAN I EXCHANGE MY SHARES?

You may exchange shares of any of the Portfolios or Funds for shares of the same
class of any other of the Portfolios or Funds. Exchanges of shares are sales and
may result in a gain or loss for income tax purposes.

Exchanges are made at the relative NAVs of the shares being exchanged. No
additional sales charge will be incurred when exchanging shares from a Fund
which imposes an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Any contingent
deferred sales charge on the subsequent sale of shares acquired by exchange will
be based on the contingent deferred sales charge schedule of the Fund from which
the shares were initially purchased. Shares exchanged from a Money Fund will be
subject to the acquired Fund's sales charge unless the shares given in exchange
were previously exchanged from a Fund that imposes an initial or contingent
deferred sales charge.

All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirements of the
Portfolio or Fund being acquired and to its availability for sale in your state
of residence. You may arrange for automatic monthly exchanges. The Portfolios
and Funds reserve the right to refuse any order for the purchase of shares,
including those by exchange. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that
coincides with a "market timing" strategy may be disruptive to a Portfolio or
Fund and, consequently, may be disallowed.

DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND TAXES

Each Portfolio and Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment
income and net realized capital gain on a current basis.


You are responsible for federal income tax (and any other taxes, including state
and local income taxes, if applicable) on dividends and capital gain
distributions. This is true whether such dividends or distributions are paid in
cash or reinvested in additional shares.


Generally, dividends paid by the Portfolios and Funds from interest, dividends
or net short-term capital gains will be taxed as ordinary income. Distributions
designated by the Portfolio or Fund as deriving from net gains on securities
held for more than one year are taxable as such (generally at a 20% tax rate),
regardless of how long you have held your shares.

A dividend or distribution made shortly after the purchase of shares of a
Portfolio or Fund by a shareholder, although in effect a return of capital to
that particular shareholder, would be taxable to him or her as described above.


Because of tax law requirements, you must provide the Trusts an accurate and
certified taxpayer identification number (for individuals, generally a Social
Security number) to avoid the 31% "back-up" withholding tax.


Early in each calendar year each Portfolio and Fund will notify you of the
amount and tax status of distributions paid to you for the preceding year.

A Portfolio's use of a fund-of-funds structure could affect the amount, timing
and character of distributions to shareholders. See "Taxes" in the Statement of
Additional Information.


Any gain resulting from the sale, redemption or exchange (including an exchange
for shares of another Portfolio or Fund) of your shares will generally also be
subject to tax. You should consult your tax advisor for more information on your
own tax situation, including possible foreign, state and local taxes.



Investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes.
In that case, the Fund's yield on those securities would be decreased.
Shareholders of the International Growth Fund may be entitled to claim a credit
or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. In addition, the Fund's investments
in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the
Fund's recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the
Fund's distributions.



ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF THE MUNICIPAL FUNDS AND CALIFORNIA
INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL, TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET AND CALIFORNIA MONEY
FUNDS. Distributions designated as "exempt-interest dividends" by any of the
Municipal Funds, the Tax-


                                       56
<PAGE>   59

Exempt Money Market Fund or the California Money Fund are not generally subject
to federal income tax. However, if you receive social security or railroad
retirement benefits, you should consult your tax adviser to determine what
effect, if any, an investment in the fund may have on the federal taxation of
your benefits. In addition, an investment in the Fund may result in liability
for federal alternative minimum tax, both for individual and corporate
shareholders.


Each of the Municipal Funds, the Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund and the California
Money Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate income
that is not exempt from federal (or state) income tax. Income exempt from
federal tax may be subject to state and local income tax. In addition, any
capital gains distributed by these Funds will be taxable as described above.



ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL,
CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL AND CALIFORNIA MONEY FUNDS.  A portion
of the dividends paid by the California Municipal, California Insured
Intermediate Municipal and California Money Fund will be exempt from California
State personal income tax, but not from California State franchise tax or
California State corporate income tax. Corporate taxpayers should consult their
tax advisor concerning the California state tax treatment of investments in
these funds.



THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF
THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE
PORTFOLIOS OR FUNDS. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR BEFORE INVESTING IN THE
PORTFOLIOS OR FUNDS.



HOW NAV IS DETERMINED


Investment securities and other assets are valued primarily on the basis of
market quotations or, if quotations are not readily available, by a method that
the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value. Foreign
securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market in
which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S.
dollars using current exchange rates. As a result, changes in the value of those
currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar may affect the Funds' NAV. Because
foreign markets may be open at different times than the New York Stock Exchange,
the value of the Funds' shares may change on days when shareholders are not able
to buy or sell them. If events materially affecting the values of the Funds'
foreign investments occur between the closed foreign markets and the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, those investments may be valued
at their fair value. The NAVs are determined at the end of each business day of
the New York Stock Exchange or at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time, whichever is earlier.


ADVISOR AND SUB-ADVISORS



The Portfolios and Funds are managed by WM Advisors, Inc., which is referred to
as the Advisor in this Prospectus. The Advisor's address is 1201 Third Avenue,
22nd Floor, Seattle, Washington 98101. The Advisor has delegated portfolio
management responsibilities in respect of the Growth, International Growth,
Tax-Exempt Bond, California Municipal and California Insured Intermediate
Municipal Funds, to a sub-advisor. Each Portfolio and Fund may, to the extent
permitted under the 1940 Act, place portfolio transactions with (and pay
brokerage commissions to) affiliates of the Advisor and the sub-advisors to the
Funds indicated below. For more information see the SAI.


The Advisor has been in the business of investment management since 1944. Its
responsibilities include formulating each Portfolio's and Fund's investment
policies (subject to the terms of this Prospectus), analyzing economic trends,
directing and evaluating the investment services provided by the sub-advisors
and monitoring each Portfolio's or Fund's investment performance and reporting
to the Board of Trustees, as well as providing certain administrative services
to the Portfolios and Funds. In connection with its service as investment
advisor to each Portfolio and Fund, the Advisor may engage one or more
sub-advisors to provide investment advisory services to any of the Portfolios or
Funds and may change or eliminate any such sub-advisor if it deems such action
to be in the best interests of a Portfolio or Fund and its shareholders. Where
the Advisor has not delegated such duties to a sub-advisor, it is responsible
for managing the investment and reinvestment of the Portfolio's or Fund's
assets. The Advisor is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual,
Inc. ("Washington Mutual"), a publicly owned financial services company.

The following organizations, under the supervision of the Advisor, act as
sub-advisors to the Funds indicated below, and are responsible for continuously
reviewing,

                                       57
<PAGE>   60

supervising and administering such Funds' respective investment programs:


JANUS, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, acts as sub-advisor to the
Growth Fund. Janus is an indirectly majority owned subsidiary of Stilwell
Financial, Inc., a publicly traded holding company with principal operations in
financial asset management businesses. Janus has been providing investment
advice to mutual funds or other large institutional clients since 1970. As of
December 31, 2000, Janus' assets under management were in excess of $
billion.



VAN KAMPEN, One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook, Illinois 60181, acts as sub-advisor to
the California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate Municipal, and Tax-
Exempt Bond Funds. Van Kampen is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan
Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co., a publicly held global financial services
company. Van Kampen provides investment advice to a wide variety of individual,
institutional and investment company clients and, together with its affiliates,
had aggregate assets under management or supervision, as of December 31, 2000,
of more than $     billion.



CAPITAL GUARDIAN TRUST COMPANY, 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071,
acts as sub-advisor to the International Growth Fund. Capital Guardian is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital Group International, Inc. ("CGI"), which is
in turn owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc. ("CGC"). CGC is also the
parent company of several other subsidiaries, all of which directly or
indirectly provide investment management services. CGC maintains investment
management relationships with several other organizations around the world.
Capital Guardian had aggregate assets under management of approximately $
billion as of December 31, 2000.


INDIVIDUAL FUND MANAGERS


Gary J. Pokrzywinski, CFA, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of the
Advisor, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the High
Yield and Income Funds. He has managed these Funds since March 1998 and 1992,
respectively, and has been employed by the Advisor since 1992. Craig V. Sosey,
Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of the Advisor, has been primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of the U.S. Government Securities and
Short Term Income Funds since November 1998 and January 2000, respectively. He
has been employed by the Advisor since May 1998. Prior to that, he was the
Assistant Treasurer of California Federal Bank, where he worked for over eight
years. Randall L. Yoakum, CFA, First Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
of the Advisor and Stephen Spencer, CFA, Vice President and Portfolio Manager
are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Growth & Income
and Mid Cap Stock Funds. Mr. Yoakum has been Portfolio Manager of the Growth &
Income Fund since February 1999 and co-manager of the Mid Cap Stock Fund since
March 2000. Mr. Yoakum also leads a team of investment professionals in managing
each of the Portfolios and has done so since January 2000. Prior to assuming
these duties, Mr. Yoakum was Chief Investment Officer for D.A. Davison & Co.
(DADCO) for 2 years. From September 1994 until he joined DADCO, Mr. Yoakum was
the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Portfolio Management for
Boatmen's Trust Company, and, prior to that, Mr. Yoakum was Senior Vice
President and Chief Equity Officer for Composite Research & Management Co. (the
predecessor to WM Advisors, Inc.) for 8 years. Mr. Spencer has been employed by
the Advisor since September 1999 and has been co-manager of the Growth & Income
Fund since January 2000 and of the Mid Cap Stock Fund since March 2000. Prior to
that, Mr. Spencer was a portfolio manager and Senior Equity Analyst for Smoot,
Miller, Cheney and Co. since 1985. The Equity Income Fund has been managed by a
team of investment professionals of WM Advisors, Inc. since March 24, 2000.
David W. Simpson, CFA, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of the
Advisor, has had primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the
Northwest Fund since 1993. Mr. Simpson has been employed by the Advisor since
1993. Linda C. Walk, CFA, is Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of the
Advisor, has been primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the
Small Cap Stock Fund since January 2000. She shared that responsibility with Mr.
Simpson from March 1998 to January 2000. Prior to 1997, Ms. Walk was a Portfolio
Manager at Laird Norton Trust Company since 1996, a Valuation Consultant for
Ernst & Young LLP since 1994, and a Valuation Consultant for Management Advising
Services since 1990. Audrey S. Quaye, CFA, CPA, Vice President and Portfolio
Manager of the Advisor, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Money Market, Tax-Exempt Money Market


                                       58
<PAGE>   61

and California Money Funds. She has managed such Funds since 1997, 1997, and
March 1998, respectively, and has been employed by the Advisor since 1996. Prior
to 1996, Ms. Quaye worked at the Benham Group as a municipal credit analyst and
the California Health Facilities Financing Authority as a Program Officer.

Warren B. Lammert has had primary responsibility for the day-to-day management
of the Growth Fund since its inception. Mr. Lammert is a Vice President of
Janus. Mr. Lammert joined Janus in 1987, and his duties at Janus include the
management of separate equity accounts.


Since May 1992, Joseph A. Piraro, Vice President of Van Kampen, has had primary
responsibility for the day-to-day management of the California Municipal Fund.
Mr. Piraro has been employed by Van Kampen since 1992. Mr. Piraro has also had
primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the California Insured
Intermediate Municipal Fund since the Fund's inception. Thomas M. Byron, Vice
President of Van Kampen, has had primary responsibility for the day-to-day
management of the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund since January 1999. Mr. Byron has been at
Van Kampen for over 15 years and prior to taking over responsibility for
managing the Fund, Mr. Byron was Head Buyer and Manager of Van Kampen's Unit
Investment Trust desk.



Capital Guardian has been sub-advisor since June 1999 for the International
Growth Fund. Capital Guardian employs a team of portfolio managers each of whom
can be considered to have primary responsibility for the day-to-day management
of the portion of the Fund assigned to him or her. They are: David I. Fisher,
Harmut Giesecke, Richard N. Havas, Nancy J. Kyle, Robert Ronus, Lionel M.
Sauvage, Nilly Sikorsky and Rudolf M. Staehelin. Mr. Fisher is Chairman of the
Board of Capital Group International, Inc. and Capital Guardian as well as Vice
Chairman of Capital International, Inc., Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc. and
also a director of the Capital Group Companies, Inc. He has been employed by the
Capital Group organization for 29 years. Mr. Giesecke is Chairman of the Board
of Capital Group's Japanese investment management subsidiary, Capital
International K.K., and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Capital Group
International, Inc. Mr. Giesecke, who has been with the Capital Group
organization for 26 years, is also a Senior Vice President and a Director of
Capital International, Inc. as well as a Senior Vice President of Capital
International Research, Inc. and a Vice President of Emerging Markets Growth
Fund. Mr. Havas, who has been with the Capital Group organization for 13 years,
is a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager for Capital Guardian and
Capital International Limited as well as a Senior Vice President and Director of
Capital Guardian (Canada), Inc. Ms. Kyle, who has been with the Capital Group
organization for 8 years, is a Senior Vice President and Director of Capital
Guardian. Ms. Kyle is also President and a Director of Capital Guardian
(Canada), Inc. and a Vice President of Emerging Markets Growth Fund. Mr. Ronus
is President and a Director of Capital Guardian, as well as Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Capital Guardian (Canada), Inc., a Director of the Capital
Group and Capital Group International, Inc., and a Senior Vice President of
Capital International S.A. and Capital International Limited. Mr. Ronus has been
employed by the Capital Group organization for 26 years. Mr. Sauvage is a Senior
Vice President and portfolio manager for Capital Guardian and a Vice President
for Capital International Research, Inc. Mr. Sauvage has been employed by the
Capital Group organization for 12 years. Ms. Sikorsky is President and Managing
Director of Capital International S.A., Chairman of Capital International
Perspective, S.A., Managing Director-Europe and a Director of Capital Group
International, Inc., and serves as a Director of the Capital Group, Capital
International Limited and Capital International K.K. Ms. Sikorsky has been
employed by the Capital Group organization for 36 years. Mr. Staehelin is a
Senior Vice President and Director of Capital International Research, Inc. and
Capital International S.A., and has been employed by the Capital Group
organization for 17 years.


                                       59
<PAGE>   62

MANAGEMENT FEES

During their most recent fiscal years, each of the Funds paid management fees to
the Advisor at the following rates:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Fees Paid as a Percentage
FUNDS                                            of Net Assets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
Strategic Growth Portfolio............              0.65%*
Conservative Growth Portfolio.........              0.65%*
Balanced Portfolio....................              0.65%*
Conservative Balanced Portfolio.......              0.65%*
Flexible Income Portfolio.............              0.65%*
Equity Income.........................               0.59%
Growth & Income Fund..................               0.53%
Northwest Fund........................               0.63%
Growth Fund...........................               0.87%
Small Cap Stock.......................               0.89%
International Growth Fund.............               0.99%
Short Term Income Fund................               0.50%
U.S. Government Securities Fund.......               0.51%
Income Fund...........................               0.52%
High Yield Fund.......................               0.63%
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund..................               0.48%
California Municipal Fund.............               0.53%
California Insured Intermediate
  Municipal Fund......................               0.53%
Money Market Fund.....................               0.45%
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund..........               0.45%
California Money Fund.................               0.45%
</TABLE>


 *Effective September 1, 2000, the management and administrative fees for the
  Portfolios were combined.


The Advisor has undertaken to waive its management fees and reimburse expenses
to the extent necessary to limit the total Fund operating expenses for Class A
shares of the following funds to the indicated annual rates through October 31,
2000.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Total Fund
FUNDS                                           Operating Expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>
Growth & Income Fund..........................         1.00%
Growth Fund...................................         1.30%
Short Term Income Fund........................         1.00%
U.S. Government Securities Fund...............         0.96%
Income Fund...................................         1.04%
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund..........................         0.88%
California Municipal Fund.....................         0.88%
Money Market Fund.............................         0.73%
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund..................         0.72%
</TABLE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
PORTFOLIOS' AND FUNDS' OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING
OF THE PORTFOLIOS' AND FUNDS' SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE PORTFOLIOS OR FUNDS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY
STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       60
<PAGE>   63

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the
Portfolios' and the Funds' financial performance for the past 5 years (or, if
shorter, the period of the Portfolio's or Fund's operations). Certain
information reflects financial results for a single Portfolio or Fund share. The
total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned
(or lost) on an investment in the Portfolio or the Fund (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions). The information provided below for the
periods ended on and after October 31, 1998 has been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP. The information provided below for periods prior to October 31, 1998
has been audited by other auditors. The Reports of Independent Accountants,
along with the Portfolios' and Funds' financial statements, are included in the
respective Annual Reports to Shareholders, which are available upon request. It
should be noted that financial statements for the Florida Insured Municipal Fund
are included in the Annual Report to Shareholders but are omitted from this
prospectus since shares of that Fund are not available for purchase.

  STRATEGIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO(25)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           CLASS A
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              FISCAL
                                   YEAR          YEAR         PERIOD        YEAR            JULY 25,
                                   ENDED         ENDED         ENDED       ENDED            1996 TO
                                OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,          JUNE 30,
                                   2000          1999         1998(1)     1998(6)           1997(4)
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
 Period.......................                   $11.67        $12.66       $11.26            $10.00
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
 Net Investment Income/
  (Loss)......................                    (0.03)(9)     (0.02)(9)     0.00(8)(9)       (0.02)(9)
 Net Realized & Unrealized
  Gain on Investments.........                     4.36         (0.97)        2.12              1.90
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
   Total From Investment
    Operations................                     4.33         (0.99)        2.12              1.88
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
 Dividends from Net Investment
  Income......................                    (0.22)            -            -                 -
 Distributions in Excess of
  Net Investment Income.......                    (0.19)            -        (0.68)            (0.62)
 Distributions from Net
  Realized Gains..............                    (0.98)            -        (0.04)            (0.00)(8)
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
   Total Distributions........                     1.39             -        (0.72)            (0.62)
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period........................                   $14.61        $11.67       $12.66            $11.26
                                  =======       =======       =======     ========          ========
Total Return(2)...............                   39.55%       (7.82)%       20.11%            19.33%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
 Net Assets, End of Period
  ($1,000's)..................                  $74,678       $19,690      $18,330           $14,253
 Ratio of Operating Expenses
  to Average Net Assets(3)....                    1.07%         0.95%(5)     0.94%             0.90%(5)
 Ratio of Net Investment
  Income/(Loss) to Average Net
  Assets......................                  (0.21)%       (0.53)%(5)     0.01%           (0.19)%(5)
 Portfolio Turnover Rate......                      20%           10%          23%               33%
 Ratio of Operating Expenses
  to Average Net Assets
  Without Fee Waivers,
  Expenses Absorbed and/or
  Credits Allowed by the
  Custodian...................                    1.09%         1.13%(5)     1.08%             1.45%(5)

<CAPTION>
                                                           CLASS B
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              FISCAL
                                   YEAR          YEAR         PERIOD        YEAR             JULY 25,
                                   ENDED         ENDED         ENDED       ENDED             1996 TO
                                OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,           JUNE 30,
                                   2000          1999         1998(1)     1998(6)            1997(4)
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>                <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
 Period.......................                   $11.52        $12.53       $11.19             $10.00
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------           --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
 Net Investment Income/
  (Loss)......................                    (0.13)(4)     (0.05)(4)    (0.09)(9)         (0.10)(9)
 Net Realized & Unrealized
  Gain on Investments.........                     4.31         (0.96)        2.11              1.90
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
   Total From Investment
    Operations................                     4.81         (1.01)        2.02              1.80
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
 Dividends from Net Investment
  Income......................                    (0.13)            -            -                 -
 Distributions in Excess of
  Net Investment Income.......                    (0.19)            -        (0.64)            (0.61)
 Distributions from Net
  Realized Gains..............                    (0.98)            -        (0.04)            (0.00)(8)
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
   Total Distributions........                    (1.30)            -        (0.68)            (0.61)
                                  -------       -------       -------     --------          --------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period........................                   $14.40        $11.52       $12.53            $11.19
                                  =======       =======       =======     ========          ========
Total Return(2)...............                   38.60%       (8.06)%       19.24%            18.48%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
 Net Assets, End of Period
  ($1,000's)..................                 $130,522       $51,752      $51,173           $35,802
 Ratio of Operating Expenses
  to Average Net Assets(3)....                    1.83%         1.70%(5)     1.68%             1.65%(5)
 Ratio of Net Investment
  Income/(Loss) to Average Net
  Assets......................                  (0.97)%       (1.28)%(5)    (0.74)%          (0.94)%(5)
 Portfolio Turnover Rate......                      20%           10%          23%               33%
 Ratio of Operating Expenses
  to Average Net Assets
  Without Fee Waivers,
  Expenses Absorbed and/or
  Credits Allowed by the
  Custodian...................                    1.85%         1.88%(5)     1.83%             2.20%(5)
</TABLE>



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                                       61
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  CONSERVATIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO(25)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         CLASS A                                       CLASS B
                              -------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------
                                                            FISCAL
                                 YEAR          YEAR         PERIOD        YEAR     JULY 25,      YEAR          YEAR
                                 ENDED         ENDED         ENDED       ENDED     1996 TO       ENDED         ENDED
                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,
                                 2000          1999         1998(1)     1998(6)    1997(4)       2000          1999
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning
of Period...................                   $10.97        $11.84      $10.86     $10.00                     $10.85
                               --------      --------      --------     -------     ------     --------      --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment
   Income/(Loss)............                     0.06(9)       0.01        0.13(9)    0.08(9)                   (0.03)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain on Investments......                     3.70         (0.88)       1.42       1.32                       3.61
                               --------      --------      --------     -------     ------     --------      --------
    Total From Investment
    Operations..............                     3.76         (0.87)       1.55       1.40                       3.58
                               --------      --------      --------     -------     ------     --------      --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net
   Investment Income........                    (0.20)            -       (0.09)     (0.08)                     (0.13)
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Investment Income....                    (0.22)            -       (0.42)     (0.46)                     (0.21)
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains...........                    (0.88)            -       (0.06)         -                      (0.88)
                               --------      --------      --------     -------     ------     --------      --------
    Total Distributions.....                    (1.30)            -       (0.57)     (0.54)                     (1.22)
                               --------      --------      --------     -------     ------     --------      --------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period......................                   $13.43        $10.97      $11.84     $10.86                     $13.21
                               ========      ========      ========     =======     ======     ========      ========
Total Return(2).............                   36.54%       (7.35)%      15.18%     14.39%                     34.98%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period
   ($1,000's)...............                 $249,650      $100,024    $114,946   $136,141                   $263,911
  Ratio of Operating
   Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(13)(3)............                    1.02%         0.95%(5)    0.95%      0.92%(5)                   1.77%
  Ratio of Net Investment
   Income/(Loss) to Average
   Net Assets...............                    0.48%         0.05%(5)    1.17%      0.81%(5)                 (0.27)%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...                      16%            9%         28%        20%                        16%
  Ratio of Operating
   Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee
   Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits
   Allowed by the
   Custodian................                    1.03%         1.03%(5)    1.00%      1.17%(5)                   1.78%

<CAPTION>
                                            CLASS B
                              ------------------------------------
                                FISCAL
                                PERIOD         YEAR       JULY 25,
                                 ENDED         ENDED      1996 TO
                              OCTOBER 31,    JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,
                                1998(1)       1998(6)     1997(4)
                              ------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning
of Period...................     $11.74        $10.80      $10.00
                               --------       -------      ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment
   Income/(Loss)............      (0.03)         0.04(9)     0.01(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain on Investments......      (0.86)         1.43        1.31
                               --------       -------      ------
    Total From Investment
    Operations..............      (0.89)         1.47        1.32
                               --------       -------      ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net
   Investment Income........          -         (0.08)      (0.01)
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Investment Income....          -         (0.39)      (0.51)
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains...........          -         (0.06)          -
                               --------       -------      ------
    Total Distributions.....          -         (0.53)      (0.52)
                               --------       -------      ------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period......................     $10.85        $11.74      $10.80
                               ========       =======      ======
Total Return(2).............    (7.58)%        14.44%      13.59%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period
   ($1,000's)...............   $155,064      $169,269    $158,697
  Ratio of Operating
   Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(13)(3)............      1.70%(5)      1.70%       1.67%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment
   Income/(Loss) to Average
   Net Assets...............     (.70)%(5)      0.40%       0.06%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...         9%           28%         20%
  Ratio of Operating
   Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee
   Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits
   Allowed by the
   Custodian................      1.78%(5)      1.74%       1.92%(5)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       62
<PAGE>   65
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  BALANCED PORTFOLIO(25)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             CLASS A                                       CLASS B
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------
                                                                FISCAL
                                     YEAR          YEAR         PERIOD        YEAR     JULY 25,      YEAR          YEAR
                                     ENDED         ENDED         ENDED       ENDED     1996 TO       ENDED         ENDED
                                  OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,
                                     2000          1999         1998(1)     1998(6)    1997(4)       2000          1999
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period..........................                  $11.02         $11.63      $10.95     $10.00                     $11.02
                                    ------        ------        -------     -------    -------      ------       --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.........                    0.19(9)        0.05        0.22       0.20(9)                    0.11(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain/(Loss) on Investments...                    2.39          (0.61)       1.25       1.27                       2.38
                                    ------        ------        -------     -------    -------      ------       --------
    Total From Investment
    Operations..................                    2.58          (0.56)       1.47       1.47                       2.49
                                    ------        ------        -------     -------    -------      ------       --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment
   Income.......................                   (0.35)         (0.05)      (0.23)     (0.20)                     (0.27)
  Distributions in Excess of Net
   Investment Income............                   (0.09)             -       (0.45)     (0.32)                     (0.09)
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains...............                   (0.94)             -       (0.11)     (0.00)(8)                  (0.94)
                                    ------        ------        -------     -------    -------      ------       --------
    Total Distributions.........                   (1.38)         (0.05)      (0.79)     (0.52)                     (1.30)
                                    ------        ------        -------     -------    -------      ------       --------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period..........................                  $12.22         $11.02      $11.63     $10.95                     $12.21
                                    ======        ======        =======     =======    =======      ======       ========
Total Return(2).................                  25.16%        (4.85)%      14.32%     15.02%                     24.22%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period
   ($1,000's)...................                $333,639        $93,491    $101,726   $109,421                   $237,438
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets(13)(3)....                   1.03%          0.95%(5)    0.95%      0.92%(5)                   1.77%
  Ratio of Net Investment
   Income/Loss to Average Net
   Assets.......................                   1.66%          1.22%(5)    2.14%      2.48%(5)                   0.92%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.......                     39%             3%         29%        46%                        39%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits
   Allowed by the Custodian.....                   1.04%          1.02%(5)    1.00%      1.17%(5)                   1.78%

<CAPTION>
                                               CLASS B
                                  ---------------------------------
                                    FISCAL
                                    PERIOD        YEAR     JULY 25,
                                     ENDED       ENDED     1996 TO
                                  OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,
                                    1998(1)     1998(6)    1997(4)
                                  ---------------------------------
<S>                               <C>          <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period..........................     $11.63      $10.95     $10.00
                                   --------     -------    -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.........       0.02        0.17       0.14(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain/(Loss) on Investments...      (0.61)       1.22       1.25
                                   --------     -------    -------
    Total From Investment
    Operations..................      (0.59)       1.39       1.39
                                   --------     -------    -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment
   Income.......................      (0.02)      (0.20)     (0.14)
  Distributions in Excess of Net
   Investment Income............          -       (0.40)     (0.30)
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains...............          -       (0.11)     (0.00)(8)
                                   --------     -------    -------
    Total Distributions.........      (0.02)      (0.71)     (0.44)
                                   --------     -------    -------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period..........................     $11.02      $11.63     $10.95
                                   ========     =======    =======
Total Return(2).................    (5.09)%      13.47%     14.23%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period
   ($1,000's)...................   $110,626    $114,944    $99,821
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets(13)(3)....      1.70%(5)    1.70%      1.67%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment
   Income/Loss to Average Net
   Assets.......................      0.47%(5)    1.39%      1.73%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.......         3%         29%        46%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits
   Allowed by the Custodian.....      1.77%(5)    1.75%      1.92%(5)
</TABLE>



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                                       63
<PAGE>   66
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  CONSERVATIVE BALANCED PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY INCOME PORTFOLIO)(25)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           CLASS A                                        CLASS B
                                --------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------
                                                              FISCAL
                                   YEAR          YEAR         PERIOD        YEAR     JULY 25,       YEAR          YEAR
                                   ENDED         ENDED         ENDED       ENDED      1996 TO       ENDED         ENDED
                                OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,    OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,
                                   2000          1999         1998(1)     1998(6)     1997(4)       2000          1999
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>
 Net Asset Value, Beginning of
 Period.......................                  $10.25        $10.34       $10.13     $10.00                     $10.25
                                  ------        ------        ------       ------     ------       ------        ------
  INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS:
   Net Investment Income......                    0.56          0.19         0.64       0.58(9)                    0.50
   Net Realized & Unrealized
    Gain/(Loss) on
    Investments...............                   (0.27)        (0.09)        0.22       0.14(12)                  (0.29)
                                  ------        ------        ------       ------     ------       ------        ------
     Total From Investment
     Operations...............                    0.29          0.10         0.86       0.72                       0.21
                                  ------        ------        ------       ------     ------       ------        ------
  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
   Dividends from Net
    Investment Income.........                   (0.57)        (0.19)       (0.65)     (0.58)                     (0.49)
   Distributions in Excess of
    Net Investment Income.....                   (0.01)            -        (0.00)(8)   (0.01)                    (0.01)
   Distributions from Net
    Realized Gains............                   (0.02)            -            -      (0.00)(8)                  (0.02)
                                  ------        ------        ------       ------     ------       ------        ------
     Total Distributions......                   (0.60)        (0.19)       (0.65)     (0.59)                     (0.52)
                                  ------        ------        ------       ------     ------       ------        ------
 Net Asset Value, End of
 Period.......................                   $9.94        $10.25       $10.34     $10.13                      $9.94
                                  ======        ======        ======       ======     ======       ======        ======
 Total Return(2)..............                   2.89%         0.96%        8.71%      7.38%                      2.05%
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
   Net Assets, End of Period
    ($1,000's)................                  $7,297        $7,611       $7,793    $13,410                    $13,443
   Ratio of Operating Expenses
    to Average Net
    Assets(13)(3).............                   1.00%         0.95%(5)     0.95%      0.93%(5)                   1.74%
   Ratio of Net Investment
    Income/Loss to Average Net
    Assets....................                   5.57%         5.40%(5)     6.23%      6.09%(5)                   4.83%
   Portfolio Turnover Rate....                     51%           22%          14%        56%                        51%
   Ratio of Operating Expenses
    to Average Net Assets
    Without Fee Waivers,
    Expenses Absorbed and/or
    Credits Allowed by the
    Custodian.................                   1.24%         1.53%(5)     1.25%      1.65%(5)                   1.98%

<CAPTION>
                                              CLASS B
                                -----------------------------------
                                  FISCAL
                                  PERIOD        YEAR      JULY 25,
                                   ENDED        ENDED      1996 TO
                                OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,    JUNE 30,
                                  1998(1)      1998(6)     1997(4)
                                -----------------------------------
 <S>                            <C>           <C>         <C>
 Net Asset Value, Beginning of
 Period.......................    $10.34       $10.13      $10.00
                                  ------       ------      ------
  INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS:
   Net Investment Income......      0.16         0.56        0.51(9)
   Net Realized & Unrealized
    Gain/(Loss) on
    Investments...............     (0.09)        0.22        0.14(12)
                                  ------       ------      ------
     Total From Investment
     Operations...............      0.07         0.78        0.65
                                  ------       ------      ------
  LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
   Dividends from Net
    Investment Income.........     (0.16)       (0.57)      (0.51)
   Distributions in Excess of
    Net Investment Income.....         -        (0.00)(8)   (0.01)
   Distributions from Net
    Realized Gains............         -            -       (0.00)(8)
                                  ------       ------      ------
     Total Distributions......     (0.16)       (0.57)      (0.52)
                                  ------       ------      ------
 Net Asset Value, End of
 Period.......................    $10.25       $10.34      $10.13
                                  ======       ======      ======
 Total Return(2)..............     0.70%        7.90%       6.63%
  RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
   Net Assets, End of Period
    ($1,000's)................    $5,698       $4,084      $4,537
   Ratio of Operating Expenses
    to Average Net
    Assets(13)(3).............     1.70%(5)     1.70%       1.68%(5)
   Ratio of Net Investment
    Income/Loss to Average Net
    Assets....................     4.65%(5)     5.48%       5.34%(5)
   Portfolio Turnover Rate....       22%          14%         56%
   Ratio of Operating Expenses
    to Average Net Assets
    Without Fee Waivers,
    Expenses Absorbed and/or
    Credits Allowed by the
    Custodian.................     2.28%(5)     2.01%       2.40%(5)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       64
<PAGE>   67
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO(25)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             CLASS A                                       CLASS B
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------
                                                                FISCAL
                                     YEAR          YEAR         PERIOD        YEAR     JULY 25,      YEAR          YEAR
                                     ENDED         ENDED         ENDED       ENDED     1996 TO       ENDED         ENDED
                                  OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,
                                     2000          1999         1998(1)     1998(6)    1997(4)*      2000          1999
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period..........................                  $10.63         $10.79      $10.57     $10.00                     $10.63
                                    ------        ------        -------      ------     ------      ------        -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.........                    0.40(9)        0.12        0.45       0.43(9)                    0.33(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain/(Loss) on Investments...                    0.57          (0.15)       0.67       0.70                       0.56(12)
                                    ------        ------        -------      ------     ------      ------        -------
    Total From Investment
    Operations..................                    0.97          (0.03)       1.12       1.13                       0.89
                                    ------        ------        -------      ------     ------      ------        -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment
   Income.......................                   (0.48)         (0.13)      (0.45)     (0.43)                     (0.40)
  Distributions in Excess of Net
   Investment Income............                   (0.00)(8)          -       (0.21)     (0.13)                     (0.00)(8)
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains...............                   (0.37)             -       (0.24)     (0.00)(8)                  (0.37)
                                    ------        ------        -------      ------     ------      ------        -------
    Total Distributions.........                   (0.85)         (0.13)      (0.90)     (0.56)                     (0.77)
                                    ------        ------        -------      ------     ------      ------        -------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period..........................                  $10.75         $10.63      $10.79     $10.57                     $10.75
                                    ======        ======        =======      ======     ======      ======        =======
Total Return(2).................                   9.39%        (0.26)%      11.07%     11.58%                      8.60%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period
   ($1,000's)...................                $194,404         $9,766      $8,808    $12,613                    $46,821
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets(13)(3)....                   1.00%          0.95%(5)    0.95%      0.92%(5)                   1.75%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
   to Average Net Assets........                   3.86%          3.62%(5)    4.07%      4.95%(5)                   3.11%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.......                     31%            15%         24%        54%                        31%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits
   Allowed by the Custodian.....                   1.06%          1.37%(5)    1.23%      1.67%(5)                   1.81%

<CAPTION>
                                               CLASS B
                                  ---------------------------------
                                    FISCAL
                                    PERIOD        YEAR     JULY 25,
                                     ENDED       ENDED     1996 TO
                                  OCTOBER 31,   JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,
                                    1998(1)     1998(6)    1997(4)
                                  ---------------------------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period..........................     $10.79      $10.57     $10.00
                                    -------      ------     ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.........       0.10        0.31       0.38(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain/(Loss) on Investments...     (0.16)        0.73       0.68
                                    -------      ------     ------
    Total From Investment
    Operations..................     (0.06)        1.04       1.06
                                    -------      ------     ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment
   Income.......................     (0.10)       (0.37)     (0.38)
  Distributions in Excess of Net
   Investment Income............          -       (0.21)     (0.11)
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains...............          -       (0.24)     (0.00)(8)
                                    -------      ------     ------
    Total Distributions.........     (0.10)       (0.82)     (0.49)
                                    -------      ------     ------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period..........................     $10.63      $10.79     $10.57
                                    =======      ======     ======
Total Return(2).................    (0.51)%      10.24%     10.80%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period
   ($1,000's)...................    $11,142      $7,684     $7,385
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets(13)(3)....      1.70%(5)    1.70%      1.67%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income
   to Average Net Assets........      2.87%(5)    3.32%      4.20%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.......        15%         24%        54%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to
   Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits
   Allowed by the Custodian.....      2.12%(5)    1.98%      2.42%(5)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       65
<PAGE>   68
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  EQUITY INCOME FUND (FORMERLY BOND & STOCK FUND)    CLASS A SHARES(22)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL        YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED     OCTOBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    ---------------
                                                                 2000          1999           1998        1997     1996
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>      <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                   $14.02        $16.13      $14.71   $13.48
                                                               --------      --------        ------      ------   ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                     0.41          0.45(9)     0.50     0.52
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                     0.61          0.21(12)    2.37     1.53
                                                               --------      --------        ------      ------   ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                     1.02          0.66        2.87     2.05
                                                               --------      --------        ------      ------   ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                    (0.40)        (0.45)      (0.51)   (0.50)
  Distributions from Capital Gains..........................                     (.04)        (2.32)      (0.94)   (0.32)
                                                               --------      --------        ------      ------   ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                    (0.44)        (2.77)      (1.45)   (0.82)
                                                               --------      --------        ------      ------   ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $14.60        $14.02      $16.13   $14.71
                                                               ========      ========        ======      ======   ======
Total Return(2).............................................                    7.36%         4.03%      20.81%   15.66%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                 $241,746      $298,651      $307,018 $255,414
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    1.05%         0.97%       0.99%    0.98%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                    2.61%         3.09%       3.31%    3.68%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                      45%           80%         54%      46%
</TABLE>


  EQUITY INCOME FUND (FORMERLY BOND & STOCK FUND)    CLASS B SHARES(22)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL        YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED     OCTOBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    ---------------
                                                                 2000          1999           1998        1997     1996
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>      <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                   $13.96        $16.10      $14.69   $13.47
                                                                -------       -------        ------      ------   ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                     0.27          0.33(9)     0.39     0.41
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                     0.63          0.19(12)    2.36     1.53
                                                                -------       -------        ------      ------   ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                     0.90          0.52        2.75     1.94
                                                                -------       -------        ------      ------   ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                    (0.29)        (0.34)      (0.40)   (0.40)
  Distributions from Capital Gains..........................                    (0.04)        (2.32)      (0.94)   (0.32)
                                                                -------       -------        ------      ------   ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                    (0.33)        (2.66)      (1.34)   (0.72)
                                                                -------       -------        ------      ------   ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $14.53        $13.96      $16.10   $14.69
                                                                =======       =======        ======      ======   ======
Total Return(2).............................................                    6.46%         3.12%      19.86%   14.73%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                  $75,485       $74,542      $46,556  $22,243
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    1.84%         1.76%       1.79%    1.86%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                    1.82%         2.30%       2.48%    2.80%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                      45%           80%         54%      46%
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       66
<PAGE>   69
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  GROWTH & INCOME FUND   CLASS A SHARES(23)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL        YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED     OCTOBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    ---------------
                                                                 2000          1999           1998        1997     1996
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>      <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $19.99         $21.01      $17.26   $14.65
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------   ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                    0.09(9)        0.11(9)     0.12     0.20
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                    4.62           1.43        4.98     3.16
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------   ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                    4.71           1.54        5.10     3.36
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------   ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.09)         (0.09)      (0.14)   (0.21)
  Distributions from Capital Gains..........................                   (0.00)(8)      (2.47)      (1.21)   (0.54)
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------   ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.09)         (2.56)      (1.35)   (0.75)
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------   ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $24.61         $19.99      $21.01   $17.26
                                                                ======        ======         ======      ======   ======
Total Return(2).............................................                  23.57%          7.38%      31.24%   23.61%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                $705,835       $502,115      $299,928 $178,331
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   1.00%          0.94%       1.05%    1.03%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                   0.37%          0.52%       0.66%    1.26%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     47%            79%         71%      52%
</TABLE>


  GROWTH & INCOME FUND   CLASS B SHARES(23)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED     OCTOBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    ----------------
                                                                 2000          1999           1998        1997      1996
                                                              -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                   $19.77         $20.85      $17.17   $14.59
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss)..............................                    (0.09)(9)      (0.07)(9)   (0.02)    0.06
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                     4.56           1.46        4.93     3.14
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                     4.47           1.39        4.91     3.20
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                        -          (0.00)(8)   (0.02)   (0.08)
  Distributions from Capital Gains..........................                        -          (2.47)      (1.21)   (0.54)
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                        -          (2.47)      (1.23)   (0.62)
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $24.24         $19.77      $20.85   $17.17
                                                                =======       =======       ========     =======   ======
Total Return(2).............................................                   22.61%          6.60%      30.20%   22.55%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                 $233,216       $117,063     $49,994   $22,851
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    1.76%          1.79%       1.88%    1.94%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income/(Loss) to Average Net
   Assets...................................................                  (0.39)%        (0.33)%     (0.19)%    0.34%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                      47%            79%         71%      52%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credit Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                    1.84%            N/A         N/A      N/A
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       67
<PAGE>   70
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


  NORTHWEST FUND   CLASS A SHARES(24)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED     OCTOBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    ----------------
                                                                 2000          1999           1998        1997      1996
                                                              -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $20.37         $25.92       $19.69   $17.40
                                                                ------        ------         ------      -------   ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss)..............................                   (0.05)         (0.02)(9)    (0.02)    0.03
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                   11.72          (0.76)        8.13     2.47
                                                                ------        ------         ------      -------   ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   11.67          (0.78)        8.11     2.50
                                                                ------        ------         ------      -------   ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                       -              -            -    (0.03)
  Distributions from Capital Gains..........................                       -          (4.74)       (1.88)   (0.18)
  Distributions from Capital................................                       -          (0.03)           -        -
                                                                ------        ------         ------      -------   ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                       -          (4.77)       (1.88)   (0.21)
                                                                ------        ------         ------      -------   ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $32.04         $20.37       $25.92   $19.69
                                                                ======        ======         ======      =======   ======
Total Return(2).............................................                  57.29%          (4.81)%     44.47%   14.54%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                $338,980       $243,126      $256,908  $176,706
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   1.15%          1.10%        1.05%    1.08%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income/(Loss) to Average Net
   Assets...................................................                   (0.21)%        (0.09)%    (0.08)%    0.16%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     41%            39%          37%      42%
  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets w/o fee
   waivers or fees reduced by credits allowed by the
   custodian................................................                   1.15%          1.10%        1.11%    1.08%
</TABLE>



  NORTHWEST FUND   CLASS B SHARES(24)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED      OCTOBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    -----------------
                                                                 2000          1999           1998        1997      1996
                                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                   $19.64        $25.34       $19.45    $17.31
                                                                -------       -------       -------      -------   -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Loss.......................................                    (0.25)        (0.20)(9)    (0.08)    (0.08)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                    11.24         (0.73)        7.85      2.40
                                                                -------       -------       -------      -------   -------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                    10.99         (0.93)        7.77      2.32
                                                                -------       -------       -------      -------   -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                        -             -            -         -
  Distributions from Capital Gains..........................                        -         (4.74)       (1.88)    (0.18)
  Distributions from Capital................................                        -         (0.03)           -         -
                                                                -------       -------       -------      -------   -------
    Total Distributions.....................................                        -         (4.77)       (1.88)    (0.18)
                                                                -------       -------       -------      -------   -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $30.63        $19.64       $25.34    $19.45
                                                                =======       =======       =======      =======   =======
Total Return(2).............................................                   55.96%       (5.63)%       43.17%    13.54%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                  $77,658       $47,106      $39,627   $14,653
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    1.99%         1.95%        1.91%     1.98%
  Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets........                  (1.05)%       (0.94)%      (0.96)%   (0.76)%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                      41%           39%          37%       42%
  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets w/o fee
   waivers or fees reduced by credits allowed by the
   custodian................................................                    1.99%         1.95%        1.97%     1.98%
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       68
<PAGE>   71
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  GROWTH FUND   CLASS A SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   FISCAL            YEAR ENDED
                                                    YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED          JUNE 30,
                                                    OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,      ------------------
                                                       2000          1999         1998(1)        1998(6)      1997
                                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period..............                  $17.64         $18.46        $14.90      $15.69
                                                                    ------         ------        ------      ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss)....................                   (0.21)(9)      (0.07)(9)     (0.15)(9)   (0.03)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments....................................                   14.11          (0.75)         4.99        1.58
                                                                    ------         ------        ------      ------
    Total From Investment Operations..............                   13.90          (0.82)         4.84        1.55
                                                                    ------         ------        ------      ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income............                       -              -             -           -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income.........................................                       -              -             -           -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains...........                   (1.83)             -         (1.28)      (2.34)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains...                       -              -             -           -
  Distributions from Capital......................                       -              -             -           -
                                                                    ------         ------        ------      ------
    Total Distributions...........................                   (1.83)             -         (1.28)      (2.34)
                                                                    ------         ------        ------      ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period....................                  $29.71         $17.64        $18.46      $14.90
                                                                    ======         ======        ======      ======
Total Return(2)...................................                  84.96%        (4.44)%        35.43%      10.88%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)............                $240,363       $104,775      $112,153    $111,187
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3)......................................                   1.27%          1.69%(5)      1.66%       1.70%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
   Assets.........................................                 (0.84)%        (1.21)%(5)    (0.91)%     (0.22)%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.........................                    119%            24%          153%        156%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed
   and/or Credits Allowed by the Custodian........                   1.46%              -             -           -
</TABLE>


  GROWTH FUND   CLASS B SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL            YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED          JUNE 30,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,      ------------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)        1998(6)      1997
                                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $16.99         $17.82        $14.53      $15.47
                                                                              ------         ------        ------      ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Loss.......................................                   (0.38)(9)      (0.12)(9)     (0.25)(9)   (0.14)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                   13.51          (0.71)         4.82        1.54
                                                                              ------         ------        ------      ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   13.13          (0.83)         4.57        1.40
                                                                              ------         ------        ------      ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                       -              -             -           -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                       -              -             -           -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                   (1.83)             -         (1.28)      (2.34)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                       -              -             -           -
  Distributions from Capital................................                       -              -             -           -
                                                                              ------         ------        ------      ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (1.83)             -         (1.28)      (2.34)
                                                                              ------         ------        ------      ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $28.29         $16.99        $17.82      $14.53
                                                                              ======         ======        ======      ======
Total Return(2).............................................                  83.57%        (4.66)%        34.43%       9.99%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                $226,507        $39,379       $38,390     $30,397
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   2.03%          2.54%(5)      2.46%       2.45%
  Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets........                 (1.60)%        (2.06)%(5)    (1.70)%     (0.97)%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                    119%            24%          153%        156%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                   2.25%              -             -           -
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       69
<PAGE>   72
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  MID CAP STOCK FUND   CLASS A SHARES


  MID CAP STOCK FUND   CLASS B SHARES


                                       70
<PAGE>   73
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  SMALL CAP STOCK FUND    CLASS A SHARES(27)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR                 YEAR                 FISCAL
                                                    ENDED                ENDED             PERIOD ENDED
                                                 OCTOBER 31,          OCTOBER 31,          OCTOBER 31,
                                                    2000                 1999                1998(1)
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period...........                            $16.25              $19.49
                                                                        ---------            --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Loss..........................                             (0.20)(9)           (0.08)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments.................................                              6.36               (3.16)
                                                                        ---------            --------
    Total From Investment Operations...........                              6.16               (3.24)
                                                                        ---------            --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income.........                                                     -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income......................................                                                     -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains........                             (2.80)                  -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized
   Gains.......................................                                                     -
  Distributions from Capital...................                                                     -
                                                                        ---------            --------
    Total Distributions........................                             (2.80)                  -
                                                                        ---------            --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.................                            $19.61              $16.25
                                                                        =========            ========
Total Return(2)................................                            42.60%            (16.62)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's).........                           $92,130             $88,502
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3)...................................                             1.78%               1.88%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net
   Assets......................................                           (1.16)%             (1.43)%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate......................                               45%                 20%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian...................................                             1.94%               1.89%(5)

<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED
                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                 ---------------------
                                                 1998(6)        1997
                                                 ---------------------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period...........    $18.28       $20.17
                                                 --------     --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Loss..........................     (0.22)(9)    (0.21)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments.................................      2.50        (0.18)
                                                 --------     --------
    Total From Investment Operations...........      2.28        (0.39)
                                                 --------     --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income.........         -            -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income......................................         -            -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains........     (1.07)       (1.50)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized
   Gains.......................................         -            -
  Distributions from Capital...................         -            -
                                                 --------     --------
    Total Distributions........................     (1.07)       (1.50)
                                                 --------     --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.................    $19.49       $18.28
                                                 ========     ========
Total Return(2)................................    12.95%      (1.50)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's).........  $118,473     $165,719
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3)...................................     1.66%        1.64%
  Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net
   Assets......................................   (1.10)%      (1.17)%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate......................      112%          81%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian...................................     1.66%(10)    1.64%(10)
</TABLE>


  SMALL CAP STOCK FUND    CLASS B SHARES(27)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  YEAR
                                  ENDED
                               OCTOBER 31,
                                  2000
                               ------------------
<S>                            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period.......................
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment
   Income/(Loss).............
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments...............
    Total From Investment
    Operations...............
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Investment Income.....
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains............
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Realized Gains........
  Distributions from
   Capital...................
    Total Distributions......
Net Asset Value, End of
Period.......................
Total Return(2)..............
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period
   ($1,000's)................
  Ratio of Operating Expenses
   to Average Net
   Assets(3).................
  Ratio of Net Investment
   Income/Loss to Average Net
   Assets....................
  Portfolio Turnover Rate....
  Ratio of Operating Expenses
   to Average Net Assets
   Without Fee Waivers,
   Expenses Absorbed and/or
   Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian.................

<CAPTION>
                                  YEAR
                                  ENDED
                               OCTOBER 31,
                                  1999
                               ------------------
<S>                            <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period.......................       $15.67
                                 ---------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment
   Income/(Loss).............        (0.34)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments...............         6.08
                                 ---------
    Total From Investment
    Operations...............         5.74
                                 ---------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........            -
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Investment Income.....            -
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains............        (2.80)
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Realized Gains........            -
  Distributions from
   Capital...................            -
                                 ---------
    Total Distributions......        (2.80)
                                 ---------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period.......................       $18.61
                                 =========
Total Return(2)..............       41.32%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period
   ($1,000's)................      $28,969
  Ratio of Operating Expenses
   to Average Net
   Assets(3).................        2.70%
  Ratio of Net Investment
   Income/Loss to Average Net
   Assets....................        2.08%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate....          45%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses
   to Average Net Assets
   Without Fee Waivers,
   Expenses Absorbed and/or
   Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian.................        2.86%

<CAPTION>
                                  FISCAL                        YEAR ENDED
                               PERIOD ENDED                      JUNE 30,
                               OCTOBER 31,              ---------------------------
                                 1998(1)                1998(6)              1997
                               ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>                 <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period.......................       $18.86               $17.85              $19.88
                                 ---------              -------             -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
 OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment
   Income/(Loss).............        (0.13)(9)            (0.36)(9)           (0.34)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized
   Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments...............        (3.06)                2.44               (0.19)
                                 ---------              -------             -------
    Total From Investment
    Operations...............        (3.19)                2.08               (0.53)
                                 ---------              -------             -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net
   Investment Income.........            -                    -                   -
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Investment Income.....            -                    -                   -
  Distributions from Net
   Realized Gains............            -                (1.07)              (1.50)
  Distributions in Excess of
   Net Realized Gains........            -                    -                   -
  Distributions from
   Capital...................            -                    -                   -
                                 ---------              -------             -------
    Total Distributions......            -                (1.07)              (1.50)
                                 ---------              -------             -------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period.......................       $15.67               $18.86              $17.85
                                 =========              =======             =======
Total Return(2)..............     (16.87)%               12.05%             (2.26)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period
   ($1,000's)................      $22,172              $28,540             $29,123
  Ratio of Operating Expenses
   to Average Net
   Assets(3).................        2.84%(5)             2.47%               2.39%
  Ratio of Net Investment
   Income/Loss to Average Net
   Assets....................      (2.39)%(5)           (1.92)%             (1.92)%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate....          20%                 112%                 81%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses
   to Average Net Assets
   Without Fee Waivers,
   Expenses Absorbed and/or
   Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian.................        2.85%(5)             2.47%(10)           2.39%(10)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       71
<PAGE>   74
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND   CLASS A SHARES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL
                                                        YEAR               YEAR              PERIOD
                                                        ENDED              ENDED              ENDED
                                                     OCTOBER 31,        OCTOBER 31,        OCTOBER 31,
                                                        2000               1999              1998(1)
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>                <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period...............                         $8.86              $10.20
                                                                          -------           ---------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss).....................                          0.01(9)            (0.02)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments.....................................                          2.65               (1.32)
                                                                          -------           ---------
    Total From Investment Operations...............                          2.66               (1.34)
                                                                          -------           ---------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income.............                         (0.27)                  -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income..........................................                             -                   -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains............                         (0.11)                  -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains....                             -                   -
                                                                          -------           ---------
    Total Distributions............................                         (0.38)                  -
                                                                          -------           ---------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.....................                        $11.14               $8.86
                                                                          =======           =========
Total Return(2)....................................                        31.15%            (13.14)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's).............                       $28,618             $30,117
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3).......................................                         1.88%               1.86%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income/(Loss) to Average
   Net Assets......................................                         0.13%             (0.50)%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate..........................                          164%                 41%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
   Without Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or
   Credits Allowed by the Custodian................                         1.89%               1.86%(5)

<CAPTION>

                                                         YEAR ENDED
                                                          JUNE 30,
                                                     -------------------
                                                     1998(6)      1997
                                                     -------------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period...............   $11.85      $10.49
                                                     -------     -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss).....................     0.05(9)     0.04(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments.....................................    (0.67)       1.55
                                                     -------     -------
    Total From Investment Operations...............    (0.62)       1.59
                                                     -------     -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income.............    (0.50)      (0.13)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income..........................................    (0.03)          -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains............    (0.50)      (0.10)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains....        -           -
                                                     -------     -------
    Total Distributions............................    (1.03)      (0.23)
                                                     -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.....................   $10.20      $11.85
                                                     =======     =======
Total Return(2)....................................  (4.19)%      15.50%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's).............  $38,281     $57,776
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3).......................................    1.67%       1.65%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income/(Loss) to Average
   Net Assets......................................    0.50%       0.35%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate..........................     118%         67%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
   Without Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or
   Credits Allowed by the Custodian................    1.67%(10)   1.65%(10)
</TABLE>


  INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND   CLASS B SHARES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            FISCAL
                                                                 YEAR          YEAR         PERIOD
                                                                 ENDED         ENDED         ENDED
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)
                                                              -------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                    $8.72         $10.07
                                                                              -------      ---------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Loss.......................................                    (0.08)(9)      (0.05)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                     2.60          (1.30)
                                                                              -------      ---------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                     2.52          (1.35)
                                                                              -------      ---------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                    (0.26)             -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                        -              -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                    (0.11)             -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                        -              -
                                                                              -------      ---------
    Total Distributions.....................................                    (0.37)             -
                                                                              -------      ---------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $10.87          $8.72
                                                                              =======      =========
Total Return(2).............................................                   29.87%       (13.41)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                  $11,101         $3,552
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    2.80%          2.97%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets........                  (0.79)%        (1.61)%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     164%            41%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                    2.81%          2.97%

<CAPTION>

                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                              1998(6)       1997
                                                              --------------------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................   $11.70      $10.39
                                                              -------     -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Loss.......................................    (0.04)(9)   (0.04)(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......    (0.64)       1.53
                                                              -------     -------
    Total From Investment Operations........................    (0.68)       1.49
                                                              -------     -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................    (0.42)      (0.08)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........    (0.03)          -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................    (0.50)      (0.10)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............        -           -
                                                              -------     -------
    Total Distributions.....................................    (0.95)      (0.18)
                                                              -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................   $10.07      $11.70
                                                              =======     =======
Total Return(2).............................................  (4.95)%      14.66%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................   $4,294      $4,876
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......    2.94%       2.40%
  Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets........  (0.35)%     (0.40)%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................     118%         67%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................    2.94%       2.40%(10)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       72
<PAGE>   75
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  SHORT TERM INCOME FUND    CLASS A SHARES(26)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         FISCAL
                                                YEAR ENDED         YEAR ENDED         PERIOD ENDED
                                                OCTOBER 31,        OCTOBER 31,         OCTOBER 31,
                                                   2000               1999               1998(1)
                                                -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period..........                         $2.35               $2.32
                                                                     -------             -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.......................                          0.13(9)             0.04
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments................................                         (0.06)               0.03
                                                                     -------             -------
    Total From Investment Operations..........                          0.07                0.07
                                                                     -------             -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income........                         (0.13)              (0.04)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income.....................................                             -                   -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.......                             -                   -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized
   Gains......................................                             -                   -
  Distributions from Capital..................                             -                   -
                                                                     -------             -------
    Total Distributions.......................                         (0.13)              (0.04)
                                                                     -------             -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................                         $2.29               $2.35
                                                                     =======             =======
Total Return(2)...............................                         2.84%               3.11%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)........                       $27.059             $32,748
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3)..................................                         0.82%               0.82%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
   Net Assets.................................                         5.22%               5.44%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.....................                           85%                 19%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credit Allowed by the
   Custodian..................................                         1.16%               1.40%(5)

<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED
                                                       JUNE 30,
                                                -----------------------
                                                1998(6)          1997
                                                -----------------------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period..........    $2.32           $2.32
                                                -------         -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.......................     0.13            0.14
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments................................     0.00(8)         0.00(8)
                                                -------         -------
    Total From Investment Operations..........     0.13            0.14
                                                -------         -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income........    (0.13)          (0.14)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income.....................................        -               -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.......        -               -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized
   Gains......................................        -               -
  Distributions from Capital..................    (0.00)(8)           -
                                                -------         -------
    Total Distributions.......................    (0.13)          (0.14)
                                                -------         -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period................    $2.32           $2.32
                                                =======         =======
Total Return(2)...............................    5.91%           6.15%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)........  $35,551         $13,685
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3)..................................    0.86%           0.82%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
   Net Assets.................................    5.71%           6.50%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.....................     138%             51%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credit Allowed by the
   Custodian..................................    1.32%(10)       1.45%(10)
</TABLE>


  SHORT TERM INCOME FUND    CLASS B SHARES(26)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        FISCAL
                                               YEAR ENDED         YEAR ENDED         PERIOD ENDED
                                               OCTOBER 31,        OCTOBER 31,         OCTOBER 31,
                                                  2000               1999               1998(1)
                                               -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C>                <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.........                        $2.35               $2.32
                                                                    ------              ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income......................                         0.10(9)             0.04
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments...............................                        (0.06)               0.03
                                                                    ------              ------
    Total From Investment Operations.........                         0.04                0.07
                                                                    ------              ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income.......                        (0.10)              (0.04)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income....................................                            -                   -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains......                            -                   -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized
   Gains.....................................                            -                   -
  Distributions from Capital.................                            -                   -
                                                                    ------              ------
    Total Distributions......................                        (0.10)              (0.04)
                                                                    ------              ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...............                        $2.29               $2.35
                                                                    ======              ======
Total Return(2)..............................                        1.79%               2.85%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's).......                       $4,597              $3,747
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3).................................                        1.60%               1.57%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
   Net Assets................................                        4.44%               4.69%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate....................                          85%                 19%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credit Allowed by the
   Custodian.................................                        1.94%               2.18%(5)

<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED
                                                      JUNE 30,
                                               -----------------------
                                               1998(6)           1997
                                               -----------------------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.........   $2.32            $2.32
                                               ------           ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income......................    0.12             0.12
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments...............................    0.00(8)          0.00(8)
                                               ------           ------
    Total From Investment Operations.........    0.12             0.12
                                               ------           ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income.......   (0.12)           (0.12)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income....................................       -                -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains......       -                -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized
   Gains.....................................       -                -
  Distributions from Capital.................   (0.00)(8)            -
                                               ------           ------
    Total Distributions......................   (0.12)           (0.12)
                                               ------           ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...............   $2.32            $2.32
                                               ======           ======
Total Return(2)..............................   5.13%            5.37%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's).......  $3,459           $2,994
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3).................................   1.61%            1.57%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
   Net Assets................................   4.96%            5.75%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate....................    138%              51%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses
   Absorbed and/or Credit Allowed by the
   Custodian.................................   2.07%(10)        2.20%(10)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       73
<PAGE>   76
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND   CLASS A SHARES(17)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL          YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED      DECEMBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    -------------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)        1997       1996
                                                              --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                   $10.98         $10.84       $10.46     $10.84
                                                               --------      --------       --------     --------   --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                     0.62           0.54         0.62       0.63
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                    (0.47)          0.14         0.38      (0.38)
                                                               --------      --------       --------     --------   --------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                     0.15           0.68         1.00       0.25
                                                               --------      --------       --------     --------   --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                    (0.61)         (0.54)       (0.62)     (0.63)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                    (0.01)          0.00         0.00       0.00
    Total Distributions.....................................                    (0.62)         (0.54)       (0.62)     (0.63)
                                                               --------      --------       --------     --------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $10.51         $10.98       $10.84     $10.46
                                                               ========      ========       ========     ========   ========
Total Return(2).............................................                    1.38%          6.38%        9.92%      2.48%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                 $221,592       $266,334     $107,054   $138,159
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    0.96%          0.92%(5)     1.05%      0.97%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                    5.76%          5.99%(5)     5.92%      6.01%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                      55%            12%           6%        16%
  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets w/o fee
   waivers or fees reduced by credits allowed by the
   custodian................................................                    1.04%          1.45%(5)     1.05%      0.97%
  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
   including interest expense...............................                      N/A          1.36%(5)       N/A        N/A
</TABLE>


  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND   CLASS B SHARES(17)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               FISCAL          YEAR ENDED
                                                               YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED     PERIOD ENDED      DECEMBER 31,
                                                               OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    OCTOBER 31,     -----------------
                                                                  2000          1999          1998(1)        1997       1996
                                                               --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                    $10.97         $10.84       $10.46     $10.84
                                                                 -------       -------        -------       ------     ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                      0.54           0.47         0.54       0.54
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                     (0.48)          0.12         0.38      (0.38)
                                                                 -------       -------        -------       ------     ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                      0.06           0.59         0.92       0.16
                                                                 -------       -------        -------       ------     ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                     (0.53)         (0.46)       (0.54)     (0.54)
                                                                 -------       -------        -------       ------     ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                    $10.50         $10.97       $10.84     $10.46
                                                                 =======       =======        =======       ======     ======
Total Return(2).............................................                     0.53%          5.54%        9.03%      1.58%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                   $72,751        $28,747       $3,352     $2,963
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                     1.70%          1.67%(5)     1.84%      1.85%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                     5.02%          5.24%(5)     5.08%      5.14%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                       55%            12%           6%        16%
  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets w/o fee
   waivers or fees reduced by credits allowed by the
   custodian................................................                     1.78%          2.22%(5)     1.84%      1.85%
  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
   including interest expense...............................                       N/A          2.12%(5)       N/A        N/A
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       74
<PAGE>   77
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  INCOME FUND   CLASS A SHARES(19)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED     DECEMBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    -----------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)       1997      1996
                                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period:.......................                    $9.44          $9.48       $9.15     $9.44
                                                               --------      --------       --------     -------   -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                     0.63           0.53        0.60      0.59
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                    (0.45)         (0.04)(12)    0.33    (0.29)
                                                               --------      --------       --------     -------   -------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                     0.18           0.49        0.93      0.30
                                                               --------      --------       --------     -------   -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                    (0.63)         (0.53)      (0.60)    (0.59)
                                                               --------      --------       --------     -------   -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                    $8.99          $9.44       $9.48     $9.15
                                                               ========      ========       ========     =======   =======
Total Return(2).............................................                    1.98%          5.21%      10.51%     3.46%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                 $172,217       $213,397     $77,864   $86,657
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    1.06%          1.07%(5)    1.08%     1.03%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                    6.84%          6.66%(5)    6.47%     6.52%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                      19%            37%         27%       42%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credit Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                    1.10%            N/A         N/A       N/A
</TABLE>


  INCOME FUND   CLASS B SHARES(19)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED     DECEMBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    -----------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)       1997      1996
                                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period:.......................                    $9.45          $9.49       $9.17     $9.46
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                     0.56           0.46        0.53      0.52
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                    (0.45)         (0.04)(12)    0.32    (0.29)
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   -------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                     0.11           0.42        0.85      0.23
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                     0.56          (0.46)      (0.53)    (0.52)
                                                                -------       -------       --------     -------   -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                    $9.00          $9.45       $9.49     $9.17
                                                                =======       =======       ========     =======   =======
Total Return(2).............................................                    1.12%          4.51%       9.51%     2.59%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                  $42,715        $34,321      $9,691    $7,122
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    1.81%          1.84%(5)    1.86%     1.89%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                    6.09%          5.89%(5)    5.65%     5.69%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                      19%            37%         27%       42%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credit Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                    1.85%            N/A         N/A       N/A
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       75
<PAGE>   78
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  HIGH YIELD FUND   CLASS A SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         FISCAL PERIOD
                                                                 YEAR ENDED          YEAR ENDED         APRIL 8, 1998 -
                                                              OCTOBER 31, 2000    OCTOBER 31, 1999    OCTOBER 31, 1998(4)
                                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                            $8.86                $10.00
                                                                  -------             -------               -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                             0.91                  0.47
  Net Realized & Unrealized Loss on Investments.............                             0.14                 (1.15)
                                                                  -------             -------               -------
    Total from Investment Operations........................                             1.05                 (0.68)
                                                                  -------             -------               -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                            (0.94)                (0.45)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                                -                 (0.01)
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                            (0.05)                    -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                                -                     -
  Distributions from Capital................................                                -                     -
                                                                  -------             -------               -------
    Total Distributions.....................................                            (0.99)                (0.46)
                                                                  -------             -------               -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                            $8.92                 $8.86
                                                                  =======             =======               =======
Total Return(5).............................................                           12.26%               (6.90)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period ($1,000's).......................                           $5,827               $10,861
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(12).....                            0.73%                 0.78%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                           10.17%                 8.80%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                              30%                   54%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers or fees reduced by Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian................................................                            1.37%                 1.22%(5)
</TABLE>


  HIGH YIELD FUND    CLASS B SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          FISCAL PERIOD
                                                                 YEAR ENDED          YEAR ENDED           MAY 5, 1998 -
                                                              OCTOBER 31, 2000    OCTOBER 31, 1999     OCTOBER 31, 1998(4)
                                                              -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                            $8.90                 $10.00
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                             0.86(9)                0.42
  Net Realized & Unrealized Loss on Investments.............                             0.15(12)              (1.09)
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
    Total from Investment Operations........................                             1.01                  (0.67)
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                            (0.89)                 (0.42)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                                -                  (0.01)
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                            (0.05)                     -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                                -                      -
  Distributions from Capital................................                                -                      -
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
    Total Distributions.....................................                            (0.94)                 (0.43)
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                            $8.97                  $8.90
                                                                  =======             =======                =======
Total Return(5).............................................                           11.44%                (6.33)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period ($1,000's).......................                          $21,259                 $2,830
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(12).....                            1.29%                  1.57%(5)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                            9.61%                  8.01%(5)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                              30%                    54%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers or fees reduced by Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian................................................                            1.93%                  2.02%(5)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       76
<PAGE>   79
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND   CLASS A SHARES(21)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL        YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED    DECEMBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    --------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)      1997     1996
                                                              ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>     <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                   $8.11         $8.09       $7.83    $8.02
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----   ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                    0.41          0.34        0.38     0.38
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                   (0.70)         0.02        0.27    (0.19)
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----   ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   (0.29)         0.36        0.65     0.19
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----   ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.41)        (0.34)      (0.38)   (0.38)
  Distribution from Capital Gains...........................                       -             -       (0.01)       -
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----   ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.41)        (0.34)      (0.39)   (0.38)
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----   ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $7.41         $8.11       $8.09    $7.83
                                                                 =====         =====         =====       =====   ======
Total Return(2).............................................                   (3.77)%       4.58%       8.59%    2.52%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                $247,814      $301,162    $188,021 $203,606
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   0.89%         0.84%(5)    0.80%    0.75%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                   5.16%         5.14%(5)    4.84%    4.90%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     57%            6%         21%      22%
</TABLE>


  TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND   CLASS B SHARES(21)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL        YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED    DECEMBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    ---------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)      1997      1996
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                   $8.11         $8.09       $7.83     $8.02
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----     -----
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                    0.35          0.28        0.32      0.31
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                   (0.70)         0.03        0.27     (0.19)
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----     -----
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   (0.35)         0.31        0.59      0.12
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----     -----
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.35)        (0.29)      (0.32)    (0.31)
  Distribution from Capital Gains...........................                       -             -       (0.01)        -
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----     -----
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.35)        (0.29)      (0.33)    (0.31)
                                                                 -----         -----         -----       -----     -----
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                   $7.41         $8.11       $8.09     $7.83
                                                                 =====         =====         =====       =====     =====
Total Return(2).............................................                 (4.52)%         3.88%       7.71%     1.61%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                 $25,059       $17,344      $8,110    $5,266
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   1.64%         1.62%(5)    1.62%     1.65%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                   4.41%         4.36%(5)    4.00%     4.01%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     57%            6%         21%       22%
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       77
<PAGE>   80
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND   CLASS A SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL       YEAR ENDED JUNE
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED          30,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    -----------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)      1998(6)     1997
                                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $11.46         $11.33      $10.92     $10.60
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                    0.54           0.19(9)     0.58(9)    0.59
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                   (0.94)          0.13        0.41       0.32
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   (0.40)          0.32        0.99       0.91
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.57)         (0.19)      (0.58)     (0.59)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                       -              -           -          -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                   (0.06)             -           -          -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                       -              -           -          -
  Distributions from Capital................................                       -              -           -          -
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.63)         (0.19)      (0.58)     (0.59)
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $10.43         $11.46      $11.33     $10.92
                                                                ======        ======         ======      ======     ======
Total Return(2).............................................                 (3.87)%          2.82%       9.26%      8.83%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                $283,929       $287,590    $290,328   $318,251
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   0.88%          0.97%(5)    1.00%      0.97%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                   4.94%          4.87%(5)    5.18%      5.51%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     92%            28%         87%        36%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                   0.91%          1.05%(5)    1.19%(10)  1.26%(10)
</TABLE>


  CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND   CLASS B SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED       JUNE 30,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    ----------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)      1998(6)    1997
                                                              -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $11.46         $11.33      $10.92    $10.60
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------    ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                    0.48           0.16(9)     0.50(9)   0.51
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                   (0.97)          0.13        0.41      0.32
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------    ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   (0.49)          0.29        0.91      0.83
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------    ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.48)         (0.16)      (0.50)    (0.51)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                       -              -           -         -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                   (0.06)             -           -         -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                       -              -           -         -
  Distributions from Capital................................                       -              -           -         -
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------    ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.54)         (0.16)      (0.50)    (0.51)
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------    ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $10.43         $11.46      $11.33    $10.92
                                                                ======        ======         ======      ======    ======
Total Return(2).............................................                 (4.62)%          2.56%       8.45%     8.02%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                $133,842        $49,683     $34,537   $25,219
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   1.63%          1.72%(5)    1.75%     1.72%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                   4.19%          4.12%(5)    4.42%     4.76%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     92%            28%         87%       36%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                   1.66%          1.81%(5)    1.95%(10) 2.01%(10)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       78
<PAGE>   81
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND   CLASS A SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED       JUNE 30,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    -----------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)      1998(6)     1997
                                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $11.02         $10.81      $10.74     $10.56
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                    0.44(9)        0.16        0.49       0.49(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                   (0.55)          0.21        0.17       0.23
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   (0.11)          0.37        0.66       0.72
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.45)         (0.16)      (0.49)     (0.49)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                       -              -       (0.00)(8)      -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                   (0.16)             -       (0.10)     (0.05)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                       -              -           -          -
  Distributions from Capital................................                       -              -           -          -
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.61)         (0.16)      (0.59)     (0.54)
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $10.30         $11.02      $10.81     $10.74
                                                                ======        ======         ======      ======     ======
Total Return(2).............................................                 (1.11)%          3.46%       6.26%      6.97%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                 $31,253        $37,529     $38,724    $45,157
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   0.89%          0.82%(5)    0.86%      0.82%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                   4.13%          4.39%(5)    4.49%      4.61%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     93%             7%         25%        29%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                   0.97%          1.15%(5)    1.25%(10)  1.31%(10)
</TABLE>


  CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND   CLASS B SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED       JUNE 30,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    -----------------
                                                                 2000          1999         1998(1)      1998(6)     1997
                                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $11.02         $10.81      $10.74     $10.56
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                    0.36(9)        0.13        0.41       0.41(9)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                   (0.56)          0.21        0.17       0.23
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                   (0.20)          0.34        0.58       0.64
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.36)         (0.13)      (0.41)     (0.41)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                       -              -       (0.00)(8)      -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                   (0.16)             -       (0.10)     (0.05)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                       -              -           -          -
  Distributions from Capital................................                       -              -           -          -
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.52)         (0.13)      (0.51)     (0.46)
                                                                ------        ------         ------      ------     ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $10.30         $11.02      $10.81     $10.74
                                                                ======        ======         ======      ======     ======
Total Return(2).............................................                 (1.89)%          3.20%       5.47%      6.17%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                 $35,501        $23,960     $21,688    $20,992
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                   1.64%          1.57%(5)    1.61%      1.57%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                   3.38%          3.64%(5)    3.74%      3.86%
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                     93%             7%         25%        29%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                   1.72%          1.90%(5)    2.01%(10)  2.06%(10)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       79
<PAGE>   82
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  MONEY MARKET FUND   CLASS A SHARES(15)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    FISCAL         YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED         YEAR ENDED      PERIOD ENDED     DECEMBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,       OCTOBER 31,      OCTOBER 31,    -----------------
                                                                 2000               1999           1998(1)       1997      1996
                                                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>                <C>            <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.....................                          $1.0000         $1.0000      $1.0000   $1.0000
                                                               --------           --------         -------      -------   -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income..................................                            0.044           0.041       0.0493    0.0476
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments..........                                -               -            -         -
                                                               --------           --------         -------      -------   -------
    Total From Investment Operations.....................                            0.044           0.041       0.0493    0.0476
                                                               --------           --------         -------      -------   -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income...................                           (0.044)         (0.041)     (0.0493)  (0.0476)
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains..................                                -               -            -         -
                                                               --------           --------         -------      -------   -------
    Total Distributions..................................                           (0.044)         (0.041)     (0.0493)  (0.0476)
                                                               --------           --------         -------      -------   -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...........................                          $1.0000         $1.0000      $1.0000   $1.0000
                                                               ========           ========         =======      =======   =======
Total Return(2)..........................................                            4.52%           4.19%        5.04%     4.88%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)...................                         $460,444        $403,443     $260,877  $229,355
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)...                            0.72%           0.66%(5)     0.75%     0.79%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets...                            4.43%           4.94%(5)     4.93%     4.77%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
   Without Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits
   Allowed by the Custodian..............................                            0.73%           0.67%(5)     0.83%     0.89%
</TABLE>


  MONEY MARKET FUND   CLASS B SHARES(15)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  FISCAL           YEAR ENDED
                                                            YEAR ENDED         YEAR ENDED      PERIOD ENDED       DECEMBER 31,
                                                           OCTOBER 31,        OCTOBER 31,      OCTOBER 31,     ------------------
                                                               2000               1999           1998(1)        1997       1996
                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>                <C>             <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period..................                          $1.0000          $1.0000       $1.0000    $1.0000
                                                             -------            -------          -------       -------    -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income...............................                            0.034            0.035        0.0407     0.0384
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.......                                -                -             -          -
                                                             -------            -------          -------       -------    -------
    Total From Investment Operations..................                            0.034            0.035        0.0407     0.0384
                                                             -------            -------          -------       -------    -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income................                           (0.034)          (0.035)      (0.0407)   (0.0384)
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains...............                                -                -             -          -
                                                             -------            -------          -------       -------    -------
    Total Distributions...............................                           (0.034)          (0.035)      (0.0407)   (0.0384)
                                                             -------            -------          -------       -------    -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period........................                            $1.00          $1.0000       $1.0000    $1.0000
                                                             =======            =======          =======       =======    =======
Total Return(2).......................................                            3.44%            3.52%         4.15%      3.91%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)................                          $20,452           $6,619          $471       $117
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(3)..........................................                            1.77%            1.64%(5)      1.59%      1.69%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
   Assets.............................................                            3.38%            3.96%(5)      4.15%      3.87%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
   Without Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or
   Credits Allowed by the Custodian...................                            1.78%            1.65%(5)      1.80%      1.90%
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       80
<PAGE>   83
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD

  TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND   CLASS A SHARES(16)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL           YEAR ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED       DECEMBER 31,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    OCTOBER 31,    ------------------
                                                                 2000          1999          1998(1)       1997       1996
                                                              --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                  $1.0000        $1.0000      $1.0000    $1.0000
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------    -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                    0.026          0.026       0.0314     0.0301
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                        -              -            -          -
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------    -------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                    0.026          0.026       0.0314     0.0301
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------    -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.026)        (0.026)     (0.0314)   (0.0301)
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                        -              -            -          -
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.026)        (0.026)      0.0314    (0.0301)
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------    -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                  $1.0000        $1.0000      $1.0000    $1.0000
                                                                =======       =======        =======      =======    =======
Total Return(2).............................................                    2.65%          2.60%        3.18%      3.05%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                  $31,353        $25,441      $32,134    $31,974
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    0.57%          0.55%(5)     0.57%      0.57%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                    2.63%          3.09%(5)     3.14%      3.01%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                    0.89%          0.72%(5)     0.71%      0.72%
</TABLE>


  CALIFORNIA MONEY FUND   CLASS A SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL
                                                              YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED    YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    OCTOBER 31,    --------------------
                                                                 2000          1999          1998(1)      1998(6)       1997
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>         <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                    $1.00          $1.00        $1.00       $1.00
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------     -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income.....................................                    0.022          0.008        0.027       0.028
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                       --              -            -           -
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------     -------
    Total From Investment Operations........................                    0.022          0.008        0.027       0.028
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------     -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                   (0.022)        (0.008)      (0.027)     (0.028)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                        -              -            -           -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                        -              -            -           -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                        -              -            -           -
  Distributions from Capital................................                        -              -            -           -
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------     -------
    Total Distributions.....................................                   (0.022)        (0.008)      (0.027)     (0.028)
                                                                -------       -------        -------      -------     -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                    $1.00          $1.00        $1.00       $1.00
                                                                =======       =======        =======      =======     =======
Total Return(2).............................................                    2.24%          0.99%        2.73%       2.81%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)......................                  $34,216        $37,167      $37,403     $42,923
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)......                    0.81%          0.73%(5)     0.82%       0.85%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                    2.22%          2.31%(5)     2.71%       2.75%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                    0.81%          0.87%(5)     0.99%       1.14%
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 82


                                       81
<PAGE>   84
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FOOTNOTES TO FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

<TABLE>
<C>    <S>
  (1)  Fiscal year end changed to October 31.
  (2)  Total return is not annualized for periods less than one
       year and does not reflect any applicable sales charges. The
       total return would have been lower if certain fees had not
       been waived and/or expenses absorbed by the investment
       advisor or if fees had not been reduced by credits allowed
       by the custodian.
  (3)  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets includes
       expenses paid indirectly beginning in fiscal 1995.
  (4)  From the commencement of offering shares.
  (5)  Annualized.
  (6)  On March 23, 1998, WM Advisors, Inc. replaced Sierra
       Investment Advisers Corporation as investment advisor to the
       Funds. In the case of the Portfolios, on March 23, 1998, WM
       Advisors, Inc. replaced Sierra Investment Services
       Corporation as investment advisor to the Portfolio.
  (7)  On July 1, 1994, the Funds commenced selling Class B shares
       in addition to Class A shares. Those shares in existence
       prior to July 1, 1994 were designated Class A shares.
  (8)  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
  (9)  Per share numbers have been calculated using the average
       shares method.
 (10)  The ratio and per share numbers include custodian fees
       before reduction by credits allowed by the custodian as
       required by amended disclosure requirements effective
       September 1, 1995.
 (11)  Total returns do not reflect a sales charge and are not
       annualized.
 (12)  The amount shown may not accord with the change in aggregate
       gains and losses of portfolio securities due to the timing
       of sales and redemptions of Fund shares.
 (13)  The Portfolios will indirectly incur their pro rata share of
       the expenses of the Funds when they purchase. Such
       underlying Fund expenses are not included in the table.
 (14)  On May 2, 1994, the Fund commenced selling Class B shares.
       Those shares in existence prior to May 2, 1994 were
       designated as Class A shares.
 (15)  Formerly, Composite Cash Management Company Money Market
       Portfolio.
 (16)  Formerly, Composite Cash Management Company Tax-Exempt
       Portfolio.
 (17)  Formerly, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
 (18)  On March 30, 1994 the Fund commenced selling Class B shares.
       Those shares in existence prior to March 30, 1994 were
       designated as Class A shares.
 (19)  Formerly, Composite Income Fund, Inc.
 (20)  Amounts distributed in excess of accumulated net investment
       income as determined for financial statement purposes have
       been reported as distributions from paid-in capital at the
       fiscal year end in which the distribution was made. Certain
       of these distributions which are reported as being from
       paid-in capital for financial statement purposes may be
       reported to shareholders as taxable distributions due to
       differing tax and accounting rules.
 (21)  Formerly, Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
 (22)  Formerly, Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
 (23)  Formerly, Composite Growth & Income Fund.
 (24)  Formerly, Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
 (25)  The financial information shown for each Portfolio is that
       of the corresponding series of WM Strategic Asset Management
       Portfolios, the Portfolio's predecessor.
 (26)  Formerly, Short Term High Quality Bond Fund.
 (27)  Formerly, Emerging Growth Fund.
</TABLE>


                                       82
<PAGE>   85
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                   APPENDIX A

   DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. BOND RATINGS:

+ Aaa, Aa, A -- Bonds which are rated Aaa or Aa are judged to be of high quality
  by all standards and are generally known as high grade bonds. Bonds rated Aa
  are rated lower than Aaa securities because margins of protection may not be
  as large as in the latter or fluctuation of protective elements may be of
  greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the
  long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities. Bonds which are
  rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered
  as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and
  interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a
  susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

+ Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered medium grade obligations,
  i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
  and principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective
  elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
  length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
  fact have speculative characteristics as well.

+ Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
  future cannot be considered as well secured. Often the protection of interest
  and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
  during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
  characterizes bonds in this class.

+ B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
  investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
  other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

+ Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are poor standing. Such issues may be in
  default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
  or interest.

+ Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in
  high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
  shortcomings.

+ C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and can be
  regarded as having extremely poor prospectus of ever attaining any real
  investment standing.

+ Description of Standard & Poor's bond ratings: AAA, AA, A -- Bonds rated AAA
  have the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay
  interest and repay principal is extremely strong. Bonds rated AA have a very
  strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differ from the
  highest rated issues only in small degree. Bonds rated A have a strong
  capacity to pay interest and repay principal although they are somewhat more
  susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
  conditions than bonds in high rated categories.

+ BBB -- Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
  interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate
  protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances
  are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to repay principal and pay
  interest for bonds in this category than for bonds in higher rated categories.

+ BB-B-CCC-CC-C -- Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as
  predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
  interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
  BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
  speculation. While such bonds will likely have some quality and protective
  characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
  exposures to adverse business, economic and financial conditions.

+ CI -- The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no income is being
  paid.

+ D -- Bonds rated D are in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
  principal is in arrears.

                                       83
<PAGE>   86
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS


The WM Group's Statement of Additional Information (SAI) and Annual and
Semi-annual Reports to shareholders include additional information about the
Portfolios and Funds. The SAI and the Reports of Independent Accountants, along
with the financial statements, included in the Portfolios' and Funds' most
recent Annual Reports are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, which
means that they are part of this prospectus for legal purposes. The Portfolio's
and Funds' Annual Reports discuss the market conditions and investment
strategies that significantly affected performance during the last fiscal year.
You may obtain free copies of these materials, request other information about
the WM Group of Funds, or make shareholder inquiries, by contacting your
financial advisor or by calling toll-free 1-800-222-5852.



You may review and copy information about the Portfolios and Funds, including
the SAI, at the Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference room in
Washington, D.C. You may call the Commission at 1-202-942-8090 for information
about the operation of the public reference room. You may also access reports
and other information about the Portfolios and Funds on the EDGAR database or
the Commission's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain copies of
this information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at
the following email address: [email protected] by writing the Public Reference
Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. You may need to refer to
the following file numbers:


 FILE NO. 811-00123

 Money Market Fund
 Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund
 U.S. Government Securities Fund
 Income Fund
 High Yield Fund
 Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
 Equity Income Fund
 Growth & Income Fund
 Mid Cap Stock Fund

 Growth Fund of the Northwest


 FILE NO. 811-05775

 California Money Fund
 Short Term Income Fund
 California Municipal Fund
 California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund
 Growth Fund
 Small Cap Stock Fund
 International Growth Fund

 FILE NO. 811-07577

 Strategic Growth Portfolio
 Conservative Growth Portfolio
 Balanced Portfolio
 Conservative Balanced Portfolio
 Flexible Income Portfolio
<PAGE>   87

                      (This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
<PAGE>   88

                         THE   WM   GROUP   OF   FUNDS
                                    I SHARE
                                   PROSPECTUS

                                 MARCH 1, 2001

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Equity Funds



+ Equity Income Fund

----------------------------------------------------------------
+ Growth & Income Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------

+ Growth Fund of the Northwest (Northwest Fund)

----------------------------------------------------------------
+ Growth Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
+ Mid Cap Stock Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
+ Small Cap Stock Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------
+ International Growth Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------

Fixed-Income Funds



+ Short Term Income Fund

----------------------------------------------------------------

+ U.S. Government Securities Fund

----------------------------------------------------------------

+ Income Fund

----------------------------------------------------------------

+ High Yield Fund

----------------------------------------------------------------

Money Funds



+ Money Market Fund

----------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                The WM Group of Funds provides a broad selection
                    of investment alternatives to investors.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a crime.
<PAGE>   89

                         THE   WM   GROUP   OF   FUNDS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  PAGE
<S>                                               <C>
Risk/Return Summary                                 2
  Equity Funds                                      3
  Fixed-Income Funds                               10
  Money Funds                                      14
  Summary of Principal Risks                       15
Fees and Expenses of the Funds                     19
Description of the Funds                           21
  Equity Funds                                     21
  Fixed-Income Funds                               22
  Money Funds                                      24
  Common Investment Practices                      24
Ways to Set Up Your Account                        32
How Can I Invest in the Funds?                     33
Class I Shares                                     35
Distribution of Income and Capital Gains           35
How Can I Sell My Shares?                          35
How Can I Exchange My Shares?                      36
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes                 37
How NAV is Determined                              38
Financial Highlights                               41
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   90

                              RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

The WM Group of Funds provides a broad range of investment choices. This summary
identifies the investment objective, principal investment strategies and
principal risks of each Fund. The principal investment strategies identified in
this summary are not the only investment strategies available to the Funds, and
any number of principal investment strategies may not be in use at any given
time. For a discussion of all of the investment strategies available to the
Funds, please see the Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI").

The principal investment strategies identified in this summary provide specific
information about each of the Funds, but there are some general principles WM
Advisors and the sub-advisors apply in making investment decisions. When making
decisions about whether to buy or sell equity securities, WM Advisors and the
sub-advisors will consider, among other things, a company's strength in
fundamentals, its potential for earnings growth over time, and the current price
of its securities relative to their perceived worth. When making decisions about
whether to buy or sell fixed-income investments, WM Advisors and the sub-
advisors will generally consider among other things, the strength of certain
sectors of the fixed-income market relative to others, interest rates and other
general market conditions, as well as the credit quality of individual issuers.

The discussion of each Fund's principal investment strategies includes a short
discussion of some of the principal risks of investing in such Fund. You can
find additional information about each Fund, including a more detailed
description of these and other principal risks of an investment in each Fund,
after this summary. Investments mentioned in the summary and described in
greater detail under "Common Investment Practices" below appear in BOLD TYPE.
Please be sure to read the more complete descriptions of the Funds, and the
related risks, before you invest.

Below the description of each Fund is a bar chart showing how the investment
returns of its Class I shares have varied in the past ten years, or in the years
since the Fund began if that is less than ten years. The bar chart is intended
to provide some indication of the volatility of the Fund's returns. The table
following each bar chart shows how, for Class I shares, average total annual
returns of the Fund (other than the Money Funds) compare to returns of a
broad-based securities market index for the last one, five and ten years (or,
for a newer Fund, for the life of the Fund). PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY
AN INDICATION OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE.


There can be no assurance that any Fund will achieve its objective. It is
possible to lose money by investing in the Funds. An investment in a Fund is not
a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Money Funds
seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible
to lose money by investing in the Money Funds.


                                        2
<PAGE>   91


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               EQUITY INCOME fund


OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide a relatively high level of current income
and long-term growth of income and principal.



PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
dividend-paying common stocks and preferred stocks. The Fund's investments may
also include bonds, convertible securities, U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, AMERICAN
DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS (ADRS) and EUROPEAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS (EDRS),
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (including collateralized mortgage obligations),
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS).



In selecting debt investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for investments
that provide regular income in addition to some opportunity for capital
appreciation. Equity investments are typically made in "value" stocks currently
selling for less than WM Advisors believes they are worth.



Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk                   - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>



PERFORMANCE SHOWN IS THAT OF THE FUND'S CLASS A SHARES. NO PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FOR CLASS I SHARES OF THE EQUITY INCOME FUND BECAUSE IT
HAS YET TO OFFER CLASS I SHARES FOR A FULL YEAR.


YEARLY performance of Class A Shares
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                             21.75
1992                                                                              9.89
1993                                                                              9.27
1994                                                                             -2.13
1995                                                                             31.18
1996                                                                             13.60
1997                                                                             19.89
1998                                                                              6.93
1999                                                                              4.83
2000
</TABLE>


Sales charges are not included in the returns shown in the above bar chart. If
those charges were included, the returns shown would be lower. During the
periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the quarter
ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).



PERFORMANCE TABLE*



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past         Past
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Ten Years
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS A SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE BOND***
</TABLE>



  *Average annual total returns shown in the Performance Table reflect deduction
   of the maximum applicable sales charges.



 **This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
   companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock market.



***This index is generally considered representative of the U.S. Government and
   corporate bond markets.


                                        3
<PAGE>   92

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              GROWTH & INCOME fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth. Current income
is a secondary consideration.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for common
stocks that it believes are currently undervalued and whose issuers WM Advisors
believes have the potential to increase earnings over time. WM Advisors seeks
out companies that it believes have solid management, a competitive advantage,
and the resources to maintain superior cash flow and profitability over the long
term.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>
- Market Risk         - Derivatives Risk
- Credit Risk         - Liquidity Risk
- Currency Risk       - Management Risk
- Foreign Investment  - Smaller Company Risk.
  Risk
- Leveraging Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)*

[Growth & Income Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1999                                                                             18.56
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past          Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Inception (3/23/98)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS I SHARES                                                                N/A
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX**                                                 N/A
</TABLE>



 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1998 benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.

** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
   companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock market.

                                        4
<PAGE>   93

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 NORTHWEST fund


OBJECTIVE  The Growth Fund of the Northwest (referred to as Northwest Fund in
this Prospectus) seeks long-term growth of capital.



PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in common
stocks of companies located or doing business in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon
and Washington. The Fund's investments may include REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
(REITS).


In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for equity securities
that it believes are undervalued, yet well-managed, with excellent long-term
growth possibilities.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                    <C>
- Market Risk          - Non-diversification Risk
- Credit Risk          - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk        - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment   - Management Risk
  Risk                 - Smaller Company Risk
- Geographic Concen-
  tration Risk
</TABLE>



YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)


[Growth & Income Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
2000                                                                               0
</TABLE>


                                 Calendar Year



During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended              ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
             ).



PERFORMANCE TABLE



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Inception (6/7/99)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
CLASS I SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX*
</TABLE>



*This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
 companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock market.


                                        5
<PAGE>   94

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  GROWTH fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in common
stocks, including FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, that, in the opinion of WM Advisors or
the sub-advisor, offer potential for growth. The Fund may also invest in
commercial paper and preferred stock.


In selecting investments for the Fund, Janus Capital Corporation, the Fund's
sub-advisor, looks for individual companies that it believes have exceptional
potential for growth, regardless of economic conditions. Companies are evaluated
on their individual merit, their ability to generate earnings growth, and their
superior management teams, rather than on the broad analysis of a particular
sector or market trend.



Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk                   - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)
[Yearly Performance Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1997                                                                             50.01
1998                                                                             75.08
1999                                                                             94.67
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past           Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year      Inception (7/25/96)
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
CLASS I SHARES
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 INDEX*
</TABLE>


* This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
  companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock market.

                                        6
<PAGE>   95

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               MID CAP STOCK fund

OBJECTIVE  The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily (at least
65% of its assets) in common stocks and other equity securities of companies
having market capitalizations in the range of companies included in the S&P
MidCap 400 Index at the time of purchase. In selecting investments for the Fund,
WM Advisors looks for equity investments in companies that it believes have
solid management, a competitive advantage, and the resources to maintain
superior cash flow and profitability over the long term.

In determining whether securities should be sold, the Advisor considers factors
such as high valuations relative to other investment opportunities, and
deteriorating short or long-term business fundamentals or future growth
prospects. The Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security merely because
its issuer's market capitalization is no longer in the Mid Cap range.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Currency Risk          - Management Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Smaller Company Risk
  Risk
</TABLE>


NO PERFORMANCE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FOR THE MID CAP STOCK FUND BECAUSE IT
HAD NOT BEEN IN OPERATION FOR A FULL YEAR AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS.

                                        7
<PAGE>   96

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              SMALL CAP STOCK fund


OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.



PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in equity
securities, including FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, of companies with market
capitalizations of less than $1.4 billion. The Fund may also utilize STRATEGIC
TRANSACTIONS (derivatives) such as futures and options on futures.


In selecting investments for the Fund, WM Advisors looks for small cap companies
that it expects to achieve growth in earnings and revenues, or that it believes
are currently undervalued relative to their true worth.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk                   - Smaller Company Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)*
[Emerging Growth Fund Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1997                                                                             16.36
1998                                                                              5.24
1999                                                                             71.61
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Inception (7/25/96)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
CLASS A SHARES*
STANDARD & POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE INDEX**
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX***
</TABLE>



  * There were no Class I shares outstanding from April 13, 1999 to January 5,
    2000. Yearly performance for 1999 and Average Annual Returns for periods
    including the period from 4/13/99 - 1/5/2000 reflect the performance of the
    Fund's Class A shares which have higher expenses and, therefore, lower
    performance.

 ** This is an index of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
    companies widely regarded by investors as representative of the stock
    market.
*** This index represents the smallest 2000 companies followed by Russell and is
    used to measure the small-cap market.

                                        8
<PAGE>   97

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           INTERNATIONAL GROWTH fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.


PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in equity
securities of foreign issuers, including issuers located in developing or
emerging market countries. The Fund may also utilize STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS
(derivatives) such as FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.



In selecting investments for the Fund, Capital Guardian Trust Company, the
Fund's Subadvisor, seeks to identify foreign stocks that it believes have an
attractive valuation, high return on invested capital, excellent cash flow,
strong balance sheets, and strong owner management. Capital Guardian utilizes a
research driven "bottom-up" approach in that decisions are made based upon
extensive field research and direct company contacts. Capital Guardian blends
its basic value-oriented approach with macroeconomic and political judgments on
the outlook for economies, industries, currencies and markets.



Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Credit Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Currency Risk          - Management Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Smaller Company Risk
  Risk
- Leveraging Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)
[International Growth Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1997                                                                             15.45
1998                                                                             25.44
1999                                                                             50.84
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Inception (7/25/96)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
CLASS I SHARES
MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL
INTERNATIONAL EAFE INDEX*
</TABLE>


* This index includes stock markets of Europe, Australia and the Far East
  weighted by capitalization and represents the equity markets of 18 countries.

                                        9
<PAGE>   98

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             SHORT TERM INCOME fund


OBJECTIVE  This Fund (formerly known as Short Term High Quality Bond Fund) seeks
as high a level of current income as is consistent with prudent investment
management and stability of principal.


PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
high-quality, short-term, bonds and other FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES, which are
rated in the top four categories by a nationally recognized statistical ratings
organization ("investment grade") or are of comparable quality. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund maintains a dollar-weighted average portfolio duration
of three years or less. The Fund's investments may include corporate securities,
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS and MORTGAGE- and ASSET-BACKED
SECURITIES.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)*

[Short Term Income Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1997                                                                             5.21
1998                                                                              4.8
1999                                                                             3.08
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past          Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Inception (7/25/96)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS I SHARES                                                               N/A
LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND SHORT (1-5 [YEAR]) INVESTMENT
GRADE DEBT INDEX**                                                           N/A
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1998 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
** This index includes all investment-grade, corporate debt securities with
   maturities of one to five years.

                                       10
<PAGE>   99

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks a high level of current income, consistent with
safety and liquidity.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, including collateralized mortgage obligations and other
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Fund may also invest in DOLLAR ROLLS, which
involve leverage.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Credit Risk            - Liquidity Risk
- Leveraging Risk        - Management Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)*

[U.S. Government Securities Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1999                                                                             0.31
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past          Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Inception (3/23/98)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS I SHARES                                                               N/A
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT BOND INDEX**                                      N/A
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1998 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
** This index includes all investment-grade, corporate debt securities with
   maturities of one to five years.

                                       11
<PAGE>   100

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  INCOME fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks a high level of current income consistent with
preservation of capital.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in a
diversified pool of FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES including corporate securities, U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES and MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (including collateralized
mortgage obligations), up to 35% of which may be in LOWER-RATED SECURITIES
(which are sometimes called "junk bonds"). The Fund may also invest in
convertible securities.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)*

[Income Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1999                                                                             0.48
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past          Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Inception (3/23/98)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS I SHARES                                                               N/A
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE BOND INDEX**                            N/A
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
** This index is generally considered representative of the U.S. government and
   corporate bond markets.

                                       12
<PAGE>   101

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                HIGH YIELD fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests primarily in
high-yielding LOWER-RATED SECURITIES (sometimes called "junk bonds"), which may
include FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Fund may also invest higher-rated FIXED-INCOME
SECURITIES, preferred stock and convertible securities.


Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>
- Market Risk            - Leveraging Risk
- Credit Risk            - Derivatives Risk
- Currency Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Foreign Investment     - Management Risk
  Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)*

[High Yield Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1999                                                                             12.27
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was      % (for the
quarter ended            ), and the lowest was      % (for the quarter ended
           ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past          Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Inception (7/27/98)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS I SHARES                                                               N/A
LEHMAN BROTHERS HIGH YIELD INDEX**                                           N/A
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1999 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
** This index includes all below investment-grade, corporate debt securities.

                                       13
<PAGE>   102

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               MONEY MARKET fund

OBJECTIVE  This Fund seeks to maximize current income while preserving capital
and maintaining liquidity.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests in high-quality
money market instruments, which may include U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, FLOATING
AND VARIABLE RATE SECURITIES, MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS, U.S. dollar denominated
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, and WHEN
ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
- Market Risk                      - Liquidity Risk
- Credit Risk                      - Management Risk
- Foreign Investment               - Money Market Risk
  Risk
</TABLE>


YEARLY performance (Class I Shares)*

[Money Market Fund Graph]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ANNUAL RETURN
                                                                             -------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1999                                                                             4.68
2000
</TABLE>

                                 Calendar Year


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was     % (for the
quarter ended         ), and the lowest was     % (for the quarter ended
        ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                                    Past         Past          Since Class I
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                         One Year    Five Years    Inception (3/23/98)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>           <C>
CLASS I SHARES                                                               N/A
MERRILL LYNCH 3-MONTH U.S. TREASURY BILL INDEX**                             N/A
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1998 has benefitted from the
   agreement of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.
** This is an unmanaged index, that measures the performance of 3-month U.S.
   Treasury Bills currently available in the marketplace.

                                       14
<PAGE>   103

                           SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RISKS

The value of your investment in a Fund changes with the value of the investments
held by that Fund. Many factors can affect that value, and it is possible that
you may lose money on investments in the Funds. Factors that may affect a
particular Fund as a whole are called "principal risks." They are summarized in
this section. The chart at the end of this section displays similar information.
All Funds are subject to principal risks. These risks can change over time,
because the types of investments made by the Funds can change over time.
Investments mentioned in this summary and described in greater detail under
"Common Investment Practices" appear in BOLD TYPE. That section also includes
more information about the Funds, their investments and the related risks.

+ MARKET RISK.  Each of the Funds is subject to market risk, which is the
  general risk of unfavorable changes in the market value of a Fund's portfolio
  securities.


   One aspect of market risk is interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, your
   investment in a Fund is likely to be worth less because its income-producing
   equity or debt investments are likely to be worth less. This type of risk is
   generally greater for securities with longer maturities.


   Even Funds such as the Short Term Income and U.S. Government Securities Funds
   are subject to interest rate risk, even though they generally invest
   substantial portions of their assets in the highest quality debt securities,
   such as U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.


   Interest rate risk is generally greater for Funds that invest in debt
   securities with longer maturities. This risk may be compounded for Funds such
   as the Income and U.S. Government Securities Funds that invest in
   MORTGAGE-BACKED or other ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES that may be prepaid. These
   securities have variable maturities that tend to lengthen when that is least
   desirable -- when interest rates are rising. Increased market risk is also
   likely for Funds such as the Short Term Income and Income Funds that invest
   in debt securities paying no interest, such as ZERO-COUPON, PRINCIPAL-ONLY
   and INTEREST-ONLY SECURITIES.


   The Equity Funds, by investing in equity securities, such as common stock and
   preferred stock, and convertible securities, are exposed to a separate set of
   market risks. Those risks include the risks of broader equity market declines
   as well as more specific risks affecting the issuer, such as management
   performance, financial leverage, industry problems and reduced demand for the
   issuer's goods or services.


+ CREDIT RISK.  Each of the Funds may be subject to credit risk to the extent it
  invests in FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. This is the risk that the issuer or the
  guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to any of a Fund's portfolio
  transactions (including without limitation REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, REVERSE
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, LENDING OF SECURITIES and other over-the-counter
  transactions), will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or
  interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. Varying degrees of
  credit risk, often reflected in credit ratings, apply. Credit risk is
  particularly significant for Funds such as the Equity Income, Growth & Income,
  Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, Income and High Yield Funds that may
  invest significantly in LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. These securities and similar
  unrated securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") have speculative elements
  or are predominantly speculative credit risks. The Equity Income, Growth &
  Income, Northwest, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International
  Growth, Short Term Income, Income and High Yield Funds, which make FOREIGN
  INVESTMENTS denominated in U.S. dollars, are also subject to increased credit
  risk because of the added difficulties associated with requiring foreign
  entities to honor their contractual commitments, and because a number of
  foreign governments and other issuers are already in default. The Money Market
  Fund may also make U.S. Dollar denominated FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.



+ CURRENCY RISK.  Funds such as the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Growth, Mid
  Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income, Income
  and High Yield Funds that invest in securities denominated in, and/or receive
  revenues in, foreign currencies will be subject to currency risk. This is the
  risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar,
  or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S.


                                       15
<PAGE>   104

  dollar will decline in value relative to the currency hedged.


+ FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK.  Each of the Funds with FOREIGN INVESTMENTS such as
  the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock,
  International Growth, Short Term Income, Income and High Yield Funds, may
  experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than Funds with investments
  solely in securities of U.S. companies. This is because the securities markets
  of many foreign countries are relatively small, with a limited number of
  companies representing a small number of industries. Additionally, foreign
  securities issuers are usually not subject to the same degree of regulation as
  U.S. issuers. Reporting, accounting and auditing standards of foreign
  countries differ, in some cases significantly, from U.S. standards. Also,
  nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage,
  political changes or diplomatic developments could adversely affect a Fund's
  investments in a foreign country. In the event of nationalization,
  expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment.
  Adverse developments in certain regions, such as Southeast Asia, may adversely
  affect the markets of other countries whose economies appear to be unrelated.
  The Northwest and Money Market Funds may also make U.S. dollar denominated
  FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.



+ GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION RISK.  The Northwest Fund invests significant
  portions of its assets in concentrated geographic areas like the northwestern
  United States generally have more exposure to regional economic risks than
  Funds making investments more broadly.



+ LEVERAGING RISK.  When a Fund is BORROWING money or otherwise leveraging its
  portfolio, the value of an investment in that Fund will be more volatile and
  all other risks will tend to be compounded. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small
  Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income, U.S. Government Securities
  and Income Funds may achieve leverage by using REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
  and/or DOLLAR ROLLS. The Growth & Income Fund and the Fixed-Income Funds may
  achieve leverage through the use of INVERSE FLOATING RATE INVESTMENTS. Funds
  such as the Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth,
  Short Term Income and U.S. Government Securities Funds may also take on
  leveraging risk by investing collateral from securities loans, by using
  STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS (derivatives) and by BORROWING money to meet redemption
  requests.


+ DERIVATIVES RISK.  Each of the Funds, except the Money Funds, may, subject to
  the limitations and restrictions stated elsewhere in this Prospectus and the
  SAI, use STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS involving derivatives such as forward
  contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps, caps, floors and collars, which
  are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value
  of something else, such as an underlying asset, reference rate or index. In
  addition to other risks such as the credit risk of the counterparty,
  derivatives involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk
  that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with
  relevant assets, rates and indices.

+ LIQUIDITY RISK.  Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are
  difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing a Fund from selling out of
  these ILLIQUID SECURITIES at an advantageous price. All of the Funds may be
  subject to liquidity risk. Funds that engage in STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS, make
  FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, or that invest in securities involving substantial market
  and/or credit risk tend to be subject to greater liquidity risk. In addition,
  liquidity risk increases for Funds that hold RESTRICTED SECURITIES.

+ MANAGEMENT RISK.  Each Fund is subject to management risk because it is an
  actively managed investment portfolio. WM Advisors or the sub-advisor, if
  applicable, will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making
  investment decisions for the Funds, but there can be no guarantee that they
  will meet stated objectives or produce desired results. In some cases
  derivatives and other investments may be unavailable or the WM Advisors or
  sub-advisor may choose not to use them under market conditions when their use
  would have been beneficial to the Funds.

+ SMALLER COMPANY RISK.  Market risk and liquidity risk are particularly
  pronounced for stocks of companies with relatively SMALL MARKET
  CAPITALIZATIONS. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or
  financial resources, or they may depend on a few key employees. The Equity
  Funds, and the Small Cap Stock Fund in particular, generally have the greatest
  exposure to this risk.

                                       16
<PAGE>   105

+ MONEY MARKET RISK.  While the Money Funds are designed to be relatively low
  risk investments, they are not entirely free of risk. The Money Funds may not
  be able to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share, as a result of a
  deterioration in the credit quality of issuers whose securities the Funds
  hold, or an increase in interest rates. In addition, the Money Funds are still
  subject to the risk that the value of your investment may be eroded over time
  by inflation.

                                       17
<PAGE>   106

                            PRINCIPAL RISKS by fund

The following chart summarizes the Principal Risks of each Fund. Risks not
marked for a particular Fund may, however, still apply to some extent to that
Fund at various times.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Foreign     Geographic                     Non-
                        Market  Credit  Currency   Investment  Concentration  Leveraging  Diversification  Derivatives  Liquidity
           Fund          Risk    Risk     Risk        Risk         Risk          Risk          Risk           Risk        Risk
<S> <C>                 <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>              <C>          <C>
    EQUITY
    INCOME                X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    fund
    GROWTH &
    INCOME                X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    fund
    NORTHWEST
    fund                  X       X                    X             X                                          X           X
    GROWTH
    fund                  X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    MID CAP STOCK
    fund                  X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    SMALL CAP
    STOCK                 X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    fund
    INTERNATIONAL
    GROWTH                X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    fund
    SHORT TERM
    INCOME                X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    fund
    U.S. GOVERNMENT
    SECURITIES            X       X                                               X                             X           X
    fund
    INCOME
    fund                  X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    HIGH YIELD
    fund                  X       X         X          X                          X                             X           X
    MONEY
    MARKET                X       X                    X                                                                    X
    fund

<CAPTION>
                             Smaller        Money
                 Management  Company        Market
     Fund          Risk       Risk           Risk
<S>              <C>         <C>           <C>
EQUITY
INCOME              X          X
fund
GROWTH &
INCOME              X          X
fund
NORTHWEST
fund                X          X
GROWTH
fund                X          X
MID CAP STOCK
fund                X          X
SMALL CAP
STOCK               X          X
fund
INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH              X          X
fund
SHORT TERM
INCOME              X
fund
U.S. GOVERNMENT
SECURITIES          X
fund
INCOME
fund                X
HIGH YIELD
fund                X
MONEY
MARKET              X                        X
fund
</TABLE>


                                       18
<PAGE>   107

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you invest in
Class I shares of a Fund. Each of the Funds offers other classes of shares that
are subject to different fees and expenses. For information about other classes
of shares offered by the Funds, please contact WM Shareholder Services at
800-222-5852. The Examples on the next two pages are intended to help you
compare the cost of investing in the Funds with the costs of investing in other
mutual funds. The Examples assume that your investment has a 5% return each
year, required for illustration purposes by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Your actual
costs may be higher or lower than those in the Examples.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         SHAREHOLDER FEES                                                                         CLASS I
         (fees paid directly from your investment)                                              SHARES(in %)
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                                     <C>
         Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)       0.00
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Maximum sales charge imposed on reinvested dividends                                       0.00
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Maximum deferred sales charge ("load") (as a percentage of original purchase price
         or redemption proceeds, as applicable)(1)                                                  0.00
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Exchange Fee                                                                               0.00
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (1) A $10 fee may be charged for redemptions made by wire transfer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       19
<PAGE>   108


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             EXAMPLES: You would pay
                                                                                             the following expenses on a
                                                                    ANNUAL FUND              $10,000 investment assuming a
                                                                OPERATING EXPENSES           5% annual return and
                                                            (Expenses that are deducted      redemption at the end of each
         CLASS I SHARES                                          from Fund assets)           period:
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Total
                                                                        Annual Fund
                                               Management     Other      Operating          One     Three    Five      Ten
                                                  Fee       Expenses     Expenses           Year    Years    Years    Years
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                   <C>          <C>         <C>                <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
         Growth & Income Fund                     0.55%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Northwest Fund                           0.63%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Growth Fund(1,2)                         0.85%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Mid Cap Stock Fund                       0.75%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Small Cap Stock Fund(2)                  0.85%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         International Growth Fund                1.00%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Short Term Income Fund                   0.50%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         U.S. Government Securities Fund(2)       0.50%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Income Fund(2)                           0.50%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         High Yield Fund                          0.63%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Money Market Fund                        0.45%
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


    (1) Reflects the Advisor's obligation to limit Total Annual Fund Operating
        Expenses through October 31, 2000, as described on page 40.
    (2) Management Fees shown have been restated to reflect current contractual
        rates.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       20
<PAGE>   109

                            DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS


This section provides a more complete description of the investment strategies
and risks of each Fund. The "Common Investment Practices" section that follows
provides additional information about the principal investment strategies of the
Funds and identifies the Funds that may engage in such practices to a
significant extent. You can find additional descriptions of the Funds'
strategies and risks in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). Except
for policies explicitly identified as "fundamental" in this Prospectus or the
SAI, the investment objectives and investment policies set forth in this
Prospectus and the SAI are not fundamental and may be changed at any time
without shareholder consent. Except as otherwise indicated, all policies and
limitations are considered at the time of purchase; the sale of securities is
not required in the event of a subsequent change in valuation or other
circumstances.



EQUITY FUNDS



EQUITY INCOME FUND.  The Fund invests in a combination of equity and fixed
income securities. Under normal market conditions at least 25% of the Equity
Income Fund's assets will be invested in fixed-income securities, including
preferred stocks and that portion of the value of convertible securities which
is not attributable to a conversion feature. The Fund may invest in money market
instruments for temporary or defensive purposes. The Fund may invest in fixed-
income securities of any maturity, including mortgage-backed securities, U.S.
Government Securities and asset-backed securities, and may also invest up to 35%
of its assets, in below investment grade bonds (sometimes called junk bonds).
The Fund may purchase or sell U.S. Government Securities or collateralized
mortgage obligations on a "when-issued" or "delayed-delivery" basis in an
aggregate of up to 20% of the market value of its total net assets. The Fund may
invest up to 25% of its assets in real estate investment trusts, known as
"REITs." The Fund may write (sell) covered call options. The Fund may invest up
to 25% of its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers.



GROWTH & INCOME FUND.  The Growth & Income Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. The Fund may also invest in money market instruments for temporary or
defensive purposes. To limit risk, repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days will not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may invest
up to 25% of its assets in REITs. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities
of any maturity, including mortgage-backed securities, and may invest up to 35%
of its assets in below investment grade fixed-income securities.



The Fund may purchase or sell U.S. Government securities or collateralized
mortgage obligations on a "when-issued" or "delayed-delivery" basis in an
aggregate up to 20% of the market value of its total assets minus total
liabilities (except for the obligations created by these commitments). The Fund
may write (sell) covered call options. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its
assets in U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers.



NORTHWEST FUND.  Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's total
assets will be invested in the common stocks of companies whose principal
executive offices are located in the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana,
Oregon and Washington.



The Fund is permitted to invest in money market instruments for temporary or
defensive purposes. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in REITs, and
may write (sell) covered call options.



Because the Fund concentrates its investments in companies located or doing
business in the Northwest, the Fund is not intended as a complete investment
program, and could be adversely impacted by economic trends within the
five-state area.



GROWTH FUND.  The Growth Fund invests primarily in common stocks believed to
have significant appreciation potential. The Fund also may invest in debt
securities, bonds, convertible bonds, preferred stock and convertible preferred
stock, including up to 20% of its assets in non-investment-grade debt
securities.



The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities, usually
foreign common stocks, and up to 5% of its assets in securities of companies in
(or governments of) developing or emerging countries (sometimes referred to as
"emerging markets"). The Fund may also engage in certain options transactions,
enter into financial futures contracts and related options for the purpose of
portfolio hedging and enter into currency forwards or futures contracts and
related options for the purpose of currency hedging.


                                       21
<PAGE>   110


MID CAP STOCK FUND.  The Mid Cap Stock Fund invests primarily (normally at least
65% of its assets) in common stocks of companies with market capitalizations in
the range represented by companies included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index.



The Fund may also invest in money market instruments for temporary or defensive
purposes. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in REITs. The Fund may
invest in fixed-income securities of any maturity, including mortgage-backed
securities, and may invest up to 35% of its assets in below investment grade
fixed-income securities.



The Fund may purchase or sell U.S. Government securities or collateralized
mortgage obligations on a "when-issued" or "delayed-delivery" basis in an
aggregate up to 20% of the market value of its total assets minus total
liabilities (except for the obligations created by these commitments). The Fund
may write (sell) covered call options. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its
assets in U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers.



SMALL CAP STOCK FUND.  The Small Cap Stock Fund invests primarily in equity
securities of companies with market capitalization of less than $1.4 billion at
the time of purchase. In addition to common stock, the Fund's equity securities
may include convertible bonds, convertible preferred stock and warrants to
purchase common stock. The Fund may also invest in money market instruments for
temporary or defensive purposes. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in
securities of foreign issuers and up to 5% of its assets in securities in
developing or emerging countries. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
non-investment-grade debt securities ("junk bonds") if the Advisor believes that
doing so will be consistent with the goal of capital appreciation.



INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND.  The International Growth Fund invests primarily in
equity securities of issuers located in foreign countries that the Fund's
sub-advisor believes present attractive investment opportunities. Criteria for
determining the appropriate distribution of investments among various countries
and regions include prospects for relative economic growth, expected levels of
inflation, government policies influencing business conditions, the outlook for
currency relationships and the range of investment opportunities available to
international investors. The relative strength or weakness of a particular
country's currency or economy may dictate whether securities of issuers located
in such country will be purchased or sold. The Fund may invest without limit in
the securities of issuers located in any one country (except as provided below
with respect to emerging markets countries). The Fund will emphasize established
companies, although it may invest in companies of varying sizes as measured by
assets, sales and capitalization.



The Fund invests in common stock and may invest in other securities with equity
characteristics, such as trust or limited partnership interests, preferred
stock, rights and warrants. The Fund may also invest in convertible securities.
The Fund invests in securities listed on foreign or domestic securities
exchanges and securities traded in foreign or domestic over-the-counter markets,
and may invest in restricted or unlisted securities.



The Fund intends to stay fully invested in the securities described above to the
extent practical. Fund assets may be invested in short-term debt instruments to
meet anticipated day-to-day operating expenses, and for temporary defensive
purposes. In addition, when the Fund experiences large cash inflows, the Fund
may hold short-term investments until desirable equity securities become
available. These short-term instruments are generally rated A or higher by
Moody's or S&P, or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the
Fund's sub-advisor.



The Fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in the securities of companies in or
governments of developing or emerging markets, provided that no more than 5% of
the Fund's total assets are invested in any one emerging markets country. For
temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest a major portion of its assets
in securities of U.S. issuers. Furthermore, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its
total assets in investment grade corporate debt securities having maturities
longer than one year, including Euro-currency instruments and securities.



FIXED-INCOME FUNDS



SHORT TERM INCOME FUND.  The Short Term Income Fund invests primarily in
short-term bonds and other debt securities. Under normal market conditions the
Fund maintains a weighted average of three years or less and a weighted average
maturity of five years or less. The Fund may, however, hold individual
securities with remaining maturities of more than three years. Duration is a
measure that relates the price volatility of a security to changes in interest
rates. The


                                       22
<PAGE>   111


duration of a debt security is the weighted average term to maturity, expressed
in years, of the present value of future cash flows, including coupon payments
and principal repayments. Thus, duration involves WM Advisors' judgment with
respect to both interest rates and expected cash flows.



The Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in debt securities that, at
the time of purchase, are rated in one of the top four rating categories by one
or more NRSROs or, if unrated, are judged to be of comparable quality by the
Advisor ("investment grade" securities). All debt securities purchased by the
Fund will be investment grade at the time of purchase. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in U.S.
Government securities, corporate debt obligations or mortgage-related securities
rated in one of the two highest categories by an NRSRO or determined by the
Advisor to be of comparable quality.


The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by domestic and foreign
governments and government agencies and instrumentalities and in high-grade
corporate debt obligations, such as bonds, debentures, notes, equipment lease
and trust certificates, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage
obligations and asset-backed securities.

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in foreign fixed-income securities,
primarily bonds of foreign governments or their political subdivisions, foreign
companies and supranational organizations, including non-U.S. dollar-denominated
securities and U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities issued by foreign issuers
and foreign branches of U.S. banks. Investment in foreign securities is subject
to special risks. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in preferred stock.
The Fund may also invest in high-quality, short-term obligations (with
maturities of 12 months or less). The Fund may engage in certain options
transactions, enter into financial futures contracts and related options for the
purpose of portfolio hedging and enter into currency forwards or futures
contracts and related options for the purpose of currency hedging. The Fund may
invest in certain illiquid investments, such as privately placed obligations,
including restricted securities. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in
securities of unaffiliated mutual funds. The Fund may borrow money or enter into
reverse repurchase agreements or dollar roll transactions in the aggregate up to
33 1/3% of its total assets. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets
in asset-backed securities, which represent a participation in, or are secured
by and payable from, a stream of payments generated by particular assets, most
often a pool of similar assets.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND.  To accomplish its objective, the U.S.
Government Securities Fund invests primarily in a selection of obligations of
the U.S. Government and its agencies. The Fund may also invest in collateralized
mortgage obligations or repurchase agreements which are secured by those types
of obligations. It is a fundamental policy of the Fund to invest only in U.S.
Government securities, including mortgage-backed securities; and collateralized
mortgage obligations and repurchase agreements which are secured by U.S.
Government Securities. The Fund may borrow up to 5% of its total net assets for
emergency, non-investment purposes. The Fund may also enter into dollar roll
transactions.

INCOME FUND.  The Income Fund invests most of its assets in:

- debt and convertible debt securities;

- U.S. Government Securities, including mortgage-backed securities issued by the
  Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Federal National Mortgage
  Association ("FNMA"), and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") or
  similar government agencies;

- obligations of U.S. banks that belong to the Federal Reserve System;

- preferred stocks and convertible preferred stocks;

- the highest grade commercial paper as rated by S&P or Moody's; and

- deposits in U.S. banks.

The Fund may also invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and
likewise receive interest, dividends and sale proceeds in foreign currencies.
The Fund may engage in foreign currency exchange transactions for hedging
purposes in connection with the purchase and sale of foreign securities or to
protect against changes in the value of specific securities held by the Fund,
and may purchase and sell currencies on a spot (i.e., cash) basis, enter into
forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date, and
buy and sell foreign currency futures contracts. The Fund may also borrow up to
5% of its total net

                                       23
<PAGE>   112

assets for emergency, non-investment purposes, and may enter into dollar roll
transactions. The Fund may purchase securities of issuers which deal in real
estate or securities which are secured by interests in real estate, and it may
acquire and dispose of real estate or interests in real estate acquired through
the exercise of its rights as a holder of debt obligations secured by real
estate or interests therein. The Fund may also purchase and sell interest rate
futures and options. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in lower-rated
fixed-income securities (sometimes called "junk bonds").


HIGH YIELD FUND.  The High Yield Fund invests, under normal market conditions,
at least 65% of its assets in a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities
(including debt securities, convertible securities and preferred stocks) rated
lower than BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's or of equivalent quality as determined
by the Advisor. The remainder of the Fund's assets may be invested in any other
securities the Advisor believes are consistent with the Fund's objective,
including higher rated fixed-income securities, common stocks and other equity
securities. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers including
those located in developing or emerging countries, and engage in hedging
strategies involving options.



MONEY FUNDS



The Money Funds invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated short-term, money market
securities. They will only purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Securities") or
securities that are, or have issuers that are,



-rated by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
 ("NRSROs"), such as Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service,
 Inc. ("Moody's"), in one of the two highest rating categories for short-term
 debt securities,



-rated in one of the two highest categories for short-term debt by the only
 NRSRO that has issued a rating, or



-if not so rated, are determined to be of comparable quality.



A description of the rating systems of S&P and Moody's is contained in Appendix
A to this Prospectus and in the SAI. At the time of investment, no security
purchased by a Money Fund (except U.S. Government Securities subject to
repurchase agreements and variable rate demand notes) will have a maturity
exceeding 397 days, and each Money Fund's average portfolio maturity will not
exceed 90 days. The Money Funds will attempt to maintain a stable net asset
value ("NAV") of $1.00, but there can be no assurance that any Money Fund will
be able to do so.



MONEY MARKET FUND.  To accomplish its objective, the Money Market Fund invests
solely in money market instruments that are selected from the following six
general categories:



-U.S. Government Securities;



-short-term commercial notes (including asset-backed securities) issued directly
 by U.S. and foreign businesses, banking institutions, financial institutions
 (including brokerage, finance and insurance companies) and state and local
 governments and municipalities to finance short-term cash needs;



-obligations of U.S. and foreign banks with assets of more than $500 million;



-securities issued by foreign governments, their agencies or instrumentalities
 or by supranational entities;



-short-term corporate obligations rated in one of the two highest rating
 categories by Moody's or S&P; and



-repurchase agreements.



COMMON INVESTMENT PRACTICES


The next several pages contain more detailed information about types of
securities in which the Funds may invest, and strategies which the Advisor or
the respective sub-advisor may employ in pursuit of that Fund's investment
objective and a summary of risks and restrictions associated with these
securities and investment practices. For more information, see the SAI.


BORROWING.  The Funds may borrow money from banks solely for temporary or
emergency purposes, subject to various limitations. If a Fund borrows money, its
share price and yield may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing
is paid off. For the Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International
Growth and Short Term Income Funds, such borrowings may not exceed 30% of total
assets. The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest


                                       24
<PAGE>   113


U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and Money Market Funds may borrow
up to 5% of total assets for emergency purposes. In addition, the Money Market
Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of total assets to meet redemption requests. The
Short Term Income Fund is prohibited from borrowing money or entering into
reverse repurchase agreements or dollar roll transactions (described below) in
the aggregate in excess of 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets (after giving
effect to such borrowings and transactions). If a Fund makes additional
investments while borrowings are outstanding, this will have the effect of
leveraging the Fund. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International
Growth and Short Term Income Funds may not purchase additional securities when
borrowings, including, for each such Fund other than the Short Term Income Fund,
reverse repurchase agreements, exceed 5% of total assets. Leveraging will
magnify declines as well as increases in the NAV of a Fund's shares and in the
yield on a Fund's investments. Each of the foregoing percentage limitations on
borrowings is a fundamental policy of the respective Funds.



The Short Term Income, U.S. Government Securities and Income Funds may enter
into DOLLAR ROLLS. A Fund enters into a DOLLAR ROLL by selling securities for
delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase,
typically in 30 or 60 days, substantially similar (same type, coupon and
maturity) securities on a specified future date, which, under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") may be considered borrowings
from the counterparty and may produce similar leveraging effects. The proceeds
of the initial sale of securities in the dollar roll transactions, for example,
may be used to purchase long-term securities which will be held during the roll
period. To the extent that the proceeds of the initial sale of securities are
invested in bonds, the Fund will be subject to market risk on these bonds as
well as similar risk with respect to the securities the Fund is required to
repurchase. See "Fixed-Income Obligations" below.



Each of the Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth and
Short Term Income Funds may engage in REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
sold by a Fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities and, if
the proceeds from the reverse repurchase agreement are invested in securities,
that the market value of the securities bought may decline at the same time
there is decline in the securities sold (and required to be repurchased).


FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES.  The market value of fixed-income securities held by a
Fund and, consequently, the value of the Fund's shares can be expected to vary
inversely to changes in prevailing interest rates. Investors should also
recognize that, in periods of declining interest rates, the yield of the Fund
will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates and, in periods of
rising interest rates, the Fund's yield will tend to be somewhat lower. Also,
when interest rates are falling, any net inflow of money to the Fund will likely
be invested in instruments producing lower yields than the balance of its
assets, thereby reducing current yield. In periods of rising interest rates, the
opposite can be expected to occur. The prices of longer maturity securities are
also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest
rates. In addition, obligations purchased by a Fund may be subject to the risk
of default. Fixed-Income securities, including Municipal Obligations, rated in
the lower end of the investment-grade category (Baa or BBB) may have speculative
characteristics and may be more sensitive to economic changes and changes in the
financial condition of their issuers.

The fixed-income securities in which the Funds may invest include ZERO COUPON
SECURITIES, which make no payments of interest or principal until maturity.
Because these securities avoid the need to make current interest payments, they
may involve greater credit risks than other fixed-income securities.


FLOATING RATE, INVERSE FLOATING RATE AND VARIABLE RATE INVESTMENTS.  The Growth
& Income Fund and the Fixed-Income Funds may purchase floating rate, inverse
floating rate and variable rate obligations, including participation interests
therein.


The Money Funds may purchase floating rate and variable rate obligations,
including participation interests therein.

The Fixed-Income Funds may purchase mortgage-backed securities that are floating
rate, inverse floating rate and variable rate obligations.

Each Fund may also invest in securities representing interests in tax-exempt
securities, known as inverse floating obligations or "residual interest bonds,"
which pay interest rates that vary inversely with changes in

                                       25
<PAGE>   114

the interest rates of specified short-term tax-exempt securities or an index of
short-term tax-exempt securities. The interest rates on inverse floating
obligations or residual interest bonds will typically decline as short-term
market interest rates increase and increase as short-term market rates decline.
These securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage.
They will generally respond to changes in market interest rates more rapidly
than fixed-rate long-term securities (typically twice as fast). As a result, the
market values of inverse floating obligations and residual interest bonds will
generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate tax-exempt
securities.


FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS AND CURRENCY MANAGEMENT.  The Equity
Funds and Fixed-Income Funds (with the exception of the Equity Income, Growth &
Income, Northwest and U.S. Government Securities Funds) may, subject to the
investment limitations stated elsewhere in this Prospectus and the SAI, engage
in foreign currency exchange transactions. Funds that buy and sell securities
denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and receive interest,
dividends and sale proceeds in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, may enter
into foreign currency exchange transactions to convert to and from different
foreign currencies and to convert foreign currencies to and from the U.S.
dollar. The Fund either enters into these transactions on a spot (i.e., cash)
basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or
uses forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.


These Funds may enter into foreign currency hedging transactions in an attempt
to protect against changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the trade
and settlement dates of specific securities transactions or changes in foreign
currency exchange rates that would adversely affect a portfolio position or an
anticipated portfolio position. These transactions tend to limit any potential
gain that might be realized should the value of the hedged currency increase.
The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the
securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of
these securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market
movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract
is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of currency market
movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a hedging
strategy is highly uncertain. In addition, when the Advisor or a Fund's
sub-advisor believes that the currency of a specific country may deteriorate
against another currency, it may enter into a forward contract to sell the less
attractive currency and buy the more attractive one. The amount in question
could be less than or equal to the value of the Fund's securities denominated in
the less attractive currency. The Fund may also enter into a forward contract to
sell a currency which is linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all
of the Fund's portfolio securities are or could be denominated, and to buy U.S.
dollars. These practices are referred to as "cross hedging" and "proxy hedging."

Forward currency exchange contracts are agreements to exchange one currency for
another - for example, to exchange a certain amount of U.S. dollars for a
certain amount of Japanese yen - at a future date and specified price. Because
there is a risk of loss to the Fund if the other party does not complete the
transaction, the Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor will enter into forward
currency exchange contracts only with parties approved by the Trusts' Board of
Trustees or persons acting pursuant to their direction.


Each of the Funds other than the Money Funds (the "Non-Money Funds") (with the
exception of the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest and U.S. Government
Securities Funds) may invest in securities which are indexed to certain specific
foreign currency exchange rates. These securities expose the Funds to the risk
of significant changes in rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and any
foreign currency to which an exchange rate-related security is linked. In
addition, there is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a
liquid secondary market will exist for a particular exchange rate-related
security due to conditions in the debt and foreign currency markets. Illiquidity
in the forward foreign exchange market and the high volatility of the foreign
exchange market may from time to time combine to make it difficult to sell an
exchange rate-related security prior to maturity without incurring a significant
loss.


While the foregoing actions are intended to protect the Fund from adverse
currency movements, there is a risk that currency movements involved will not be
properly anticipated, and there can be no assurance that such transactions will
be available or that the Funds will use such transactions even if they are
available. Use of currency hedging techniques may also be limited by

                                       26
<PAGE>   115

the need to protect the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").


FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.  The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest and Money
Market Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers if such securities are
denominated in U.S. dollars. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock,
International Growth, Short Term Income, Income and High Yield Funds may invest
in both U.S. dollar denominated and non-U.S. dollar denominated foreign
securities. There are certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities,
including those resulting from:


- fluctuations in currency exchange rates,

- devaluation of currencies,

- future political or economic developments and the possible imposition of
  currency exchange blockages or other foreign governmental laws or
  restrictions,

- reduced availability of public information concerning issuers, and

- the fact that foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform
  accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory
  practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
  companies.

Moreover, securities of many foreign companies may be less liquid and their
prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable domestic companies.
In addition, there is the possibility of expropriation, nationalization,
confiscatory taxation and limitations on the use or removal of funds or other
assets of the Funds, including the withholding of dividends. The risks
associated with foreign securities are generally greater for securities of
issuers in emerging markets.

In addition, while the volume of transactions effected on foreign stock
exchanges has increased in recent years, in most cases it remains appreciably
below that of the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly, the Funds' foreign
investments may be less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than
comparable investments in securities of U.S. companies. Moreover, the settlement
periods for foreign securities, which are often longer than those for securities
of U.S. issuers, may affect portfolio liquidity. In buying and selling
securities on foreign exchanges, the Fund normally pays fixed commissions that
are generally higher than the negotiated commissions charged in the United
States. In addition, there is generally less governmental supervision and
regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and issuers in foreign countries
than in the United States. Foreign securities generally are denominated and pay
dividends or interest in foreign currencies, and the value of the Funds' net
assets as measured in U.S. dollars will be affected favorably or unfavorably by
changes in exchange rates.

The Equity Funds, the Short Term Income Fund, the Income Fund and the High Yield
Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers directly or in the form of
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ("ADRS"), EUROPEAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ("EDRS"),
GLOBAL DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ("GDRS") or other similar securities representing
securities of foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the securities they represent. ADRs are
receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust company evidencing
ownership of the underlying foreign securities. EDRs, which are sometimes
referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs"), are receipts issued by
a European financial institution evidencing a similar arrangement. Generally,
ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the United States securities
markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities
markets.


GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION.  Potential investors in the Northwest and Money Market
Funds should consider the possibly greater risk arising from the geographic
concentration of their investments.



HOLDINGS IN OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.  When the Advisor or a Fund's
sub-advisor believes that it would be beneficial to the Fund, each of the
Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth and Short Term
Income Funds may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of mutual funds
that are not affiliated with the Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor, if any. As a
shareholder in any such mutual fund, the Fund will bear its ratable share of the
mutual fund's expenses, including management fees, and will remain subject to
the Fund's advisory and administration fees with respect to the assets so
invested. In addition, the Growth Fund may invest Fund assets in money market
funds affiliated with Janus, provided that Janus remits to the Fund the amount
of any investment advisory and administrative services fees paid to Janus as the
investment manager of the money market fund.


ILLIQUID SECURITIES AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES.  Up to 15% of the net assets of
each Non-Money Fund, and

                                       27
<PAGE>   116

up to 10% of the net assets of each Money Fund, may be invested in securities
that are not readily marketable. Such illiquid securities may include:

- repurchase agreements with maturities greater than seven calendar days;

- time deposits maturing in more than seven calendar days;

- to the extent a liquid secondary market does not exist for the instruments,
  futures contracts and options thereon;

- certain over-the-counter options, as described in the SAI;

- certain variable rate demand notes having a demand period of more than seven
  days; and

- securities which are restricted under federal securities laws with respect to
  disposition (excluding certain Rule 144A securities, as described below).

Securities which may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, will not be included for the purposes of these restrictions,
so long as such securities meet liquidity guidelines established by the Trusts'
Board of Trustees.


Each of the Funds may purchase RESTRICTED SECURITIES, provided such securities
are, in the case of the Growth & Income, Northwest, U.S. Government Securities,
Income and Money Market Funds, eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Although recent and ongoing developments
in the securities markets have resulted in greater trading of restricted
securities, making restricted securities, in many instances, more liquid than
they once were considered to be, investing in restricted securities could have
the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity of the portfolio securities of
a Fund. While such conditions are in effect, it could be more difficult for a
Fund to fulfill shareholder redemption orders on a timely basis. If a Fund were
required to sell these securities on short notice, it might be unable to obtain
fair market value.



LENDING OF SECURITIES.  Certain of the Funds may lend portfolio securities to
brokers and other financial organizations. The Growth, Small Cap Stock,
International Growth and Short Term Income Funds each may lend portfolio
securities up to 20% of total assets. The Growth & Income, Northwest, Mid Cap
Stock, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and Money Market Funds may
lend portfolio securities up to 33% of total assets. These transactions involve
a risk of loss to the Fund if the counterparty should fail to return such
securities to the Fund upon demand.



LOWER-RATED SECURITIES.  The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Mid Cap Stock,
Small Cap Stock and Income Funds may each invest up to 35% of their total assets
and the Growth Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets, in non-investment
grade debt securities, sometimes referred to as "junk bonds." The High Yield
Fund may invest all of its assets in such securities and will generally invest
at least 65% of its assets in such securities.


Non-investment grade securities usually entail greater risk (including the
possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers), generally involve greater
price volatility and risk of principal and income, and may be less liquid than
higher-rated securities. Both price volatility and illiquidity may make it
difficult for the Fund to value or to sell certain of these securities under
certain market conditions. Non-investment-grade debt securities are often
considered to be speculative and involve greater risk of default or price
changes due to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. The market prices of
these securities may fluctuate more than higher-rated securities and may decline
significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow
periods of rising interest rates. For further information, see Appendix A to
this Prospectus.


MORTGAGE-BACKED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  The Equity Income, Growth &
Income, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income,
U.S. Government Securities, Income and High Yield Funds may invest in GOVERNMENT
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC.


To the extent that a Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium,
mortgage foreclosures and payments and prepayments of principal (which may be
made at any time without penalty) will tend to result in the loss of that
premium. The yield of the Fund may be affected by reinvestment of prepayments at
higher or lower rates than the original investment. In addition, like other debt
securities, the value of mortgage-backed securities, will generally fluctuate in
response to market interest rates.

The U.S. Government guarantees the timely payment of interest and principal for
GNMA certificates.

                                       28
<PAGE>   117

However, the guarantees do not extend to the securities' yield or value, which
are likely to vary inversely with fluctuations in interest rates, nor do the
guarantees extend to the yield or value of the Fund's shares.

Government stripped mortgage-based securities represent beneficial ownership
interests in either principal distributions (principal-only accounts or "PO
strips") or interest distributions (interest-only securities "IO strips") from
government mortgage-backed securities. Investing in government stripped
mortgage-backed securities involves the risks normally associated with investing
in mortgage-backed securities issued by government or entities. In addition, the
yields on PO and IO strips are extremely sensitive to prepayments on the
underlying mortgage loans. If a decline in the level of prevailing interest
rates results in a higher than anticipated rate of principal prepayment,
distributions of principal will be accelerated, thereby reducing the yield to
maturity on IO strips and increasing the yield to maturity on PO strips.
Conversely, if an increase in the level of prevailing interest rates results in
a rate of principal prepayments lower than anticipated, distributions of
principal will be deferred, thereby increasing the yield to maturity on IO
strips and decreasing the yield to maturity on PO strips. Sufficiently high
prepayment rates could result in the Fund losing some or all of its initial
investment in an IO strip. The Funds will acquire government stripped mortgage-
backed securities only if a liquid secondary market for the securities exists at
the time of acquisition. However, there can be no assurance that the Funds will
be able to effect a trade of a government stripped mortgage-backed security at a
time when it wishes to do so.


In addition, the Equity Income, Growth & Income, Mid Cap Stock, Short Term
Income and Income Funds may invest in commercial mortgage-backed securities,
which are similar to government mortgage-backed securities, except they are not
issued or guaranteed by governmental entities. Commercial mortgage-backed
securities include collateralized mortgage obligations and real estate mortgage
investment conduits ("REMICs"). While commercial mortgage-backed securities are
generally structured with one or more types of credit enhancement, and often
have high credit ratings, they lack the credit status of a governmental agency
or instrumentality.



The Equity Income, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, Short Term Income, Income,
High Yield and Money Market Funds may purchase ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. These
Funds will not invest more than 10% of their total assets in asset-backed
securities, except that the Short Term Income Fund may invest up to 25% of its
total assets in such securities. Asset-backed securities are structured like
mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in
mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle
installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real
and personal property, including home equity loans, and receivables from credit
card agreements. The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce
its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited.


MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS, LEASES AND AMT-SUBJECT BONDS.  The two principal
classifications of municipal bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue" bonds.
General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith
and credit, with either limited or unlimited taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are not supported by the issuer's full
taxing authority. Generally, they are payable only from the revenues of a
particular facility, a class of facilities, or the proceeds of another specific
revenue source.

The Money Market may acquire participations in lease obligations or installment
purchase contract obligations (collectively, "lease obligations") of municipal
authorities or entities. Lease obligations do not constitute general obligations
of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing power is pledged.
Certain of these lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses, which
provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment
purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose
on a yearly basis. In addition to the "non-appropriation" risk, these securities
represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet developed the
depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds. In the case of a
"non-appropriation" lease, the Fund's ability to recover under the lease in the
event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession
of the leased property, and in any event foreclosure of that property might
prove difficult.

"AMT-Subject Bonds" are Municipal Obligations issued to finance certain "private
activities," such as bonds used to finance airports, housing projects,

                                       29
<PAGE>   118

student loan programs and water and sewer projects. Interest on AMT-Subject
Bonds is a specific tax preference item for purposes of the federal individual
and corporate alternative minimum taxes. See "Dividends, Capital Gains and
Taxes" for a discussion of the tax consequences of investing in AMT-Subject
Bonds.

Current federal income tax laws limit the types and volume of bonds qualifying
for the federal income tax exemption of interest, which may have an effect upon
the ability of the Fund to purchase sufficient amounts of tax-exempt securities.


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS.  The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest,
Mid Cap Stock, Income and High Yield Funds may invest in real estate investment
trusts, known as "REITs." REITs involve certain unique risks in addition to
those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general
(such as possible declines in the value of real estate, lack of availability of
mortgage funds or extended vacancies of property). Equity REITs may be affected
by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while
mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are
dependent upon management skills, are not diversified, are subject to heavy cash
flow dependency, risks of default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs are
also subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for tax-free
pass-through of income under the Code, and failing to maintain their exemptions
from registration under the 1940 Act.


Investment in REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing in
small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may
trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt
or erratic price movements than larger company securities.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.  All of the Funds may invest in repurchase agreements,
which are purchases of underlying debt obligations from financial institutions,
such as banks and broker-dealers, subject to the seller's agreement to
repurchase the obligations at an established time and price. Repurchase
agreements can be regarded as loans to the seller, collateralized by the
securities that are the subject of the agreement. Default by the seller would
expose the Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delay in
connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations. In addition, if
bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the
obligations, the Fund may be delayed or limited in its ability to sell the
collateral. Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the SEC, the Funds may
transfer daily uninvested cash balances into one or more joint trading accounts.
Assets in the joint trading accounts are invested in repurchase agreements or
other money market instruments, and the proceeds are allocated to the
participating funds on a pro-rata basis.

STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS.  Subject to the investment limitations and restrictions
stated elsewhere in this Prospectus and the SAI, each of the Funds except the
Money Funds may utilize various investment strategies as described below to
hedge various market risks, to manage the effective maturity or duration of
fixed-income securities or for other bona fide hedging purposes. Utilizing these
investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell, to the extent not
otherwise limited or restricted for such Fund, exchange-listed and
over-the-counter put and call options on securities, equity and fixed-income
indices and other financial instruments, purchase and sell financial futures
contracts and options thereon, enter into various interest rate transactions
such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and enter into various currency
transactions such as currency forward contracts, currency futures contracts,
currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures. The Funds may write
(sell) covered call options as well. A call option is "covered" if the Fund owns
the security underlying the option it has written or it maintains enough cash,
cash equivalents or liquid securities to purchase the underlying security. All
the above are collectively referred to as "Strategic Transactions."

Strategic Transactions may be used:

- to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of
  securities held in, or to be purchased for, the Fund's portfolio resulting
  from securities markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations,

- to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its portfolio
  securities,

- to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes,

- to manage the effective maturity or duration of the Fund's portfolio, or

                                       30
<PAGE>   119

- to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute
  for purchasing or selling particular securities.

Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to seek potentially higher returns.
Any or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time, as the use of
any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous variables including market
conditions.

The use of Strategic Transactions involves special considerations and risks; for
example,

- the ability of the Fund to utilize Strategic Transactions successfully will
  depend on the ability of the Advisor or the sub-advisor to predict pertinent
  market movements,

- the risk that the other party to a Strategic Transaction will fail to meet its
  obligations to the Fund,

- the risk that the Fund will be unable to close out a Strategic Transaction at
  a time when it would otherwise do so, due to the illiquidity of the Strategic
  Transaction, and

- the risk of imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price
  movements of Strategic Transactions and price movements of the related
  portfolio positions.

Strategic Transactions can reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the
positive effect of favorable price movements in the related positions.


U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  All of the Funds may invest in U.S. Government
securities, which include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as U.S.
Treasury bills, notes and bonds) and obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued or guaranteed
by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government are backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government (such as GNMA bonds), others are backed
only by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as
securities of Federal Home Loan Banks) and still others are backed only by the
credit of the instrumentality (such as FNMA and FHLMC bonds). Certain of these
obligations may receive ratings that are lower than the AAA rating typically
associated with obligations of the U.S. Treasury, reflecting increased credit
risk.


WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, FORWARD COMMITMENTS AND DELAYED-DELIVERY
TRANSACTIONS.  In order to secure yields or prices deemed advantageous at the
time, the Funds (with the exception of the Money Funds) may purchase or sell
securities on a when-issued or a delayed-delivery basis. The Funds will enter
into a when-issued transactions only for the purpose of acquiring portfolio
securities. Due to fluctuations in the value of securities purchased on a
when-issued or a delayed-delivery basis, the yields obtained on such securities
may be higher or lower than the yields available in the market on the dates when
the securities are actually delivered to the Fund. Similarly, the sale of
securities for delayed-delivery can involve the risk that the prices available
in the market when delivery is made may actually be higher than those obtained
in the transaction itself.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND TURNOVER.  Each Fund's turnover rate varies from year
to year, depending on market conditions and investment strategies. High turnover
rates increase transaction costs, and may increase taxable capital gains.
Historical portfolio turnover rates for each Fund are shown under "Financial
Highlights" in this Prospectus. The Advisor and the sub-advisors will not
consider a Funds portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment
decisions consistent with the Funds' investment objectives and policies.

                                       31
<PAGE>   120

                          WAYS TO SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT

+ Individual or Joint Account
  Individual accounts are owned by one person. Two types of joint accounts
  (having two or more owners) can be opened:

  1) in a "joint tenancy" account, the surviving owner(s) automatically
  receive(s) the shares of any owner(s) who die(s); and

  2) in a "tenants in common" account, the heir(s) of any deceased owner
  receive(s) such owner's shares, rather than the surviving owners of the joint
  account.

+ Retirement
  Retirement plans protect investment income and capital gains from current
  taxes. Contributions to these accounts may be tax deductible. Retirement
  accounts require special applications and typically have lower minimums.

   - TRADITIONAL INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ("IRAS") If you are of legal age
     and under 70 1/2 years old, you and your spouse may each invest up to
     $2,000 of earned income in a Traditional IRA. Depending upon your income
     level and other factors, all or some of your contribution may be tax
     deductible. Contributions for the prior year must be received by April 15
     of the current year. For further information, read IRS publication 590 or
     consult your tax or investment advisor.

   - ROTH IRAS allow persons of legal age with AGI not exceeding $110,000 (or
     $160,000 if married and filing jointly) to protect up to $2,000 on a
     non-deductible basis (subject to certain limitations for single persons
     with AGI equal to or greater than $95,000 and married persons who file
     jointly with AGI equal to or greater than $150,000) per tax year from
     certain tax effects. Contributions for the prior year must be received by
     April 15 of the current year. For further information, read IRS publication
     590 or consult your tax or investment advisor.

   - ROLLOVER IRAS allow persons to retain special tax advantages for certain
     transfers from employer-sponsored retirement plans (often occurring when a
     person changes employers).

   - SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS ("SEP-IRAS") provide small business
     owners or those with self-employed income (and their eligible employees)
     with many of the same advantages as a Keogh, but with fewer administrative
     requirements.

+ Gifts or Transfers to a Minor Child
  ("UGMA" or "UTMA")
  These gifts or transfers provide a way to give money to a child and obtain
  certain tax benefits. A parent or grandparent can give up to $10,000 a year to
  each child without paying federal gift tax. Depending on state laws, you can
  set up a custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the
  Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). Each account may only have one
  custodian and one minor.

+ Trust
  Trusts can be used for many purposes, including charitable contributions and
  providing a regular income for a child until a certain age. The trust must be
  established before an account can be opened.

+ Corporation or Other Organization
  Corporations, associations, partnerships, institutions, or other groups may
  invest for many purposes.

                                       32
<PAGE>   121

                         HOW CAN I INVEST IN THE FUNDS?


<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>                                         <C>
                                            TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT:                         TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT:
                                            (MINIMUM $1,000*)                           (MINIMUM $50**)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Through Your                              Contact Your Investment                     Contact Your Investment
  Investment Representative                 Representative                              Representative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ By Phone -- 800-222-5852                  Exchange from another Fund account with     Exchange from another Fund account with
                                            the same registration, including name,      the same registration, including name,
                                            address, and taxpayer ID number (social     address, and taxpayer ID number. If you
                                            security number for an individual).         have previously established bank
                                                                                        information for electronic funds transfer,
                                            Call WM Shareholder Services at             you may purchase additional shares by
                                            800-222-5852. (5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,      phone.
                                            Pacific Time/8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
                                            Eastern Time, Monday through Friday and     Call WM Shareholder Services at
                                            6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time/9:00   800-222-5852
                                            a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on
                                            Saturdays)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ By Mail                                   Complete and sign the application. Make     Make your check payable to the WM Group of
                                            your check or negotiable bank draft         Funds. Any check (not payable to WM Group
                                            payable to the WM Group of Funds. Any       of Funds) may be rejected. Indicate your
                                            check (not payable to WM Group of Funds)    account number on your check. Include the
                                            may be rejected.                            "next investment" stub from your previous
                                                                                        account statement. Mail the check and stub
                                            Mail the completed application form and     to the address printed on your account
                                            check to:                                   statement.

                                            THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS                       Exchange by mail: call 800-222-5852 for
                                            P.O. BOX 9757                               instructions
                                            PROVIDENCE, RI 02940-9757
</TABLE>


                                       33
<PAGE>   122
                     HOW CAN I INVEST IN THE FUNDS?(CONT.)


<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>                                         <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ By Wire                                   1) Telephone WM Shareholder Services for    Instruct your bank/financial institution
                                            an application form and instructions.       to wire Federal Funds as described at left
                                            2) Instruct your bank to wire Federal       under paragraph 2.
                                            Funds exactly as follows:
                                            BOSTON SAFE AND DEPOSIT TRUST
                                            BOSTON, MA
                                            ABA# 011-001234
                                            FOR CREDIT TO:
                                            THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS
                                            ACCOUNT #167053
                                            (FUND NAME AND CLASS OF SHARES)
                                            (CUSTOMER'S NAME)
                                            (CUSTOMER'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER)
                                            3) Mail the completed application form to:
                                            THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS
                                            P.O. BOX 9757
                                            PROVIDENCE, RI 02940-9757
                                            TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT:                         TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT:
                                            (MINIMUM $50 FOR AUTOMATIC                  (MINIMUM $50 PER FUND)
                                            INVESTMENT PLANS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Automatic Investment Plan                 1) Obtain and complete an application       Pre-authorized periodic (weekly, bi-
                                            form.                                       monthly, or monthly) investments will be
(Minimum New Account amount $50)                                                        processed automatically.
                                            2) Attach a voided check or deposit slip
                                            from the bank account you would like the
                                            investments transferred from and indicate
                                            either the day of the week or day(s) of
                                            the month when the purchase would occur.
                                            3) Mail the application to the address
                                            listed above.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       34
<PAGE>   123

CLASS I SHARES

Class I shares are not available for purchase directly by investors. They are
sold at the net asset value next determined after receipt of a properly
completed purchase order, and are not subject to a contingent defined sales
charge.

EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUSPEND THE OFFERING OF SHARES OF ANY CLASS AT
ANY TIME.  Each Fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase
order, including purchases by exchange.

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS


The Funds distribute dividends from net investment income (which is essentially
interest and dividends from securities held), minus expenses. They also make
capital gain distributions if realized gains from the sale of securities exceed
realized losses. The amount of dividends of net investment income and
distributions of net realized long- and short-term capital gains payable to
shareholders will be determined separately for each Fund. Dividends from the net
investment income of the Fixed-Income and Money Funds will normally be declared
daily and paid monthly. Dividends from the net investment income of the Equity
Income and Growth & Income Funds will normally be declared and paid quarterly.
Dividends from the net investment income of the Growth Fund will normally be
declared and paid semiannually. Dividends from the net investment income of the
Northwest, Small Cap Stock and International Growth Funds will normally be
declared and paid annually. Except as otherwise specified, the Funds distribute
capital gains, if any, at least annually, normally in December.


You have three choices regarding what you do with dividends and capital gain
distributions. You can make your choice at the time of your initial purchase or
by contacting the Funds' offices or your investment representative. The options
include:

AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT.  This procedure is automatically effective unless you
choose another option. All dividends and capital gain distributions are
reinvested into additional shares of the Fund.

REINVEST DIVIDENDS IN ANOTHER FUND.  Income dividends may be automatically
invested in the same class of shares of another Fund, provided that Fund is
available for sale in your state of residence.

CASH PAYMENT OF ALL DISTRIBUTIONS.  All dividends and capital gain distributions
are deposited to your pre-authorized bank account or paid by check.

Reinvestments of income dividends and capital gain distributions are made at the
closing NAV on the day dividends or distributions are deducted from the Fund's
assets.

If you've chosen to receive dividends or capital gain distributions in cash and
your check is returned as undeliverable, the Funds reserve the right (but are
not obligated) to reinvest your check at the then-current NAV and to
automatically reinvest subsequent dividends and capital gain distributions in
your account. The Funds may also automatically reinvest dividends or
distributions of $10 or less.

HOW CAN I SELL MY SHARES?

YOU MAY REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME.  The price paid per share will be the NAV
next calculated after receipt of a properly completed redemption request.

TELEPHONE.  You may authorize telephone transactions on your Fund account
application. Provided you have pre-authorized these transactions, you may redeem
or exchange shares by telephoning 800-222-5852. Telephone transaction privileges
may be restricted and generally will not be allowed for amount totalling more
than $50,000 in a given day. You may also request these transactions through
your investment representative. Proceeds may be directed to a pre-authorized
bank or broker account or to the address of record for the account.

It may be difficult to reach the Trusts' offices by telephone during periods of
unusual economic or market activity. Please be persistent if this occurs. The
Funds' transfer agent is committed to extending its hours to 5:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. Pacific time during such periods.

For your protection, all telephone instructions are verified by requesting
personal shareholder information, providing written confirmations of each
telephone transaction, and recording telephone instructions. WM Shareholder
Services, Inc. ("Shareholder Services" or the "Transfer Agent") may require a
Letter of Authorization, other documents, or authorization from your broker to
initiate telephone redemptions of $50,000 or more that are not directed to your
pre-authorized bank or broker account. If these or other reasonable procedures
are used, neither the Transfer Agent nor the

                                       35
<PAGE>   124

Funds will be liable for following telephone instructions which they reasonably
believe to be genuine. Shareholders assume the risk of any losses in such cases.
However, the Transfer Agent or the Trusts may be liable for any losses because
of unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions if they fail to follow
reasonable procedures.


WRITTEN REQUEST.  Redemptions also may be requested by writing the Trusts'
offices. Written requests including requests for redemptions exceeding $50,000,
may require a signature guarantee, as described below, and the return of any
outstanding share certificates. Changes in pre-authorized redemption
instructions or your account registration may also require signature guarantees
of all registered owners. For your protection, the signature(s) must be
guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution which includes banks, credit
unions, broker dealers, national securities exchanges, savings institutions as
well as medallion signature guarantee. A medallion signature guarantee may be
obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency,
savings association, or other financial institution which is participating in a
medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The three
recognized medallion programs are Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program
(STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange,
Inc. Medallion Signature Program (NYSE MSP). Signature guarantees from financial
institutions which are not participating in one of these programs will not be
accepted.


PROMPT PAYMENT.  Payment normally will be made on the next business day after
redemption, but no later than seven days after the transaction, unless you
recently purchased Fund shares by check or Automated Clearing House transfer. In
that case, redemption proceeds may be delayed for up to 15 days after the
purchase transaction, until the Transfer Agent verifies collection of funds.
Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions, or postpone
payment for seven days, as permitted by federal securities laws. Redemption
proceeds will be sent by check or Automated Clearing House transfer to your bank
account without charge. Wire redemption proceeds may be subject to a $10 fee.
The receiving bank may also charge a fee.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.  Shareholders may choose to receive specific cash
withdrawals of at least $50 on a periodic basis. A $5,000 minimum balance in the
applicable Fund is required to establish a systematic withdrawal plan (the
minimum balance requirement is waived for IRA accounts). Shares of the Fund will
be redeemed to provide the requested payment. Naturally, withdrawals that
continually exceed dividend income and capital gains will eventually exhaust the
account. The beginning balance is the account balance at the time the plan is
established.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.  It is costly to maintain small accounts. Accordingly, an
account may be closed after 60 days' written notice if the total account value
falls below a minimum (currently $1,000 or, in the case of an IRA account,
$1,000) when any transfer or redemption is made. Shares will be redeemed at the
next calculated NAV, less any applicable CDSC, on the day the account is closed.
To prevent an account closure, investors may purchase shares to bring their
account balance above the minimum or initiate an automatic investment plan
during the 60-day grace period.

HOW CAN I EXCHANGE MY SHARES?

You may exchange shares of any of the Funds for shares of the same class of any
other of the Funds. Exchanges of shares are sales and may result in a gain or
loss for income tax purposes.

Exchanges are made at the relative NAVs of the shares being exchanged. No
additional sales charge will be incurred when exchanging shares from a Fund
which imposes an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Any contingent
deferred sales charge on the subsequent sale of shares acquired by exchange will
be based on the contingent deferred sales charge schedule of the Fund from which
the shares were initially purchased. Shares exchanged from a Money Fund will be
subject to the acquired Fund's sales charge unless the shares given in exchange
were previously exchanged from a Fund that imposes an initial or contingent
deferred sales charge.

All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirements of the Fund
being acquired and to its availability for sale in your state of residence. You
may arrange for automatic monthly exchanges. The Funds reserve the right to
refuse any order for the purchase of shares, including those by exchange. In
particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides with a "market timing"
strategy may be disruptive to a Fund and, consequently, may be disallowed.

                                       36
<PAGE>   125

DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND TAXES

Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net
realized capital gain on a current basis.


You are responsible for federal income tax (and any other taxes, including state
and local income taxes, if applicable) on dividends and capital gain
distributions. This is true whether such dividends or distributions are paid in
cash or reinvested in additional shares.


Generally, dividends paid by the Funds from interest, dividends or net
short-term capital gains will be taxed as ordinary income. Distributions
designated by the Fund as deriving from net gains on securities held for more
than one year are taxable as such (generally at a 20% tax rate), regardless of
how long you have held your shares.

A dividend or distribution made shortly after the purchase of shares of a Fund
by a shareholder, although in effect a return of capital to that particular
shareholder, would be taxable to him or her as described above.


Because of tax law requirements, you must provide the Trusts an accurate and
certified taxpayer identification number (for individuals, generally a Social
Security number) to avoid the 31% "back-up" withholding tax.


Early in each calendar year each Fund will notify you of the amount and tax
status of distributions paid to you for the preceding year.


Any gain resulting from the sale, redemption or exchange (including an exchange
for shares of another Fund) of your shares will generally also be subject to
tax. You should consult your tax advisor for more information on your own tax
situation, including possible foreign, state and local taxes.



Investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes.
In that case, the Fund's yield on those securities would be decreased.
Shareholders of the International Growth Fund may be entitled to claim a credit
or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. In addition, the Fund's investments
in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the
Fund's recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the
Fund's distributions.



THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF
THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR BEFORE INVESTING IN THE FUNDS.


                                       37
<PAGE>   126





HOW NAV IS DETERMINED


Investment securities and other assets are valued primarily on the basis of
market quotations or, if quotations are not readily available, by a method that
the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value. Foreign
securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market in
which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S.
dollars using current exchange rates. As a result, changes in the value of those
currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar may affect the Funds' NAV. Because
foreign markets may be open at different times than the New York Stock Exchange,
the value of the Funds' shares may change on days when shareholders are not able
to buy or sell them. If events materially affecting the values of the Funds'
foreign investments occur between the close of foreign markets and the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, these instruments may be valued
at their fair value. The NAVs are determined at the end of each business day of
the New York Stock Exchange or at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time, whichever is earlier.


ADVISOR AND SUB-ADVISORS


The Funds are managed by WM Advisors, Inc., which is referred to as the Advisor
in this Prospectus. The Advisor's address is 1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor,
Seattle, Washington 98101. The Advisor has delegated portfolio management
responsibilities in respect of the Growth, International Growth and Tax-Exempt
Bond Funds to sub-advisors. Each Fund may, to the extent permitted under the
1940 Act, place portfolio transactions with (and pay brokerage commissions to)
affiliates of the Advisor and the sub-advisors to the Funds indicated below. For
more information, see the SAI.

The Advisor has been in the business of investment management since 1944. Its
responsibilities include formulating each Fund's investment policies (subject to
the terms of this Prospectus), analyzing economic trends, directing and
evaluating the investment services provided by the sub-advisors and monitoring
each Fund's investment performance and reporting to the Board of Trustees, as
well as providing certain administrative services to the Funds. In connection
with its service as investment advisor to each Fund, the Advisor may engage one
or more sub-advisors to provide investment advisory services to any of the Funds
and may change or eliminate any such sub-advisor if it deems such action to be
in the best interests of a Fund and its shareholders. Where the Advisor has not
delegated such duties to a sub-advisor, it is responsible for managing the
investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets. The Advisor is an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc. ("Washington Mutual"), a
publicly owned financial services company.

The following organizations, under the supervision of the Advisor, act as
sub-advisors to the Funds indicated below, and are responsible for continuously
reviewing, supervising and administering such Funds' respective investment
programs:


JANUS, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, acts as sub-advisor to the
Growth Fund. Janus is an indirectly majority owned subsidiary of Stilwell
Financial, Inc., a publicly traded holding company with principal operations in
financial asset management businesses. Janus has been providing investment
advice to mutual funds or other large institutional clients since 1970. As of
December 31, 2000, Janus' assets under management were in excess of $
billion.


INDIVIDUAL FUND MANAGERS


Gary J. Pokrzywinski, CFA, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of the
Advisor, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the High
Yield and Income Funds. He has managed these Funds since March 1998 and 1992,
respectively, and has been employed by the Advisor since 1992. Craig V. Sosey,
Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of the Advisor, has been primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of the U.S. Government Securities and
Short Term Income Funds since November 1998 and January 2000, respectively. He
has been employed by the Advisor since May 1998. Prior to that, he was the
Assistant Treasurer of California Federal Bank, where he worked for over eight
years. Randall L. Yoakum, CFA, First Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
of the Advisor and Stephen Spencer, CFA, Vice President and Portfolio Manager
are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Growth & Income
and Mid Cap Stock Funds. Mr. Yoakum has been Portfolio Manager of the Growth &
Income Fund since February 1999 and co-manager of the Mid Cap Stock Fund since
March 2000. Mr. Yoakum also leads a team of investment professionals in managing
each


                                       38
<PAGE>   127


of the Portfolios and has done so since January 2000. Prior to assuming these
duties, Mr. Yoakum was Chief Investment Officer for D.A. Davison & Co. (DADCO)
for 2 years. From September 1994 until he joined DADCO, Mr. Yoakum was the
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Portfolio Management for
Boatmen's Trust Company, and, prior to that, Mr. Yoakum was Senior Vice
President and Chief Equity Officer for Composite Research & Management Co. (the
predecessor to WM Advisors, Inc.) for 8 years. Mr. Spencer has been employed by
the Advisor since September 1999 and has been co-manager of the Growth & Income
Fund since January 2000 and of the Mid Cap Stock Fund since March 2000. Prior to
that, Mr. Spencer was Portfolio Manager and Senior Equity Analyst for Smoot,
Miller, Cheney and Co. since 1985. The Equity Income Fund has been managed by a
team of investment professionals of WM Advisors, Inc. since March 24, 2000.
David W. Simpson, CFA, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of the
Advisor, has had primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the
Northwest Fund since 1993. Mr. Simpson has been employed by the Advisor since
1993. Linda C. Walk, CFA, who is Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of
the Advisor, has been primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the
Small Cap Stock Fund since January 2000. She shared that responsibility with Mr.
Simpson from March 1998 to January 2000. Prior to 1997, Ms. Walk was a Portfolio
Manager at Laird Norton Trust Company since 1996, a Valuation Consultant for
Ernst & Young LLP since 1994, and a Valuation Consultant for Management Advising
Services since 1990. Audrey S. Quaye, CPA, CFA, Vice President and Portfolio
Manager of the Advisor, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management
of the Money Market Fund. She has managed the Fund since 1996 and has been
employed by the Advisor since 1996. Prior to 1996, Ms. Quaye worked at the
Benham Group as a Municipal Credit analyst and the California Health Facilities
Financing Authority as a Program Officer.


Management of the SAM Portfolios is shared by a dedicated investment management
team headed by Gary J. Pokrzywinski, CFA, Vice President and Senior Portfolio
Manager of the Advisor, and Randall L. Yoakum, CFA, First Vice President and
Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Advisor, both of whose prior
experience is discussed above.

Warran B. Lammert has had primary responsibility for the day-to-day management
of the Growth Fund since its inception. Mr. Lammert is a Vice President of
Janus. Mr. Lammert joined Janus in 1987, and his duties at Janus include the
management of separate equity accounts.

MANAGEMENT FEES

During their most recent fiscal years, each of the Funds paid management fees to
the Advisor at the following rates:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Fees Paid as a Percentage
FUNDS                                 of Net Assets
----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
Equity Income Fund......................  0.59%
Growth & Income Fund....................  0.53%
Northwest Fund..........................  0.62%
Growth Fund.............................  0.87%
Small Cap Stock Fund....................  0.89%
International Growth Fund...............  0.99%
Short Term Income Fund..................  0.50%
U.S. Government Securities Fund.........  0.51%
Income Fund.............................  0.52%
High Yield Fund.........................  0.63%
Money Market Fund.......................  0.45%
</TABLE>


                                       39
<PAGE>   128

The Advisor has undertaken to waive its management fees and reimburse expenses
to the extent necessary to limit the total Fund operating expenses for Class A
shares of the following funds to the indicated annual rates through October 31,
2000.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Total Fund
FUNDS                                           Operating Expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>
Growth & Income Fund..........................        1.00%
Growth Fund...................................        1.30%
Short Term Income Fund........................        1.00%
U.S. Government Securities Fund...............        0.96%
Income Fund...................................        1.04%
Money Market Fund.............................        0.73%
</TABLE>


The waivers are expected to impact Class I indirectly, as any management fees
waived for a Fund's Class A shares will also be waived for the Fund's Class I
shares.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE FUNDS'
OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THE FUNDS' SHARES,
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUNDS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER
MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       40
<PAGE>   129


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD



The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds'
financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the
Fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single
Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions). The information provided below for the
periods ended on and after October 31, 1998 has been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP. The information provided below for periods prior to October 31, 1998
has been audited by other auditors. The Reports of Independent Accountants,
along with the Funds' financial statements, are included in the respective
Annual Reports to Shareholders, which are available upon request.


  GROWTH & INCOME FUND   CLASS I SHARES(15)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED         YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                                              OCTOBER 31, 2000   OCTOBER 31, 1999   OCTOBER 31, 1998(11)
                                                              ----------------   ----------------   --------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>                <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                           $20.03               $21.42
                                                                  --------           --------             --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income/(Loss).............................                             0.16(6)              0.11(6)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                             4.61                (1.43)(8)
                                                                  --------           --------             --------
    Total from Investment Operations........................                             4.77                (1.32)
                                                                  --------           --------             --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                            (0.15)               (0.07)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                                -                    -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                            (0.00)(5)                -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                                -                    -
  Distributions from Capital................................                                -                    -
                                                                  --------           --------             --------
    Total Distributions.....................................                            (0.15)               (0.07)
                                                                  --------           --------             --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                           $24.65               $20.03
                                                                  ========           ========             ========
Total Return(4).............................................                           23.87%              (6.18)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period ($1,000's).......................                         $461,629             $185,528
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(10).....                            0.67%                0.62%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                            0.70%                0.84%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                              47%                  79%
</TABLE>



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                                       41
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


  GROWTH FUND OF THE NORTHWEST (NORTHWEST FUND)   CLASS I SHARES


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                                       42
<PAGE>   131

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


  GROWTH FUND   CLASS I SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED
                                                          OCTOBER 31,    OCTOBER 31,    OCTOBER 31,     JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                             2000           1999          1998(3)       1998(1)         1997+
                                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....................                    $17.76         $18.56         $14.94        $14.21
                                                           --------       --------       --------       --------       -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss)..........................                     (0.11)(6)      (0.05)(6)      (0.10)(6)      0.00(5)(6)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments..........................................                     14.14          (0.75)          5.00          3.07
                                                           --------       --------       --------       --------       -------
    Total From Investment Operations....................                     14.03          (0.80)          4.90          3.07
                                                           --------       --------       --------       --------       -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income..................                         -              -              -             -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income......                         -              -              -             -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.................                     (1.83)             -          (1.28)        (2.34)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.........                         -              -              -             -
  Distributions from Capital............................                         -              -              -             -
                                                           --------       --------       --------       --------       -------
    Total Distributions.................................                     (1.83)             -          (1.28)        (2.34)
                                                           --------       --------       --------       --------       -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........................                    $29.96         $17.76         $18.56        $14.94
                                                           ========       ========       ========       ========       =======
Total Return(4).........................................                    85.13%          (4.31)%       35.75%        22.73%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)..................                  $386,367       $119,351       $115,729      $126,986
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(10)...........................................                     0.87%          1.26%(2)       1.36%         1.45%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income/(Loss) to Average Net
   Assets...............................................                     (0.44)%      (0.78)%(2)       (0.61)%       0.03%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...............................                      119%            24%           153%          156%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
   Without Credits Allowed by the Custodian.............                     1.06%              -          1.36%(7)      1.45%(2)(7)
</TABLE>



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                                       43
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD



  MID CAP STOCK FUND   CLASS I SHARES



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                                       44
<PAGE>   133

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


  INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND   CLASS I SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED    PERIOD ENDED
                                                             OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,   OCTOBER 31,    JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                                2000          1999         1998(3)       1998(1)        1997+
                                                             --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.......................                    $8.83        $10.16        $11.82          $9.88
                                                              --------      --------      --------      --------       --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss).............................                     0.07(6)       0.00(6)(7)    0.09(7)        0.06(7)
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments.....                     2.65         (1.33)        (0.69)          2.15
                                                              --------      --------      --------      --------       --------
    Total From Investment Operations.......................                     2.72         (1.33)        (0.60)          2.21
                                                              --------      --------      --------      --------       --------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income.....................                    (0.28)            -         (0.53)         (0.17)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income.........                        -             -         (0.03)             -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains....................                    (0.11)            -         (0.50)         (0.10)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains............                        -             -             -              -
  Distributions from Capital...............................                        -             -             -              -
                                                              --------      --------      --------      --------       --------
    Total Distributions....................................                    (0.39)            -         (1.06)         (0.27)
                                                              --------      --------      --------      --------       --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.............................                   $11.16         $8.83        $10.16         $11.82
                                                              ========      ========      ========      ========       ========
Total Return(4)............................................                   31.98%        (13.09)%       (3.98)%       22.76%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's).....................                 $163,610       $98,554      $108,521        $95,512
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(10)....                    1.28%         1.32%(2)      1.36%          1.40%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets.....                    0.73%         0.04%(2)      0.81%          0.60%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate..................................                     164%           41%          118%            67%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Credits Allowed by the Custodian........................                    1.29%         1.32%(2)      1.36%(7)      1.40%(2)(7)
</TABLE>



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                                       45
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD



  SHORT TERM INCOME FUND    CLASS I SHARES (16)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          FISCAL PERIOD
                                                       YEAR ENDED         YEAR ENDED          ENDED       YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED
                                                      OCTOBER 31,        OCTOBER 31,       OCTOBER 31,     JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,
                                                          2000               1999            1998(3)       1998(1)       1997+
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>             <C>          <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period..............                           $2.35             $2.32         $2.32        $2.32
                                                        -------            -------           -------       -------      -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income/(Loss)....................                            0.13(6)           0.04          0.14         0.14
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
   Investments....................................                           (0.06)             0.03          0.00(6)      0.00(6)
                                                        -------            -------           -------       -------      -------
    Total From Investment Operations..............                            0.07              0.07          0.14        $0.14
                                                        -------            -------           -------       -------      -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income............                           (0.13)            (0.04)        (0.14)       (0.14)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment
   Income.........................................                               -                 -             -            -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains...........                               -                 -             -            -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains...                               -                 -             -            -
  Distributions from Capital......................                               -                 -         (0.00)(6)        -
                                                        -------            -------           -------       -------      -------
    Total Distributions...........................                           (0.13)            (0.04)        (0.14)       (0.14)
                                                        -------            -------           -------       -------      -------
Net Asset Value, End Of Period....................                           $2.29             $2.35         $2.32        $2.32
                                                        =======            =======           =======       =======      =======
Total Return(4)...................................                           2.93%             3.20%         6.17%        5.94%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)............                        $138,955            $1,631        $3,103       $2,752
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets(10).....................................                           0.37%             0.57%(2)      0.53%        0.57%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
   Assets.........................................                           5.67%             5.69%(2)      6.03%        6.75%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate.........................                             85%               19%          138%          51%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Credit Allowed by the
   Custodian......................................                               -                 -         0.53%(7)     0.57%(7)
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed
   and/or Credit Allowed by the Custodian.........                           0.71%             0.96%(2)      1.00%(7)     1.20%(7)
</TABLE>



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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND   CLASS I SHARES(12)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           FISCAL PERIOD
                                                                  YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED         MARCH 23, 1998 -
                                                               OCTOBER 31, 2000     OCTOBER 31, 1999    OCTOBER 31, 1998(11)
                                                              ------------------   ------------------   --------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                              $10.99                $10.86
                                                                   --------             --------               -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                                0.66                  0.42
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.............                               (0.51)                 0.12
                                                                   --------             --------               -------
    Total from Investment Operations........................                                0.15                  0.54
                                                                   --------             --------               -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                               (0.62)                (0.41)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                               (0.01)                    -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                                   -                     -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                                   -                     -
  Distributions from Capital................................                                   -                     -
                                                                   --------             --------               -------
    Total Distributions.....................................                               (0.63)                (0.41)
                                                                   --------             --------               -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                              $10.51                $10.99
                                                                   ========             ========               =======
Total Return(4).............................................                               1.43%                 5.00%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period ($1,000's).......................                            $184,708               $39,939
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(10).....                               0.60%                 0.66%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                               6.12%                 6.25%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                                 55%                   12%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   fee waivers or fees reduced by Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian................................................                               0.68%                 1.11%(2)
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets
   including interest expense...............................                                   -                 1.10%(2)
</TABLE>



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                                       47
<PAGE>   136

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


  INCOME FUND   CLASS I SHARES(13)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED             YEAR ENDED
                                                               OCTOBER 31, 2000     OCTOBER 31, 1999     OCTOBER 31, 1998(11)
                                                              ------------------   ------------------    --------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                  <C>                   <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                              $9.44                  $9.57
                                                                   -------              -------                 ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income/(Loss).............................                               0.65                   0.41
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                              (0.45)                 (0.13)(8)
                                                                   -------              -------                 ------
    Total from Investment Operations........................                               0.20                   0.28
                                                                   -------              -------                 ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                              (0.65)                 (0.41)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                                  -                      -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                                  -                      -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                                  -                      -
  Distributions from Capital................................                                  -                      -
                                                                   -------              -------                 ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                              (0.65)                 (0.41)
                                                                   -------              -------                 ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                              $8.99                  $9.44
                                                                   =======              =======                 ======
Total Return(4).............................................                              2.24%                  2.84%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period ($1,000's).......................                            $76,145                 $7,342
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(10).....                              0.68%                  0.71%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                              7.22%                  7.02%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                                19%                    37%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets without
   Fee Waivers and Fees Reduced by Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian................................................                              0.72%                      -
</TABLE>



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                                       48
<PAGE>   137

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


  HIGH YIELD FUND   CLASS I SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED          YEAR ENDED             YEAR ENDED
                                                              OCTOBER 31, 2000    OCTOBER 31, 1999     OCTOBER 31, 1998(11)
                                                              ----------------    ----------------    ----------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                            $8.85                 $10.00
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income....................................                             0.98(6)                0.22
  Net Realized & Unrealized Loss on Investments.............                             0.11(8)               (1.13)
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
    Total from Investment Operations........................                             1.09                  (0.91)
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                            (0.98)                 (0.23)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                                -                  (0.01)
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                            (0.05)                     -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                                -                      -
  Distributions from Capital................................                                -                      -
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
    Total Distributions.....................................                            (1.03)                 (0.24)
                                                                  -------             -------                -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                            $8.91                  $8.85
                                                                  =======             =======                =======
Total Return(4).............................................                           12.75%                (9.13)%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period ($1,000's).......................                          $44,662                 $1,309
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(10).....                            0.21%                  0.48%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                           10.69%                  9.10%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                              30%                    54%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers or fees reduced by Credits Allowed by the
   Custodian................................................                            0.85%                  0.97%(2)
</TABLE>



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                                       49
<PAGE>   138

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD



The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds'
financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the
Fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single
Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor
would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions). The information provided below for the
periods ended on and after October 31, 1998 has been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP. The information provided below for periods prior to October 31, 1998
has been audited by other auditors. The Reports of Independent Accountants,
along with the Funds' financial statements, are included in the respective
Annual Reports to Shareholders, which are available upon request.

  MONEY MARKET FUND    CLASS I SHARES(9)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            FISCAL PERIOD
                                                                 YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED          MARCH 23, 1998 -
                                                              OCTOBER 31, 2000     OCTOBER 31, 1999     OCTOBER 31, 1998(11)
                                                              -----------------    -----------------    ---------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period........................                             $1.00                  $1.00
                                                                   ------               ------                 ------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investments Income/(Loss).............................                             0.046                  0.031
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments......                                 -                      -
                                                                   ------               ------                 ------
    Total from Investment Operations........................                             0.046                  0.031
                                                                   ------               ------                 ------
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income......................                            (0.046)                (0.031)
  Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income..........                                 -                      -
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains.....................                                 -                      -
  Distributions in Excess of Net Realized Gains.............                                 -                      -
  Distributions from Capital................................                                 -                      -
                                                                   ------               ------                 ------
    Total Distributions.....................................                            (0.046)                (0.031)
                                                                   ------               ------                 ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..............................                             $1.00                  $1.00
                                                                   ======               ======                 ======
Total Return(4).............................................                             4.66%                  3.17%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets End of Period ($1,000's).......................                          $102,760               $108,720
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(10).....                             0.62%                  0.54%(2)
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets......                             4.53%                  5.06%(2)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate...................................                                 -                      -
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Without
   Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed and/or Credits Allowed by
   the Custodian............................................                             0.63%                  0.55%(2)
</TABLE>



Footnotes appear on page 50


                                       50
<PAGE>   139
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FOOTNOTES TO FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

<TABLE>
<C>    <S>
  (1)  On March 23, 1998, WM Advisors, Inc. replaced Sierra
       Investment Advisers Corporation as investment advisor to the
       Funds.
  (2)  Annualized.
  (3)  Fiscal year end changed to October 31.
  (4)  Total return is not annualized for periods less than one
       year. The total returns would have been lower if certain
       fees had not been waived by the investment advisor or if
       fees had not been reduced by credits allowed by the
       custodian.
  (5)  Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
  (6)  Per share numbers have been calculated using the average
       shares method.
  (7)  The ratio and per share numbers include custodian fees
       before reduction by credits allowed by the custodian as
       required by amended disclosure requirements effective
       September 1, 1995.
  (8)  The amount shown may not accord with the change in aggregate
       gains and losses of portfolio securities due to the timing
       of sales and redemptions of Fund shares.
  (9)  Formerly, Composite Cash Management Company Money Market
       Portfolio.
 (10)  Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets includes
       expenses paid indirectly beginning in fiscal year 1995.
 (11)  From the commencement of offering shares.
 (12)  Formerly, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
 (13)  Formerly, Composite Income Fund, Inc.
 (14)  Formerly, Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
 (15)  Formerly, Composite Growth & Income Fund.
 (16)  Formerly, Short Term High Quality Bond Fund.
    +  On July 25, 1996, the Funds commenced selling Class I
       shares.
</TABLE>


                                       51
<PAGE>   140

                                   APPENDIX A

   DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. BOND RATINGS:

+ Aaa, Aa, A -- Bonds which are rated Aaa or Aa are judged to be of high quality
  by all standards and are generally known as high grade bonds. Bonds rated Aa
  are rated lower than Aaa securities because margins of protection may not be
  as large as in the latter or fluctuation of protective elements may be of
  greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the
  long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities. Bonds which are
  rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered
  as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and
  interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a
  susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

+ Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered medium grade obligations,
  i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
  and principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective
  elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
  length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
  fact have speculative characteristics as well.

+ Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
  future cannot be considered as well secured. Often the protection of interest
  and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
  during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
  characterizes bonds in this class.

+ B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
  investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
  other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

+ Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are poor standing. Such issues may be in
  default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
  or interest.

+ Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in
  high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
  shortcomings.

+ C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and can be
  regarded as having extremely poor prospectus of ever attaining any real
  investment standing.

   DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S BOND RATINGS:

+ AAA, AA, A -- Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P to a
  debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely
  strong. Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
  principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree. Bonds
  rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although
  they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
  circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in high rated categories.

+ BBB -- Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
  interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate
  protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances
  are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to repay principal and pay
  interest for bonds in this category than for bonds in higher rated categories.

+ BB-B-CCC-CC-C -- Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as
  predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
  interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
  BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
  speculation. While such bonds will likely have some quality and protective
  characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
  exposures to adverse conditions.

+ CI -- The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no income is being
  paid.

+ D -- Bonds rated D are in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
  principal is in arrears.

                                       52
<PAGE>   141

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WM GROUP OF FUNDS


The WM Group's Statement of Additional Information (SAI) and Annual and
Semi-annual Reports to shareholders include additional information about the
Funds. The SAI and the Reports of Independent Accountants, along with the
financial statements, included in the Funds' two most recent Annual Reports are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus, which means that they are part
of this Prospectus for legal purposes. The Funds' Annual Reports discuss the
market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected
performance during the last fiscal year. You may obtain free copies of these
materials, request other information about the WM Group of Funds, or make
shareholder inquiries, by contacting your financial advisor or by calling toll-
free at 1-800-222-5852.



You may review and copy information about the Funds, including the SAI, at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference room in Washington, D.C.
You may call the Commission at 1-202-942-8090 for information about the
operation of the public reference room. You may also access reports and other
information about the Funds on the EDGAR database or the Commission's Internet
site at http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain copies of this information, with
payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following email
address: [email protected], by writing the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. You may need to refer to the following
file numbers:


 FILE NO. 333-36941

 Money Market Fund

 U.S. Government Securities Fund

 Income Fund

 High Yield Fund

 Bond & Stock Fund

 Growth & Income Fund

 Growth Fund of the Northwest Fund

 FILE NO. 33-27489

 Short Term Income Fund

 Growth Fund

 Small Cap Stock Fund

 International Growth Fund
<PAGE>   142

                            WM  MONEY  MARKET  FUND
                              P R O S P E C T U S

                                 MARCH 1, 2001

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                PAGE
<S>                                             <C>
Risk/Return Summary...........................    2
Fees and Expenses.............................    6
Description of the Fund.......................    7
Investment Practices..........................    8
Shareholder Transactions......................   10
Distribution of Income and Capital Gains......   11
Taxes.........................................   11
Distribution Plan.............................   12
Advisor.......................................   12
Financial Highlights..........................   13
</TABLE>

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a crime.
<PAGE>   143

                              RISK/RETURN SUMMARY


The WM Money Market Fund is part of the WM Group of Funds. This prospectus
describes Class A shares of the Money Market Fund for Individual Retirement
Account ("IRA") clients of Washington Mutual Bank or WM Financial Services, Inc.
The Fund also offers Class A shares and Class B shares to other investors
through the combined WM Group of Funds prospectus which can be obtained by
contacting WM Shareholder Services, Inc., at 800-222-5852, or your investment
adviser.


This summary identifies the investment objective, principal investment
strategies and principal risks of the Money Market Fund. The principal
investment strategies identified in this summary are not the only investment
strategies available to the Fund and some of the principal investment strategies
identified may not be available at any given time. For a discussion of all of
the investment strategies available to the Fund, please see the Statement of
Additional Information (the "SAI").

The discussion of the Money Market Fund's principal investment strategies
includes a short discussion of some of the principal risks of investing in the
Fund. You can find additional information, including a more detailed description
and other principal risks of an investment in the Fund, after this summary.
Investments mentioned in the summary and described in greater detail under
"Investment Practices" below appear in BOLD TYPE. Please be sure to read the
more complete description of the Fund, and the related risks, before you invest.

Below the description of the Fund is a bar chart showing how the investment
returns of its Class A shares have varied in the past ten years. The bar chart
is intended to provide some indication of the volatility of the Fund's returns.
The table following the bar chart shows how average annual total returns of the
Fund compare to returns of a broad-based securities market index for the last
one, five and ten years. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY AN INDICATION OF
FUTURE PERFORMANCE.

There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its objective. An
investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. Although the Money Market Fund seeks to preserve the value of your
investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the
Money Market Fund.

                                        2
<PAGE>   144

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               MONEY MARKET fund

OBJECTIVE  The Fund seeks to maximize current income while preserving capital
and maintaining liquidity.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS  The Fund invests in high-quality
money market instruments, which may include U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, FLOATING
AND VARIABLE RATE SECURITIES, MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS, U.S. dollar denominated
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, and WHEN-
ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES.

Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

<TABLE>
<S>                    <C>
- Money Market         - Foreign Investment
  Risk                   Risk
- Market Risk          - Liquidity Risk
- Credit Risk          - Management Risk
</TABLE>

YEARLY performance*
[Money Market Bar Chart]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALENDAR YEAR                                                              ANNUAL RETURN (%)
-------------                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
1991                                                                              5.39
1992                                                                              3.06
1993                                                                              2.41
1994                                                                              3.47
1995                                                                              5.33
1996                                                                              4.87
1997                                                                              5.04
1998                                                                              5.00
1999                                                                              4.56
2000
</TABLE>


During the periods shown above, the highest quarterly return was   % (for the
quarter ended         , and the lowest was   % (for the quarter ended         ).


PERFORMANCE TABLE*


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns                              Past         Past         Past
(for periods ended December 31, 2000)                   One Year    Five Years    Ten Years
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>           <C>
MONEY MARKET FUND, CLASS A SHARES
MERRILL LYNCH 3-MONTH U.S. TREASURY BILL INDEX**
</TABLE>


 * The Fund's performance through December 31, 1997 benefited from the agreement
   of WM Advisors and its affiliates to limit the Fund's expenses.

** This is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of 3-month U.S.
   Treasury bills currently available in the marketplace.

                                        3
<PAGE>   145

                           SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RISKS

The value of your investment in the Money Market Fund can change with the value
of the investments held by the Fund. Many factors can affect that value, and it
is possible that you may lose money on investments in the Fund. Factors that may
affect the Fund as a whole are called "principal risks". They are summarized in
this section. These risks can change over time, because the types of investments
made by the Fund can change over time. Investments mentioned in this summary and
described in greater detail under "Description of the Fund" or "Investment
Practices" appear in BOLD TYPE. Those sections also include more information
about the Fund, its investments and the related risks.

+ MONEY MARKET RISK.  While the Fund is designed to be a relatively low risk
  investment, it is not entirely free of risk. The Fund may not be able to
  maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share as a result of a deterioration
  in the credit quality of issuers whose securities the Fund holds, or an
  increase in interest rates. In addition, the Fund is subject to the risk that
  the purchasing power of your investment may be eroded over time by inflation.


+ MARKET RISK.  The Fund is subject to market risk, which is the general risk of
  unfavorable changes in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
  One aspect of market risk is interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, your
  investment in the Fund may be worth less because its income producing
  securities may be worth less. This type of risk is generally greater for
  securities with longer maturities.


+ CREDIT RISK.  The Fund may be subject to credit risk even though it invests
  exclusively in high-quality money market instruments. This is the risk that
  the issuer or the guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to any of
  the Fund's portfolio transactions (including, without limitation, REPURCHASE
  AGREEMENTS, REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, LENDING OF SECURITIES and other
  over-the-counter transactions), will be unable or unwilling to make timely
  principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations.
  Varying degrees of credit risk, often reflected in Credit Ratings, apply.

+ LIQUIDITY RISK.  Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are
  difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Fund from selling out
  of these illiquid securities at an advantageous price.

+ MANAGEMENT RISK.  The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an
  actively managed investment portfolio. WM Advisors will apply its investment
  techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but
  there can be no guarantee that they will meet stated objectives or produce
  desired results. In some cases, investments may be

                                        4
<PAGE>   146

  unavailable or WM Advisors may choose not to use them under market conditions
  when their use, in hindsight, may be determined to have been beneficial to the
  Fund.

+ FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK.  The Money Market Fund may make U.S. dollar
  denominated foreign investments. There are certain risks involved in investing
  in foreign securities, including those resulting from: fluctuations in
  currency exchange rates, devaluation of currencies, future political or
  economic developments and the possible imposition of currency exchange
  blockages or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions, reduced
  availability of public information concerning issuers, and the fact that
  foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing
  and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and
  requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies.

  Moreover, securities of many foreign companies may be less liquid and their
  prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable domestic
  companies. In addition, there is the possibility of expropriation,
  nationalization, confiscatory taxation and limitations on the use or removal
  of funds or other assets of the Fund, including the withholding of dividends.
  The risks associated with foreign securities are generally greater for
  securities of issuers in emerging markets.

+ PORTFOLIO REALLOCATION RISK.  From time to time, the Fund may experience
  relative large investments or redemptions from one or more of the series of WM
  Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC (the "Portfolios"). The Portfolios
  are also advised by WM Advisors and provide asset allocation services by
  investing in the Fund and other funds within the WM Group of Funds. These
  transactions will affect the Fund, since it will have to sell portfolio
  securities due to redemptions or purchase securities due to investments. While
  it is impossible to predict the overall impact of these transactions over
  time, there could be adverse effects on the Fund's performance to the extent
  that it may be required to sell securities or invest cash at times it would
  not otherwise do so. These transactions could also accelerate the realization
  of taxable income if sales of securities resulted in gains and could also
  increase transaction costs. WM Advisors is committed to minimizing such impact
  on the Fund to the extent it is consistent with pursuing the investment
  objectives of the Portfolios. WM Advisors may nevertheless face conflicts in
  fulfilling its dual responsibilities to the Portfolios and the Fund. WM
  Advisors will at all times monitor the impact on the Fund of transactions by
  the Portfolios.

                                        5
<PAGE>   147

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               FEES AND EXPENSES

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you invest in
Class A shares of the Fund. The Fund offers other classes of shares that are
subject to different fees and expenses. For information about other classes of
shares offered by the Fund, please contact WM Shareholder Services at
800-222-5852. The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example
assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, required for
illustration purposes by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower than those in the Example.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  SHAREHOLDER FEES
  (fees paid directly from your investment)
  -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>
  Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases                               0.00%
  Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions             0.00%
  --- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
  ---- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Management fees                                                         0.45%
  Service (12b-1) fees                                                    0.00%
  Other expenses                                                          0.28%
                                                                          ----
  Total annual fund operating expenses                                    0.73%
                                                                          ====
  ----- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  EXAMPLE: You would pay the following expenses on a $10,000 investment assuming
  a 5% annual return and redemption at the end of each period:

  One year                                                                $ 75
  Three years                                                              233
  Five years                                                               409
  Ten years                                                                906
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                        6
<PAGE>   148

                            DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND

This section provides a more complete description of the principal investment
strategies and risks of the Fund. The "Investment Practices" section that
follows provides additional information about the principal investment
strategies of the Fund. You can find additional descriptions of the Fund's
strategies and risks in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). Except
for policies explicitly identified as "fundamental" in this Prospectus or the
SAI, the investment objectives and investment policies set forth are not
fundamental and may be changed at any time without shareholder consent. Except
as otherwise indicated, all policies and limitations are considered at the time
of purchase; the sale of securities is not required in the event of a subsequent
change in valuation or other circumstances.

The Fund invests only in U.S. dollar-denominated short-term, money market
securities. It will only purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or securities that are, or have
issuers that are:

- rated by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
  ("NRSROs"), such as Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service,
  Inc. ("Moody's"), in one of the two highest rating categories for short-term
  debt securities;

- rated in one of the two highest categories for short-term debt by the only
  NRSRO that has issued a rating; or

- if not so rated, are determined to be of comparable quality.

A description of the rating systems of S&P and Moody's is contained in the SAI.
At the time of investment, no security purchased by the Money Market Fund
(except U.S. Government securities subject to repurchase agreements and variable
rate demand notes) will have a maturity exceeding 397 days, and the Fund's
average portfolio maturity will not exceed 90 days. The Fund will attempt to
maintain a stable net asset value ("NAV") of $1.00, but there can be no
assurance that it will be able to do so.

To accomplish its objective, the Money Market Fund invests solely in money
market instruments that are selected from the following six general categories:

- U.S. Government securities;

- short-term commercial notes (including asset-backed securities) issued
  directly by U.S. and foreign businesses, banking institutions, financial
  institutions (including brokerage, finance and insurance companies) and state
  and local governments and municipalities to finance short-term cash needs;

- obligations of U.S. and foreign banks with assets of more than $500 million;

                                        7
<PAGE>   149

- securities issued by foreign governments, their agencies or instrumentalities
  or by supranational entities;

- short-term corporate obligations rated in one of the two highest rating
  categories by Moody's or S&P; and

- repurchase agreements.

INVESTMENT PRACTICES

The next several pages contain more detailed information about types of
securities in which the Fund may invest, and strategies which the Advisor may
employ in pursuit of that Fund's investment objective and a summary of risks and
restrictions associated with these securities and investment practices. For more
information, see the SAI.

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES.  The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total
assets in asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are secured by
interests in underlying assets. The underlying assets may include such items as
motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various
types of real and personal property, including home equity loans, and
receivables from credit card agreements. The ability of an issuer of
asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying
assets may be limited.

BORROWING.  The Fund may borrow money from banks solely for temporary or
emergency purposes, subject to various limitations. If the Fund borrows money,
its share price and yield may be subject to greater fluctuation until the
borrowing is paid off. The Fund may borrow up to 5% of its total assets for
emergency purposes. In addition, the Fund may borrow up to one-third of its
total assets to meet redemption requests. The foregoing percentage limitation on
borrowings is a fundamental policy of the Fund.

FLOATING RATE, INVERSE FLOATING RATE AND VARIABLE RATE INVESTMENTS.  The Fund
may purchase floating rate and variable rate obligations, including
participation interests therein.

ILLIQUID SECURITIES AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Up to 10% of the net assets of
the Fund may be invested in securities that are not readily marketable. Such
illiquid securities may include:

- repurchase agreements with maturities greater than seven calendar days;

- time deposits maturing in more than seven calendar days;

- to the extent a liquid secondary market does not exist for the instruments,
  futures contracts and options thereon;

- certain over-the-counter options, as described in the SAI;

- certain variable rate demand notes having a demand period of more than seven
  days; and

- securities which are restricted under federal securities laws with respect to
  disposition (excluding certain Rule 144A securities, as described below).

                                        8
<PAGE>   150

Securities which may be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, will not be included for the purposes of these restrictions,
so long as such securities meet liquidity guidelines established by the Trust's
Board of Trustees.

The Fund may purchase RESTRICTED SECURITIES (provided they are eligible for
resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).
Although recent and ongoing developments in the securities markets have resulted
in greater trading of restricted securities, making restricted securities, in
many instances, more liquid than they once were considered to be, investing in
restricted securities could increase the level of illiquidity of the portfolio
securities of the Fund. This could make it more difficult for the Fund to
fulfill shareholder redemption orders on a timely basis. If the Fund were
required to sell these securities on short notice, it might be unable to obtain
fair market value.

LENDING OF SECURITIES.  The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers and
other financial organizations. The Fund may lend portfolio securities up to 33%
of total assets. These transactions involve a risk of loss to the Fund if the
counterparty should fail to return such securities to the Fund upon demand.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements, which are
purchases of underlying debt obligations from financial institutions, such as
banks and broker-dealers, subject to the seller's agreement to repurchase the
obligations at an established time and price. Repurchase agreements can be
regarded as loans to the seller, collateralized by the securities that are the
subject of the agreement. Default by the seller would expose the Fund to
possible loss because of adverse market action or delay in connection with the
disposition of the underlying obligations. In addition, if bankruptcy
proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the obligations, the
Fund may be delayed or limited in its ability to sell the collateral. Pursuant
to an exemptive order granted by the SEC, the Fund may transfer daily uninvested
cash balances into one or more joint trading accounts. Assets in the joint
trading accounts are invested in repurchase agreements or other money market
instruments, and the proceeds are allocated to the participating funds on a pro
rata basis.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities,
which include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as U.S. Treasury
bills, notes and bonds) and obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government
agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies
or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government are backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government (such as GNMA bonds), others are backed only by
the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as securities of
Federal Home Loan Banks) and still others are backed only by the credit of the
instru-

                                        9
<PAGE>   151

mentality (such as FNMA and FHLMC bonds).

WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, FORWARD COMMITMENTS AND DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS.
In order to secure yields or prices deemed advantageous at the time, the Fund
may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or a delayed-delivery basis.
Due to fluctuations in the value of securities purchased on a when-issued or a
delayed-delivery basis, the yields obtained on such securities may be higher or
lower than the yields available in the market on the dates when the securities
are actually delivered to the Fund. Similarly, the sale of securities for
delayed-delivery can involve the risk that the prices available in the market
when delivery is made may actually be higher than those obtained in the
transaction itself.

SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS

This Prospectus is intended for investors purchasing and selling Fund shares
through a Washington Mutual Bank or WM Financial Services IRA account. Such
investors should contact WM Financial Services, Inc. at 800-888-0055 to
determine how to purchase or redeem shares.

Shares of the Fund are purchased and redeemed at the net asset value per share
("NAV") next determined after receipt of a properly executed order to purchase
or redeem. The NAV is calculated at the end of each business day of the New York
Stock Exchange or at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time, whichever is earlier. The NAV is
calculated, for each class of shares, by valuing the Fund's portfolio securities
at amortized cost, adding all other assets, deducting liabilities, and dividing
the result by the Fund's outstanding shares. The Fund's Board of Trustees may
decide that the amortized cost method of valuation is inappropriate in certain
circumstances, in that case, the Trustees will decide how to determine fair
value. While the Fund attempts to maintain a $1.00 per share NAV, there is no
guarantee that it will be successful in doing so.

Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for the same class of shares of other mutual
funds within the WM Group of Funds. Contact your investment adviser or WM
Shareholder services at 800-222-5852 for a prospectus which contains information
about other funds within the WM Group of Funds and this exchange privilege.

The Fund reserves the right to suspend the offering of shares at any time. The
Fund also reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order, including
purchases by exchange.

Payment normally will be made on the next business day after redemption, but no
later than seven days after the transaction, unless you recently purchased Fund
shares by check or Automated Clearing House transfer. In that case, redemption
proceeds may be delayed up to 15 days after the purchase transaction, to allow
for the collection of funds. Under unusual circumstances, the

                                       10
<PAGE>   152

Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment for seven days as permitted by
federal securities laws. Redemption proceeds will be sent by check or Automated
Clearing House transfer to your bank account without charge. Wire redemption
proceeds may be subject to a $10 fee. The receiving bank may also charge a fee.

DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS

The Fund distributes dividends from net investment income (which is essentially
interest and dividends earned from owning securities, minus expenses). It also
will make capital gain distributions if realized gains from the sale of
securities exceed realized losses. Dividends from the net investment income of
the Fund will normally be declared daily and paid monthly. Dividends and capital
gain distributions are normally reinvested into additional shares of the Fund
within brokerage accounts. Other payment arrangements may be possible depending
upon the type of account.

TAXES


The following describes the general tax treatment of income and capital gains
distributions, and of redemptions of Fund shares. Tax treatment will vary
depending on the shareholder's situation and the type of account. For example,
income earned within an "IRA" is generally not taxable until withdrawn and then
is generally taxed at ordinary income rates. If you are not investing through an
IRA, you should consider the tax consequences discussed below.



The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net
realized capital gains on a current basis. You are responsible for federal
income tax (and any other taxes, including state and local income taxes, if
applicable) on dividends and capital gain distributions. This is true whether
such dividends or distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional
shares.



Generally, dividends paid by the Fund from interest, dividends or net short-term
capital gains will be taxed as ordinary income. Distributions designated by the
Fund as deriving from net gains on securities held for more than one year are
taxable as such (generally at a 20% tax rate), regardless of how long you have
held your shares. Because of tax law requirements, you must provide a certified
taxpayer identification number (for individuals, generally a Social Security
number) to avoid the 31% "back-up" withholding tax. Early in each calendar year
you will be notified of the amount and tax status of distributions paid to you
for the preceding year.



Any gain resulting from the sale, redemption or exchange (including an exchange
for shares of another Fund) of your shares will generally also be subject to
tax. You should consult your tax advisor for more information on your own tax
situation, including possible foreign, state and local taxes.


                                       11
<PAGE>   153


THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF
THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE FUND.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR BEFORE INVESTING IN THE FUND.



DISTRIBUTION PLAN


The Fund has adopted a distribution plan, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act, applicable to Class A shares (a "Rule 12b-1 Plan"). Under the Rule 12b-1
Plan, WM Funds Distributor, Inc., referred to as the Distributor in this
Prospectus, may receive a service fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of Class A shares. The Fund is currently not making such
payments and would not unless such payments are approved by its Trustees.

The Distributor may, from time to time, pay to other dealers, in connection with
retail sales or the distribution of shares of the Fund, material compensation in
the form of merchandise or trips. Salespersons, including representatives of WM
Financial Services, Inc. (a subsidiary of Washington Mutual), and any other
person entitled to receive any compensation for selling or servicing Fund shares
may receive different compensation with respect to one particular class of
shares over another, and may receive additional compensation or other incentives
for selling Fund shares.

ADVISOR

The Fund is managed by WM Advisors, Inc., which is referred to as the Advisor in
this Prospectus. The Advisor's address is 1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor,
Seattle, Washington 98101. The Fund may, to the extent permitted under the 1940
Act, place portfolio transactions with (and pay brokerage commissions to)
affiliates of the Advisor. For more information, see the SAI.

The Advisor has been in the business of investment management since 1944. Its
responsibilities include formulating the Fund's investment policies (subject to
the terms of this Prospectus), analyzing economic trends, directing and
monitoring the Fund's investment performance and reporting to the Board of
Trustees, as well as providing certain administrative services to the Fund. The
Advisor is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc.
("Washington Mutual"), a publicly owned financial services company.

The Fund paid the Advisor management fees equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of
the Fund's average daily net assets during the fiscal year ended October 31,
1999. The Advisor has undertaken to waive its management fees and reimburse
expenses to the extent necessary to limit the total Fund operating expenses for
Class A shares to an annual rate of 0.73% of the Fund's average daily net assets
through October 31, 2000.

                                       12
<PAGE>   154

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD


The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the past 5 years. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The
information provided below for the periods ended on and after October 31, 1998
has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP. The information provided below for
periods prior to October 31, 1998 has been audited by other auditors. The
Reports of Independent Accountants, along with the Fund's financial statements,
are included in its Annual Reports to Shareholders, which are available upon
request.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  MONEY MARKET FUND   CLASS A SHARES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FISCAL          YEAR ENDED
                                                       YEAR ENDED         YEAR ENDED      PERIOD ENDED      DECEMBER 31,
                                                      OCTOBER 31,        OCTOBER 31,      OCTOBER 31,    -------------------
                                                          2000               1999           1998(1)        1997       1996
                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>            <C>        <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period.............                           $1.0000          $1.0000      $1.0000    $1.0000
                                                        --------           --------         --------     --------   --------
 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
  Net Investment Income..........................                             0.044            0.041       0.0493     0.0476
  Net Realized & Unrealized Gain on
   Investments...................................                                 -                -            -          -
                                                        --------           --------         --------     --------   --------
    Total From Investment Operations.............                             0.044            0.041       0.0493     0.0476
 LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
  Dividends from Net Investment Income...........                            (0.044)          (0.041)     (0.0493)   (0.0476)
  Distributions from Net Realized Gains..........                                 -                -            -          -
                                                        --------           --------         --------     --------   --------
    Total Distributions..........................                            (0.044)          (0.041)     (0.0493)   (0.0476)
                                                        --------           --------         --------     --------   --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period...................                           $1.0000          $1.0000      $1.0000    $1.0000
                                                        ========           ========         ========     ========   ========
Total Return(2)..................................                             4.52%            4.19%        5.04%      4.88%
 RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net Assets, End of Period ($1,000's)...........                          $460,444         $403,443     $260,877   $229,355
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets........................................                             0.72%            0.66%(3)     0.75%      0.79%
  Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
   Assets........................................                             4.43%            4.94%(3)     4.93%      4.77%
  Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net
   Assets Without Fee Waivers, Expenses Absorbed
   and/or Credits Allowed by the Custodian.......                             0.73%            0.67%(3)     0.83%      0.89%
</TABLE>


---------------
(1) Fiscal year end changed to October 31.

(2) Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year. The total
    return would have been lower if certain fees had not been waived and/or
    expenses absorbed by the investment advisor or if fees had not been reduced
    by credits allowed by the custodian.

(3) Annualized.

                                       13
<PAGE>   155

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


You may review and copy information about the Fund, including the SAI, at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference room in Washington, D.C.
You may call the Commission at 1-202-942-8090 for information about the
operation of the public reference room. You may also access reports and other
information about the Funds and Portfolios on the EDGAR database or the
Commission's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain copies of this
information, with payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at the
following email address: [email protected] by writing the Public Reference
Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. You may need to refer to
the following file numbers:


FILE NO. 811-00123, WM TRUST I
<PAGE>   156

                               WM GROUP OF FUNDS
                         1201 THIRD AVENUE, 22ND FLOOR
                           SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101
                                  800-222-5852

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


                                                                   March 1, 2001



STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIOS


  STRATEGIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO


  CONSERVATIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO


  BALANCED PORTFOLIO


  CONSERVATIVE BALANCED PORTFOLIO


  FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO



EQUITY FUNDS


  EQUITY INCOME FUND


  GROWTH & INCOME FUND


  GROWTH FUND OF THE NORTHWEST (NORTHWEST FUND)


  GROWTH FUND


  MID CAP STOCK FUND


  SMALL CAP STOCK FUND


  INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND


FIXED-INCOME FUNDS


  SHORT TERM INCOME FUND


  U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND


  INCOME FUND


  HIGH YIELD FUND



MUNICIPAL FUNDS


  TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND


  CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND


  CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE


     MUNICIPAL FUND



MONEY FUNDS


  MONEY MARKET FUND


  TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND


  CALIFORNIA MONEY FUND



     This Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI") supplements the
information contained in the current Prospectus of the WM Group of Funds dated
March 1, 2001, (collectively, the "Prospectus"), and should be read in
conjunction with such Prospectus. The Annual Reports of the Funds and the
Portfolios for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1998, October 31, 1998, October
31, 1999 and October 31, 2000, respectively are incorporated by reference in
this SAI. The Prospectus may be obtained without charge by writing to WM
Shareholder Services, Inc. ("Shareholder Services") or by calling Shareholder
Services at 800-222-5852.

<PAGE>   157

                                    CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
ORGANIZATION................................................    2
MANAGEMENT..................................................    4
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.....................................   35
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER..........................................   41
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS.....................................   42
NET ASSET VALUE.............................................   44
HOW TO BUY AND REDEEM SHARES................................   45
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.....................................   49
DETERMINATION OF PERFORMANCE................................   51
TAXES.......................................................   57
DISTRIBUTOR.................................................   61
APPENDIX....................................................   63
</TABLE>


                                  ORGANIZATION


     The Money Market, Tax-Exempt Money Market, U.S. Government Securities,
Income, High Yield, Tax-Exempt Bond, Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest
and Mid Cap Stock Funds (the "WM Trust I Funds") are series of WM Trust I. The
California Money, Short Term Income, California Municipal, California Insured
Intermediate Municipal, Growth, International Growth and Small Cap Stock Funds
(the "WM Trust II Funds") are series of WM Trust II. The WM Trust I Funds and WM
Trust II Funds are collectively referred to in this SAI as the "Funds." The
Strategic Growth, Conservative Growth, Balanced, Conservative Balanced and
Flexible Income Portfolios, collectively referred to in this SAI as the
"Portfolios," are series of WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC. WM
Trust I, WM Trust II and WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC are
referred to in this SAI as the "Trusts."


     The WM Trust I Funds other than the High Yield and the Mid Cap Stock Funds
are successors to the following Washington corporations, or series thereof,
which commenced operations in the years indicated, which made up the group of
mutual funds, known as the "Composite Funds."

     Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc. (1982)
     Composite Income Fund, Inc. (1975)
     Composite Growth & Income Fund, a series of Composite Equity Series, Inc.
     (1949)
     Composite Money Market Portfolio, a series of Composite Cash Management
     Company
     (predecessor of the Money Market Fund) (1979)
     Composite Tax-Exempt Portfolio, a series of Composite Cash Management
     Company
     (predecessor of the Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund) (1979)
     Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Inc. (1976)
     Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
     (predecessor to the Growth Fund of the Northwest (1986)
     Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. (predecessor to the Equity Income Fund)
     (1939)


     Each of the Composite Funds was reorganized as a series of WM Trust I on
March 20, 1998. In connection with this reorganization, the Trust, which was
previously named "The Composite Funds" and which conducted no operations prior
to that date, changed its name to its current name. The High Yield Fund was
organized on March 23, 1998 and the Mid Cap Stock Fund was organized on March 1,
2000.



     Prior to March 20, 1998, the name of WM Trust II was "Sierra Trust Funds"
and the name of the Portfolios was "Sierra Asset Management Portfolios." (On
July 16, 1999, each Portfolio succeeded to a corresponding fund of the same name
that was a series of WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios. Where
appropriate, the term "Portfolio" shall mean or include the predecessor to such
Portfolio.) These Trusts were part of a family of mutual funds known as the
"Sierra Funds."


                                        2
<PAGE>   158


     Prior to August 1, 2000, the Conservative Balanced Portfolio was known as
the Income Portfolio and the Equity Income Fund was known as the Bond & Stock
Fund. Prior to March 1, 2000, the Short Term Income Fund was known as the Short
Term High Quality Bond Fund, and Growth Fund of the Northwest was known as the
Northwest Fund and the Small Cap Stock Fund was known as the Emerging Growth
Fund. Prior to March 20, 1998, the Strategic Growth Portfolio was known as the
Sierra Capital Growth Portfolio, the Conservative Growth Portfolio was known as
the Sierra Growth Portfolio, the Balanced Portfolio was known as the Sierra
Balanced Portfolio, the Conservative Balanced Portfolio was known as the Sierra
Income Portfolio, and the Flexible Income Portfolio was known as the Sierra
Value Portfolio.



     WM Trust I is an open-end management investment company, organized as a
Massachusetts business trust pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust
dated September 19, 1997, as amended from time to time (the "WM Trust I
Agreement"). WM Trust II is organized as a Massachusetts business trust pursuant
to a Master Trust Agreement dated February 22, 1989, as amended from time to
time (the "WM Trust II Agreement"). The WM Trust I Agreement and WM Trust II
Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the "Trust Agreements." WM
Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC is an open-end management investment
company, organized as a Massachusetts limited liability company pursuant to a
Limited Liability Company Agreement dated March 12, 1999, as amended from time
to time (the "LLC Agreement"). In the interest of economy and convenience,
certificates representing shares in the Trusts are not physically issued. Boston
Safe Deposit and Trust Co. ("Boston Safe"), the Trusts' Custodian, and
Shareholder Services, the Trusts' Transfer Agent, maintain a record of each
shareholder's ownership of Trust shares. Shares do not have cumulative voting
rights, which means that holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of Trustees can elect all Trustees. Shares are transferable but have no
preemptive, conversion or subscription rights. Shareholders generally vote by
Portfolio, Fund or Class, except with respect to the election of Trustees and
the selection of independent accountants, for which shareholders of each Trust
as a whole vote together.


     Under normal circumstances, there will be no meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at
which time the Trustees then in office promptly will call a shareholders'
meeting for the election of Trustees. Under the 1940 Act, shareholders of record
of no less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a
Trustee through a declaration in writing or by vote cast in person or by proxy
at a meeting called for that purpose. Under the Trust Agreements and LLC
Agreement, the Trustees are required to call a meeting of shareholders for the
purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any such Trustee when
requested in writing to do so by the shareholders of record of not less than 10%
of any of a Trust's outstanding shares.

     Massachusetts law provides that shareholders, under certain circumstances,
could be held personally liable for the obligations of a business trust, such as
WM Trust I or WM Trust II. However, each Trust Agreement disclaims shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of the Trusts and requires that notice of such
disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or
executed by the Trust or a Trustee. Each Trust Agreement provides for
indemnification from the Trust's property for all losses and expenses of any
shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the
risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder
liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust would be unable to meet
its obligations, a possibility that the Trusts' management believes is remote.
The Trustees intend to conduct the operations of each Trust in such a way so as
to avoid, to the extent possible, ultimate liability of the shareholders for the
liabilities of the Trust. Massachusetts law provides that shareholders of
limited liability companies, such as WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios,
LLC, may not be held personally liable for the obligations of the Portfolios.

                                        3
<PAGE>   159

                                   MANAGEMENT

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS


     The Trusts are governed by a common Board of Trustees which oversees the
Trusts' activities and is responsible for protecting the interests of
shareholders. The names, addresses and birthdates of the Trustees and executive
officers of the Trusts, together with information as to their principal business
occupations, are set forth below. The executive officers of the Trusts are
employees of organizations that provide services to the Portfolios and Funds
offered by the Trusts. Each Trustee who is an "interested person" of the Trusts,
as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
is indicated by an asterisk.


TRUSTEES:


DAVID E. ANDERSON, AGE: 74

Trustee
17960 Seabreeze Drive
Pacific Palisades, California 90272

     Retired in 1988 from GTE California, Inc. after 40 years of service.
President and CEO from 1979 to 1988. Director of Barclay's Bank of California
until 1988. Currently involved in the following charitable organizations as a
director on the following boards: Board chairman, Children's Bureau Foundation;
Board member, Upward Bound House of Santa Monica; Past campaign chairman of
United Way; Former chairman, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.


WAYNE L. ATTWOOD, MD, AGE: 72

Trustee
3 East 40th Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99203

     Retired doctor of internal medicine and gastroenterology. Former president,
Medical Staff -- Sacred Heart Medical Center; former president of Spokane
Society of Internal Medicine; and former president of Spokane Physicians for
Social Responsibility.


ARTHUR H. BERNSTEIN, ESQ., AGE: 75

Trustee
11661 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 701
Los Angeles, California 90049

     President of Bancorp Capital Group, Inc. and Bancorp Venture Capital, Inc.
Previously served on the board of directors of Great Western Leasing
Corporation, subsidiary of Great Western Financial Corporation ("GWFC"), until
the subsidiary was sold in 1987. Director of Ryder System, Inc.; chairman of the
board of trustees of the California Family Studies Center and Phillips Graduate
Institute since 1984.


KRISTIANNE BLAKE, AGE: 47

Trustee
705 W. 7th, Suite D
Spokane, Washington 99204


     CPA specializing in personal financial and tax planning since 1975. Served
as a partner with the accounting firm of Deloitte, Haskins & Sells prior to
starting own firm in 1987. Community activities include: United Way of Spokane
County -- board chair; YMCA of the Inland Northwest -- treasurer; Junior League
of Spokane -- past president; Spokane Intercollegiate Research & Technology
Institute Foundation -- board member; Spokane Joint Center for Higher
Education -- board member; Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce -- board member; and
St. George's School -- board member; Frank Russell Investment Company -- board
member; Frank Russell Insurance Funds -- board member; and Avista
Corporation -- board member.


                                        4
<PAGE>   160


EDMOND R. DAVIS, ESQ., AGE: 72

Trustee
553 South Marengo Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101

     Joined the law firm of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison as a partner in 1987,
responsible for estate planning, and trusts and estate matters in the Los
Angeles office. Prior to joining the firm, had a similar position for 20 years
with the law firm of Overton, Lyman & Prince in Los Angeles. His expertise has
been recognized in Who's Who in California, the Best Lawyers of America and
Who's Who in American Law.


*ANNE V. FARRELL, AGE: 65

Trustee
425 Pike Street, Suite 510
Seattle, Washington 98101

     Joined the Seattle Foundation (a charitable foundation) in 1980 as
executive vice president. Became president in 1984. Also serves on the board of
Washington Mutual, Inc. ("Washington Mutual") and Blue Cross of Washington and
Alaska. Listed in Who's Who in America. Past President of the Nature Conservancy
of Washington, Lakeside School and Seattle Rotary Club. Currently a Regent at
Seattle University and president of the Rainier Club in Seattle.


CARROL R. MCGINNIS, AGE: 56

Trustee
9225 Katy Freeway, Suite 205
Houston, Texas 77024

     Founder, McGinnis Investments, since 1994. Prior thereto, served in various
positions with Transamerica Fund Management Company and its predecessor
companies from 1969 - 1993, including as president and chief operating officer.


*MICHAEL K. MURPHY, AGE: 64

Trustee
PO Box 3366
Spokane, Washington 99220-3366

     President and CEO of CPM Development Corporation (a holding company which
includes Central Pre-mix Concrete Company Inland Asphalt Co., Central Pre-Mix
Prestress Co., and Interstate Concrete & Asphalt Co.). Member of the board of
directors for Washington Mutual. Former president and director of Inland Empire
Chapter -- Associated General Contractors. Former director of National
Aggregates Associates.


ALFRED E. OSBORNE, JR., PH.D., AGE: 56

Trustee
110 Westwood Plaza, Suite C305
Los Angeles, California 90095-1481

     University professor, researcher and administrator at University of
California Los Angeles since 1972. Director, Times Mirror Company (newspaper
publisher), United States Filter Corporation, Nordstrom Inc. (clothing retailer)
and Greyhound Lines, Inc. (bus company). Independent general partner, Technology
Funding Venture Partners V, and former Governor of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc.

                                        5
<PAGE>   161


*WILLIAM G. PAPESH, AGE: 58

President and Trustee
1201 Third Avenue
22nd Floor
Seattle, WA 98101

     President and director of WM Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor"), Shareholder
Services and WM Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor").


DANIEL L. PAVELICH, AGE: 56

Trustee
4311 South Madison Road
Spokane, Washington 99206

     Retired chairman and CEO of BDO Seidman, a leading national accounting and
consulting firm. Worked in Seidman's Spokane office for 27 years and is a former
presiding member of the firm's board of directors. A member of the American
Institute of CPAs and served as a vice president of the Washington Society of
CPAs' board of directors.


JAY ROCKEY, AGE: 73

Trustee
2121 Fifth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98121

     Founder and chairman of The Rockey Company, a public relations and
marketing communications consulting firm with headquarters in Seattle and
offices in Portland and Spokane. Founder and director of RXL Pulitzer, an
international multimedia company that is a joint venture with Pulitzer
Publishing Co. of St. Louis. History includes managing New York City public
relations for Aluminum Company of America, director of public relations for the
Seattle World's Fair and the presidency of the Public Relations Society of
America. He is vice president of the Rainier Club and trustee of the Downtown
Seattle Association.


MORTON O. SCHAPIRO, AGE: 47

Trustee

P.O. Box 687


Williamstown, MA 01267



     President of Williams College since 2000. Prior thereto, Dean of the
College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Professor of Economics, University of
Southern California, 1991-2000, and Professor of Economics, Williams College,
1980-1991.



RICHARD C. YANCEY, AGE: 74

Lead Trustee
444 Madison Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10022

     Investment Banker -- Warburg Dillon Read LLC, New York City, 1952 through
1992. Served as vice president, managing director and director and senior
advisor at Warburg Dillon Read LLC, Member of the boards of directors of AdMedia
Partners, Inc., CapMAC Holdings Inc., Fiberite, Inc., The Scoreboard, Inc., and
Czech and Slovak American Enterprise Fund.

                                        6
<PAGE>   162

OFFICERS:


MONTE D. CALVIN, CPA, AGE: 57

First Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
1201 Third Avenue
22nd Floor
Seattle, Washington 98101

     First vice president and director of Shareholder Services; First Vice
President and Director of the Advisor and the Distributor.


SANDY CAVANAUGH, AGE: 46

First Vice President
1631 Broadway
Sacramento, California 95818

     First vice president and director of the Distributor since September 1997.
First Vice President and Director of Advisor and Shareholder Services. Prior to
joining the Distributor, Ms. Cavanaugh held senior level positions with AIM
Funds Distributor, First Interstate Investments and ASB Financial Services.


SHARON L. HOWELLS, AGE: 50

First Vice President
1201 Third Avenue
22nd Floor
Seattle, Washington 98101

     First Vice President and Director of Advisor, Distributor and Shareholder
Services.


GARY POKRZYWINSKI, AGE: 39

Vice President
1201 Third Avenue
22nd Floor
Seattle, WA 98101

     Vice President of the Advisor.


JOHN T. WEST, CPA, AGE: 46

Vice President, Secretary and Compliance Officer
1201 Third Avenue
22nd Floor
Seattle, Washington 98101

     Vice president of Shareholder Services.


RANDALL L. YOAKUM, AGE: 41

First Vice President
1201 Third Avenue
22nd Floor
Seattle, Washington 98101

     First Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Advisor since
January 1, 2000. Vice President of the Advisor since February 11, 1999. Prior to
joining the Advisor, Mr. Yoakum was Chief Investment Officer at DA Davidson from
1997 to 1999 and Senior Vice President at Boatmen's Trust Co. from 1994 - 1997.


     Each of the Trustees and officers of the Trusts listed above holds the same
position(s) with all three Trusts and is also a trustee or officer of WM
Variable Trust (the "Variable Trust"). The Variable Trust is an investment
company advised by the Advisor. Each of the Trustees and Officers of the Trusts
listed above, as a


                                        7
<PAGE>   163


result, is an affiliate, for purposes of the 1940 Act, of each Portfolio and
Fund and each of their service providers, including the Advisor.


     REMUNERATION. No Trustee who is a director, officer or employee of the
Advisor or its affiliates receives any compensation from the Trusts for serving
as Trustee of the Trusts. The Trusts, together with the Variable Trust, pay each
Trustee who is not a director, officer or employee of the Advisor or its
affiliates a fee of $18,000 per annum plus $3,000 per Board meeting attended in
person and $1,000 per Board meeting attended by telephone, and reimburses each
such Trustee for travel and out-of-pocket expenses. The Lead Trustee receives an
additional fee of $500 per month. The Chairman of each committee receives a fee
of $500 per committee meeting. Officers of the Trusts receive no direct
remuneration in such capacity from the Trusts. Officers and Trustees of the
Trusts who are employees of the Advisor or its affiliates may be considered to
have received remuneration indirectly.


     Wayne L. Attwood, M.D., Kristianne Blake, Anne V. Farrell, Michael K.
Murphy, William G. Papesh, Daniel L. Pavelich, Jay Rockey and Richard C. Yancey
became Trustees of WM Trust II and WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios on
December 23, 1997. Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq., David E. Anderson, Edmond R.
Davis, Esq. and Alfred E. Osborne, Jr. Ph.D. became trustees of WM Trust I on
December 23, 1997. The terms of Carrol R. McGinnis and Morton O. Schapiro as
trustees commenced on March 5, 1999.



     COMMITTEES. The Trusts have established a Governance Committee and an
Investment Committee. The duties of the Governance Committee of the Trusts
include oversight of the Trusts' legal counsel, review of the Trustees'
compensation, oversight of regulatory compliance and review of assignments to
each of the Trusts' other committees. The members of the Governance Committee
are Richard Yancey (chair), David E. Anderson, Kristian C. Blake, and Arthur
Bernstein.



     The duties of the Investment Committee include the review of and oversight
of compliance with the investment restrictions of the Funds and the Portfolios,
the review of advisory contracts and contracts with custodians and subadvisers,
the review of the pricing, valuation and performance of the Funds and the
Portfolios, the review of brokerage policies and the review of transactions with
affiliates. The members of the Investment Committee are Richard C. Yancey
(chair), David E. Anderson, Anne V. Farrell, and Carol R. McGinnis.



     CODES OF ETHICS. The Trusts, the Advisor, WM Funds Distributor, Inc. and
each of the subadvisors to the Funds have adopted codes of ethics in accordance
with Rule 17j-1 under the defined term for 1940 Act. These codes of ethics
permit personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including
securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds or the Portfolios.


                                        8
<PAGE>   164


     The following table shows the aggregate compensation paid to each of the
Trusts' Trustees by each Portfolio or Fund for the most recent fiscal year and
by the "Fund Complex" for calendar 2000. The Fund Complex consists of the
Portfolios and Funds, together with the Funds within the Variable Trust. None of
the Trusts has any plan which would pay pension or retirement benefits to any
Trustee.


                               WM GROUP OF FUNDS
                               COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         TAX-
                                                        EXEMPT                SHORT-    TARGET        US                 TAX-
                                               MONEY    MONEY    CALIFORNIA    TERM    MATURITY   GOVERNMENT            EXEMPT
                                               MARKET   MARKET     MONEY      INCOME     2002     SECURITIES   INCOME    BOND
                                                FUND     FUND       FUND       FUND      FUND        FUND       FUND     FUND
                                               ------   ------   ----------   ------   --------   ----------   ------   ------
<S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>
David E. Anderson............................
Wayne L. Attwood, M.D. ......................
Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq. ...................
Kristianne Blake.............................
Edmond R. Davis, Esq. .......................
Anne V. Farrell..............................
Carrol R. McGinnis...........................
Michael K. Murphy............................
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D. ...............
William G. Papesh............................
Daniel L. Pavelich...........................
Jay Rockey...................................
Morton O. Schapiro...........................
Richard C. Yancey............................

<CAPTION>
                                                             CALIFORNIA
                                                              INSURED
                                               CALIFORNIA   INTERMEDIATE   EQUITY   GROWTH &
                                               MUNICIPAL     MUNICIPAL     INCOME    INCOME
                                                  FUND          FUND        FUND      FUND
                                               ----------   ------------   ------   --------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>            <C>      <C>
David E. Anderson............................
Wayne L. Attwood, M.D. ......................
Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq. ...................
Kristianne Blake.............................
Edmond R. Davis, Esq. .......................
Anne V. Farrell..............................
Carrol R. McGinnis...........................
Michael K. Murphy............................
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D. ...............
William G. Papesh............................
Daniel L. Pavelich...........................
Jay Rockey...................................
Morton O. Schapiro...........................
Richard C. Yancey............................
</TABLE>


                                        9
<PAGE>   165

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             SMALL
                                       INTERNATIONAL               HIGH       CAP      STRATEGIC   CONSERVATIVE
                              GROWTH      GROWTH       NORTHWEST   YIELD     STOCK      GROWTH        GROWTH      BALANCED
                               FUND        FUND          FUND      FUND      FUND      PORTFOLIO    PORTFOLIO     PORTFOLIO
                              ------   -------------   ---------   -----   ---------   ---------   ------------   ---------
<S>                           <C>      <C>             <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>
David E. Anderson...........
Wayne L. Attwood, M.D. .....
Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq....
Kristianne Blake............
Edmond R. Davis, Esq. ......
Anne V. Farrell.............
Carrol R. McGinnis..........
Michael K. Murphy...........
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr.,
  Ph.D. ....................
William G. Papesh...........
Daniel L. Pavelich..........
Jay Rockey..................
Morton O. Schapiro..........
Richard C. Yancey...........

<CAPTION>
                                                              TOTAL             TOTAL
                                                           COMPENSATION     COMPENSATION
                              CONSERVATIVE   FLEXIBLE       FOR FISCAL      FROM THE FUND
                                BALANCED      INCOME        YEAR ENDED      COMPLEX* FOR
                               PORTFOLIO     PORTFOLIO   OCTOBER 31, 1999   CALENDAR 1999
                              ------------   ---------   ----------------   -------------
<S>                           <C>            <C>         <C>                <C>
David E. Anderson...........
Wayne L. Attwood, M.D. .....
Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq....
Kristianne Blake............
Edmond R. Davis, Esq. ......
Anne V. Farrell.............
Carrol R. McGinnis..........
Michael K. Murphy...........
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr.,
  Ph.D. ....................
William G. Papesh...........
Daniel L. Pavelich..........
Jay Rockey..................
Morton O. Schapiro..........
Richard C. Yancey...........
</TABLE>


                                       10
<PAGE>   166


     As of December 31, 2000, except as noted below, to the knowledge of the
Trusts, no shareholders owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of, and the
officers and directors of the Portfolios and Funds as a group owned of record or
beneficially less than 1% the outstanding shares of the indicated classes of the
Portfolios or Funds:


CALIFORNIA MONEY FUND CLASS A:


CALIFORNIA MONEY FUND CLASS B:



INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND CLASS I:



GROWTH FUND CLASS I:



SHORT TERM INCOME PORTFOLIO CLASS I:



GROWTH & INCOME FUND CLASS A:



EQUITY INCOME FUND CLASS A:



INCOME FUND CLASS A:



MONEY MARKET FUND CLASS A:



NORTHWEST FUND CLASS A:



TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET CLASS A:



TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET CLASS B:



GROWTH & INCOME FUND CLASS I:



INCOME FUND CLASS I:


MONEY MARKET FUND CLASS I:


U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND CLASS I:



HIGH YIELD FUND CLASS I:



NORTHWEST FUND CLASS I:



THE FUNDS' SERVICE PROVIDERS



     The Portfolios and Funds are managed by the Advisor. The Advisor has
delegated portfolio management responsibilities in respect of the Growth,
International Growth, Tax-Exempt Bond, California Municipal and California
Insured Intermediate Municipal Funds to sub-advisors.



     MANAGEMENT FEES. Each Portfolio and each Fund pays a management fee to the
Advisor. The management fee is calculated and paid to the Advisor every month.
The management fee for each Portfolio and Fund is based upon a percentage of the
average net assets of such Portfolio or Fund. Absent fee waivers,


                                       11
<PAGE>   167


the total management fee for each Portfolio and Fund as provided in the
investment advisory agreement of the Portfolio or Fund is as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           FUNDS                                            FEES
                           -----                                            ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Money Market and Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds..............  0.45% of the first $1 billion,
                                                              0.40% thereafter
California Money Fund.......................................  0.45% of the first $500 million,
                                                              0.40% thereafter
Short Term Income Fund......................................  0.50% of the first $200 million,
                                                              0.45% of the next $300 million,
                                                              0.40% thereafter
U.S. Government Securities and Income Funds.................  0.50% of all assets
High Yield, Equity Income and Growth & Income Funds.........  0.625% of the first $250
                                                              million,
                                                              0.50% thereafter
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund*.......................................  0.40% of the first $250 million,
                                                              0.30% thereafter
California Municipal Fund*..................................  0.30% of the first $150 million,
                                                              0.35% thereafter
California Insured Intermediate Fund*.......................  0.30% of the first $75 million,
                                                              0.375% thereafter
Northwest Fund..............................................  0.30% of the first $25 million,
                                                              0.35% of the next $75 million,
                                                              0.40% thereafter
Growth Fund.................................................  0.30% of the first $25 million,
                                                              0.35% of the next $475 million,
                                                              0.40% thereafter**
Mid Cap Stock Fund..........................................  0.75% of all assets
Small Cap Stock Fund........................................  0.85% of all assets
International Growth Fund*..................................  0.31% of the first $25 million,
                                                              0.40% of the next $25 million,
                                                              0.575% of the next $75 million,
                                                              0.375% of the next $25 million,
                                                              0.425% thereafter***
Each of the Portfolios......................................  0.65% of all assets
</TABLE>


---------------


  * The advisory and sub-advisory agreements for the Funds were amended
    effective January 1, 2000 to provide for the direct payment of the
    sub-advisors by the Funds. The fee rates shown above reflect this amendment
    (i.e., they are net of sub-advisory fees).


 ** Assets of WM Variable Trust Growth Fund are included with the assets of the
    Growth Fund for purposes of determining fees.

*** The Advisor also receives the benefit of the fee aggregation policies
    described below.

                                       12
<PAGE>   168


     For the three most recent fiscal years the Portfolios and Funds paid the
Advisor or its affiliates the following management fees:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2000
                                                          ----------------------------------------
                                                          FEES BEFORE                    EXPENSES
                                                            WAIVER       FEES WAIVED    REIMBURSED
                                                          -----------    -----------    ----------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
Strategic Growth Portfolio..............................
Conservative Growth Portfolio...........................
Balanced Portfolio......................................
Conservative Balanced Portfolio.........................
Flexible Income Portfolio...............................
Equity Income Fund......................................
Growth & Income Fund....................................
Northwest Fund..........................................
Growth Fund.............................................
Mid Cap Stock Fund......................................
Small Cap Stock Fund....................................
International Growth Fund...............................
Short Term Income Fund..................................
U.S. Government Securities Fund.........................
Income Fund.............................................
High Yield Fund.........................................
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund....................................
California Municipal Fund...............................
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund..........
Money Market Fund.......................................
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund............................
California Money Fund...................................
</TABLE>


                                       13
<PAGE>   169


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1999
                                                          ----------------------------------------
                                                          FEES BEFORE                    EXPENSES
                                                            WAIVER       FEES WAIVED    REIMBURSED
                                                          -----------    -----------    ----------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
Strategic Growth Portfolio..............................  $  193,472     $   25,530      $     0
Conservative Growth Portfolio...........................  $  538,570     $   49,644      $     0
Balanced Portfolio......................................  $  500,484     $   34,597      $     0
Conservative Balanced Portfolio.........................  $   27,945     $   27,945      $18,050
Flexible Income Portfolio...............................  $  144,701     $   54,603      $     0
Equity Income Fund......................................  $2,114,106     $        0      $     0
Growth & Income Fund....................................  $6,133,736     $  156,041      $     0
Northwest Fund..........................................  $2,331,602     $        0      $     0
Growth Fund.............................................  $4,855,072     $1,050,546      $     0
Small Cap Stock Fund....................................  $1,144,150     $  198,910      $     0
International Growth Fund...............................  $1,577,276     $        0      $     0
Short Term Income Fund..................................  $  661,858     $  449,313      $     0
U.S. Government Securities Fund.........................  $2,110,308     $  327,909      $     0
Income Fund.............................................  $1,514,494     $  115,406      $     0
High Yield Fund.........................................  $  277,534     $  277,534      $     0
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund....................................  $1,475,712     $        0      $     0
California Municipal Fund...............................  $2,098,572     $  111,899      $     0
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund..........  $  355,545     $   41,952      $     0
Money Market Fund.......................................  $2,611,321     $        0      $     0
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund............................  $  149,140     $  104,700      $     0
California Money Fund...................................  $  163,095     $        0      $     0
</TABLE>


                                       14
<PAGE>   170


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998
                                                          ----------------------------------------
                                                          FEES BEFORE                    EXPENSES
                                                            WAIVER       FEES WAIVED    REIMBURSED
                                                          -----------    -----------    ----------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
Strategic Growth Portfolio*.............................  $   34,290      $ 34,290       $ 6,085
Conservative Growth Portfolio*..........................  $  130,854      $ 66,873       $     0
Balanced Portfolio*.....................................  $  102,838      $ 46,178       $     0
Conservative Balanced Portfolio*........................  $    6,074      $  6,074       $17,261
Flexible Income Portfolio*..............................  $    8,801      $ 24,570       $     0
Equity Income Fund......................................  $2,190,790      $      0       $     0
Growth & Income Fund....................................  $3,575,552      $      0       $     0
Northwest Fund..........................................  $1,920,011      $      0       $     0
Growth Fund*............................................  $  955,950      $      0       $     0
Small Cap Stock Fund*...................................  $  493,746      $      0       $     0
International Growth Fund*..............................  $  497,321      $      0       $     0
Short Term Income Fund*.................................  $   67,678      $ 67,678       $ 9,467
U.S. Government Securities Fund.........................  $1,467,714      $202,160       $     0
Income Fund.............................................  $  124,138      $      0       $     0
High Yield Fund**.......................................  $   42,864      $ 29,768       $     0
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund....................................  $1,213,255      $      0       $     0
California Municipal Fund*..............................  $  778,933      $ 76,222       $     0
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund*.........  $  142,361      $ 66,654       $     0
Money Market Fund.......................................  $        0      $      0       $     0
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund............................  $  104,751      $ 37,019       $     0
California Money Fund*..................................  $   64,254      $ 18,193       $     0
</TABLE>


---------------
 * Fiscal period from June 30, 1998 through October 31, 1998.


** Commenced operations on April 8, 1998.


                                       15
<PAGE>   171

SUB-ADVISORY FEES


     The Funds listed below pay to their sub-advisors a monthly fee at an annual
rate of the following percentages of the average net assets of each such Fund.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SUBADVISOR/FUNDS                                      FEES
                      ----------------                                      ----
<S>                                                           <C>
VAN KAMPEN
  California Municipal Fund.................................  0.20% of the first $150 million
                                                              0.15% thereafter
  California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund............  0.20% of the first $75 million
                                                              0.125% thereafter
  Tax-Exempt Bond Fund......................................  0.10% of average daily net
                                                              assets
JANUS
  Growth Fund...............................................  0.55% of the first $25 million
                                                              0.50% of the next $475 million
                                                              0.45% thereafter*
CAPITAL GUARDIAN
  International Growth Fund.................................  0.79% of the first $25 million
                                                              0.60% of the next $25 million
                                                              0.425% of the next $200 million
                                                              0.375% thereafter**
</TABLE>

---------------
 * Assets of WM Variable Trust Growth Fund are included with the assets of the
   Growth Fund for purposes of determining fees.

** Subject to the following fee aggregation policies:

          Fee aggregation will apply to all accounts managed by Capital Group
     companies, except for emerging markets equity investments and investments
     in funds with internally charged fees ("Eligible Accounts"). In order to
     achieve the benefit of fee aggregation, the combined actual fees must
     exceed the combined total of the minimum fee applicable to each of the
     client's Eligible Accounts.

          For additional Eligible Accounts with the same investment objectives
     and guidelines, all assets for these Eligible Accounts will be aggregated
     for fee calculation purposes.

          For additional Eligible Accounts with different investment objectives
     and guidelines:

        1. Each account will be charged on the first $10 million at the initial
        breakpoint rate for the appropriate mandate. Any incremental assets over
        $10 million will be aggregated and charged at the incremental rate for
        the appropriate mandate.

        2. Assets invested in commingled funds will be aggregated and charged at
        the incremental rate for the appropriate mandate.

        3. The first additional account within a new country will be charged on
        the first $15 million at the initial breakpoint rate for the appropriate
        mandate. Any incremental assets over $15 million will be aggregated and
        charged at the incremental rate for the appropriate mandate.

          For fee aggregation purposes, Eligible Accounts will be aggregated in
     the following order: balanced, equity-developed markets, convertible,
     fixed-income -- high yield, fixed-income -- emerging markets, and
     fixed-income -- developed markets.

          Unless otherwise requested, the benefit from fee aggregation for
     clients with multiple accounts will be calculated by comparing total
     aggregated fees to total unaggregated fees for all Eligible Accounts. The
     resulting percentage discount will be applied to each Eligible Account's
     unaggregated fees.

                                       16
<PAGE>   172

          If all Eligible Accounts are not denominated in the same currency, the
     local currency assets of each Eligible Account and the related fees
     calculated on any unaggregated basis will be converted to a designated base
     currency using the applicable foreign exchange rate. The total of such fees
     will be compared to the Eligible Accounts' total aggregated fees. The
     resulting percentage discount will then be applied to each Eligible
     Account's unaggregated fee as determined in the applicable currency.

          The following Fee discount will be applied based upon the total
     aggregated fees:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Clients between $1.25 million to $4 million.................     5% discount
Clients between $4 million to $8 million....................   7.5% discount
Clients between $8 million to $12 million...................    10% discount
Clients over $12 million....................................  12.5% discount
</TABLE>

          For this purpose, aggregated fees will include all fees from separate
     accounts, commingled funds, and funds internally charged fees managed by
     Capital Group companies, except for investments in American-Funds' mutual
     funds. The resulting fee discount percentage will be applied to each
     account's fees (excluding fees related to investments in funds with
     internally charged fees).

          For clients whose total aggregated fees (before discounts) exceed $3
     million, fee breakpoints will be eliminated and each account will be
     charged at the lowest marginal fee rate applicable to the account's fee
     schedule.

          To determine the applicable fee discount level and breakpoint
     elimination threshold, the total aggregated fees for the quarter will be
     annualized. For this purpose, all local currency fees will be converted to
     a designated base currency.

          Fees related to investments in funds with internally charged fees will
     be estimated by multiplying the quarter end value of the Investment
     (adjusted on a prorated basis for any contributions or withdrawals during
     the quarter) by the fund's effective fee. For this purpose, the effective
     fee will be based on the value of the fund's quarter end assets and the
     fund's current fee schedule.

          Applicable discount levels and the elimination of fee breakpoints will
     be effective beginning the first quarter a discount threshold is exceeded
     and will remain in effect unless the total fees fall below the discount
     threshold due to a significant withdrawal of assets. A decline in the
     market alone will not cause the reinstatement of a lower discount level or
     fee breakpoints.


          For the three most recent fiscal years, the sub-advisors were paid the
     following sub-advisory fees (directly by the funds for periods after
     January 1, 2000, and by the Advisor or its affiliates for prior periods):



<TABLE>
                                                             FEES PAID FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER
                                                                             31,
                                                             -----------------------------------
                                                                2000         1999        1998*
                                                             ----------   -----------   --------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>           <C>
Growth Fund................................................               $2,703,042    $466,728
Small Cap Stock Fund.......................................               $        0    $      0
International Growth Fund**................................               $  754,517    $247,641
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund.......................................               $  253,777           0
California Municipal Fund..................................               $  670,165    $192,188
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund.............               $  133,756    $ 40,648
California Money Fund......................................                        0
</TABLE>


---------------
 * Fiscal period from June 30, 1998 through October 31, 1998.

** Fees shown include those paid to Warburg Pincus, which provided sub-advisory
   services to the fund until June 23, 1999.


     Until March 20, 1998, Sierra Fund Administration Corporation ("Sierra
Administration") served as the administrator, and PFPC (formerly First Data
Investor Services Group) served as the sub-administrator to each of the
Portfolios and each of the WM Trust II Funds. Shareholder Services had provided
transfer agency


                                       17
<PAGE>   173


and other shareholder services to each of the WM Trust I Funds prior to that
date, and has provided transfer agency and other shareholder services to each of
the Portfolios and Funds since March 20, 1998.


     For the three most recent fiscal years the Trusts paid Shareholder Services
and its affiliates the following administration and/or Transfer Agent fees:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                              --------------------------------
                                                                2000       1999        1998
                                                              --------   --------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Strategic Growth Portfolio**................................             $ 79,921   $  129,401
Conservative Growth Portfolio**.............................             $159,931   $   87,805
Balanced Portfolio**........................................             $164,646   $  374,761
Conservative Balanced Portfolio**...........................             $  9,614   $   22,302
Flexible Income Portfolio**.................................             $ 50,193   $   32,391
Equity Income Fund..........................................             $243,305   $  248,201
Growth & Income Fund........................................             $857,489   $  482,655
Northwest Fund***...........................................             $384,555   $  394,356
Growth Fund**...............................................             $563,060   $  106,901
Small Cap Stock Fund**......................................             $370,377   $  132,833
International Growth Fund**.................................             $152,297   $   46,783
Short Term Income Fund**....................................             $133,452   $   24,407
U.S. Government Securities Fund*............................             $363,404   $1,290,295
Income Fund*................................................             $334,494   $  195,913
High Yield Fund.............................................             $ 32,915   $    2,519
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund*.......................................             $142,745   $   98,013
California Municipal Fund**.................................             $159,864   $   41,000
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund**............             $ 27,683   $    8,369
Money Market Fund*..........................................             $541,844   $  586,106
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund*...............................             $ 34,898   $   16,010
California Money Fund**.....................................             $ 35,836   $   13,361
</TABLE>


---------------


 * Fiscal year end changed from 12/31 to 10/31 as of 10/31/98.


** Fiscal year end changed from 6/30 to 10/31 as of 10/31/98.


     For the three most recent fiscal years, Shareholder Services and its
affiliates paid the following amounts to PFPC for sub-administrative services to
the Portfolios and Funds.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FISCAL YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                             --------------------------------
                                                               2000        1999        1998
                                                             --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>         <C>
Strategic Growth Portfolio**...............................              $ 53,387    $ 39,627
Conservative Growth Portfolio**............................              $149,238    $ 31,153
Balanced Portfolio**.......................................              $137,954    $  2,670
Conservative Balanced Portfolio**..........................              $  7,760          --
Flexible Income Portfolio**................................              $ 39,162    $  1,842
Equity Income Fund.........................................              $151,764    $212,391
Growth & Income Fund.......................................              $485,890    $ 67,046
Northwest Fund.............................................              $156,304    $ 40,745
Growth Fund*...............................................              $231,789    $ 22,493
Small Cap Stock Fund**.....................................              $ 54,624    $ 10,291
International Growth Fund**................................              $ 66,876    $ 21,615
Short Term Income Fund**...................................              $ 54,836    $  6,151
US Government Securities Fund*.............................              $171,764    $ 98,252
Income Fund*...............................................              $122,549    $ 73,599
High Yield Fund............................................              $ 18,310    $  7,768
</TABLE>


                                       18
<PAGE>   174


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FISCAL YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                             --------------------------------
                                                               2000        1999        1998
                                                             --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>         <C>
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund*......................................              $128,995    $ 89,401
California Municipal Fund**................................              $166,146    $ 50,611
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund**...........              $ 28,085    $  3,302
Money Market Fund*.........................................              $243,157
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund*..............................              $ 13,857    $  8,464
California Money Fund**....................................              $ 15,235    $  5,818
</TABLE>


---------------
 * Fiscal year end changed from 12/31 to 10/31 as of 10/31/98.

** Fiscal year end changed from 6/30 to 10/31 as of 10/31/98.

TRANSFER AGENT AND CUSTODIAN


     WM Shareholder Services, Inc., provides transfer agency and other services
incidental to issuance and transfer of shares, maintaining shareholder lists,
and issuing and mailing distributions and reports. Shareholder Services is an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, located at 1201 Third
Avenue, 22nd Fl., Seattle, Washington 98101. The Custodian for the Portfolios
and Funds is Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Co., which is located at One Boston
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108. Shareholder Services may charge a fee for
special services, such as providing historical account documents, that are
beyond the normal scope of its services.


COUNSEL

     Ropes & Gray, located at One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110, serves as counsel to the Trusts.

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


     Deloitte & Touche LLP, 50 Fremont Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, serves
as independent accountants to each of the Portfolios and Funds providing audit
services, tax return review and other tax consulting services and assistance and
consultation in connection with the review of various filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The information provided for periods prior
to October 31, 1998 has been audited by other auditors. The financial
statements, financial highlights and Report of Independent Accountants of
Deloitte & Touche LLP for each of the Portfolios and Funds contained in the
Portfolios' and the Funds' Annual Report for the fiscal period ended October 31,
2000 are hereby incorporated by reference. The financial highlights and Report
of Independent Accountants of the prior auditors are incorporated herein by
reference. The financial statements incorporated by reference into this SAI and
the financial highlights in the Prospectus have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP and by other auditors for prior periods and have been so included in
reliance on such independent accountants' reports, given on the authority of
such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES


     The Prospectus discusses the investment objective or objectives of each of
the Portfolios and Funds and the policies to be employed to achieve such
objectives. This section contains supplemental information concerning the types
of securities and other instruments in which the Portfolios and Funds may
invest, the investment policies and portfolio strategies that the Portfolios and
Funds may utilize and certain risks attendant to such investments, policies and
strategies.


     RATINGS AS INVESTMENT CRITERIA. In general, the ratings of nationally
recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSROs"), such as Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's ("S&P"), Duff and Phelps, and Fitch
IBCA, represent the opinions of these agencies as to the quality of securities
which they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that such ratings are
relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings
will be used by the Funds as initial criteria for the selection

                                       19
<PAGE>   175

of portfolio securities, but the Funds will also rely upon the independent
advice of the Advisor or their respective sub-advisors. The Appendix to this SAI
contains further information concerning the ratings of these services and their
significance.

     To the extent that the rating given by Moody's or S&P for securities may
change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems,
each Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for its
investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in the
Prospectus and in this SAI.

     U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. U.S. Government Securities include debt
obligations of varying maturities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government Securities include, but are
not necessarily limited to, direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and
securities issued or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers
Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business
Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), General
Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit
Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC"), Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Resolution Trust Corporation,
Federal Land Banks, Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Maritime
Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board
and Student Loan Marketing Association. Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury
include a variety of securities that differ in their interest rates, maturities
and dates of issuance. Because the U.S. Government is not obligated by law to
provide support to an instrumentality it sponsors, a Fund will invest in
obligations issued by such an instrumentality only if the Advisor or the Fund's
sub-advisor determines that the credit risk with respect to the instrumentality
does not make its securities unsuitable for investment by the Fund.

     ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS. These securities generally cannot be sold or disposed
of in the ordinary course of business at approximately the value at which the
Fund has valued the investments within seven days. This may have an adverse
effect upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the particular securities at fair
market value and may limit the Fund's ability to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing the securities and calculating the net asset
value of shares of the Fund. The Funds may also purchase securities that are not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
but that can be sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule
144A under that Act ("Rule 144A securities"). Rule 144A securities generally
must be sold to other qualified institutional buyers. If a particular investment
in Rule 144A securities is not determined to be liquid, that investment will be
treated as an illiquid security.

     BANK OBLIGATIONS. Domestic commercial banks organized under federal law are
supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to
be members of the Federal Reserve System and to be insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). Domestic banks organized under state
law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities but are members of
the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. Most state banks are
insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to a
Fund, depending upon the principal amount of certificates of deposit ("CDs") of
each state bank held by a Fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a
substantial body of federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state
laws and regulations, domestic branches of domestic banks are, among other
things, generally required to maintain specific levels of reserves, and are
subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial
soundness.

     Obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign branches of
foreign banks, such as CDs and time deposits ("TDs"), may be general obligations
of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the
terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Obligations of
foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks are subject to the risks
associated with investing in foreign securities generally. Foreign branches of
U.S. banks and foreign branches of foreign banks are not necessarily subject to
the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to U.S. banks, such as
mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations, and accounting, auditing and
financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be
publicly available about a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or about a foreign bank
than about a U.S. bank.

     Obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of
the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the
terms of a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation
                                       20
<PAGE>   176

as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its
head office. A U.S. branch of a foreign bank may or may not be subject to
reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in
which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. The
deposits of branches licensed by certain states may not necessarily be insured
by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about
a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank.

     In view of the foregoing factors associated with the purchase of CDs and
TDs issued by foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks, the Advisor or
the Funds' respective sub-advisors will carefully evaluate such investments on a
case-by-case basis.

     A Fund may purchase a CD, TD or bankers' acceptances issued by a bank,
savings and loan association or other banking institution with less than $1
billion in assets (a "Small Issuer Bank Obligation") only so long as the issuer
is a member of the FDIC or supervised by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the
"OTS") and so long as the principal amount of the Small Issuer Bank Obligation
is fully insured by the FDIC and is no more than $100,000. Each of the Funds
will at any one time hold only one Small Issuer Bank Obligation from any one
issuer.

     Savings and loan associations whose CDs, TDs and bankers' acceptances may
be purchased by the Funds are supervised by the OTS and insured by the Savings
Association Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC and is backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States Government. As a result, such
savings and loan associations are subject to regulation and examination.

     MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The mortgage-backed securities in which the
Funds may invest include these classified as governmental or government-related.
Governmental mortgage-backed securities are backed by the full faith and credit
of the United States. GNMA, the principal U.S. guarantor of such securities, is
a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and
Urban Development. Government-related mortgage-backed securities which are not
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States include those issued by
FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by
private stockholders, which is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are
guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA. FHLMC is a
corporate instrumentality of the United States, the stock of which is owned by
the Federal Home Loan Banks. Participation certificates representing interests
in mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio are guaranteed as to the timely
payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal by FHLMC.

     Entities may create mortgage loan pools offering pass-through investments
in addition to those described above. The mortgages underlying these securities
may be alternative mortgage instruments, that is, mortgage instruments in which
principal or interest payments may vary or terms to maturity may be shorter than
previously customary. As new types of mortgage-backed securities are developed
and offered to investors, the Funds will, consistent with their respective
investment objectives and policies, consider making investments in such new
types of securities.

     The average maturity of pass-through pools of mortgage-backed securities
varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage instruments. In addition,
a pool's stated maturity may be shortened by unscheduled payments on the
underlying mortgages. Factors affecting mortgage prepayments include the level
of interest rates, general economic and social conditions, the location of the
mortgaged property and the age of the mortgage. Because prepayment rates of
individual mortgage pools vary widely, it is not possible to accurately predict
the average life of a particular pool. Common industry practice, for example, is
to assume that prepayments will result in a 7- to 9-year average life for pools
of fixed-rate 30-year mortgages. Pools of mortgages with other maturities or
different characteristics will have varying average life assumptions.


     REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock,
International Growth, Short Term Income, High Yield, California Insured
Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds may invest in repurchase
agreements. The California Municipal Fund may invest no more than 20%, in the
aggregate, of its assets in repurchase agreements and certain other securities
or instruments, but this 20% limit does not apply to investments for temporary
defensive purposes. The Equity Income, Growth & Income,


                                       21
<PAGE>   177


Northwest, U.S. Government Securities, Income, Tax-Exempt Bond, Money Market and
Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with brokers,
dealers and banks to temporarily invest cash reserves, provided that repurchase
agreements maturing in greater than 7 days cannot exceed 10% of each Fund's
total assets.


     WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES, FORWARD COMMITMENTS AND DELAYED DELIVERY
TRANSACTIONS. A segregated account in the name of the Fund consisting of cash or
other liquid assets equal to the amount of when-issued or delayed-delivery
commitments will be established at the Trusts' Custodian. For the purpose of
determining the adequacy of the securities in the accounts, the deposited
securities will be valued at market or fair value. If the market or fair value
of the securities declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the
account daily so that the value of the account will equal the amount of such
commitments by the Fund. On the settlement date, the Fund will meet its
obligations from then-available cash flow, the sale of securities held in the
segregated account, the sale of other securities or, although it would not
normally expect to do so, from the sale of securities purchased on a when-issued
or delayed-delivery basis themselves (which may have a greater or lesser value
than the Fund's payment obligations).


     STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS. Subject to the investment limitations and
restrictions for each of the Funds stated elsewhere in this SAI and in the
Prospectus, each of the Portfolios and Funds, except for the Money Funds, may
utilize various investment strategies as described below to hedge various market
risks, to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income securities
or for other bona fide hedging purposes. No Portfolio or Fund currently intends
to enter into Strategic Transactions, excluding Strategic Transactions that are
"covered" or entered into for bona fide hedging purposes, that are in the
aggregate principal amount in excess of 15% of the Fund's net assets.



     The Portfolios and Funds may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple foreign
currency transactions (including forward foreign currency exchange contracts)
and any combination of futures, options and foreign currency transactions (each
separately, a "component" transaction), instead of a single transaction, as part
of a single strategy when, in the opinion of the Advisor or the sub-advisor, it
is in the best interest of the Portfolio or Fund to do so. A combined
transaction may contain elements of risk that are present in each of its
component transactions.



     The use of Strategic Transactions for asset management purposes involves
special considerations and risks. Additional risks pertaining to particular
strategies that make up Strategic Transactions are described below. Successful
use of most Strategic Transactions depends upon the Advisor or the sub-advisor's
ability to predict movements of the overall securities and interest rate
markets, which requires different skills than predicting changes in the prices
of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular strategy
adopted will succeed. There may be imperfect correlation, or even no
correlation, between price movements of Strategic Transactions and price
movements of the related portfolio or currency positions. Such a lack of
correlation might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the related
portfolio or currency positions, such as speculative or other pressures on the
markets in which Strategic Transactions are traded. In addition, a Portfolio or
Fund might be required to maintain assets as "cover," maintain segregated
accounts or make margin payments when it takes positions in Strategic
Transactions involving obligations to third parties (i.e., Strategic
Transactions other than purchased options). These requirements might impair the
Fund's ability to sell a portfolio security or currency position or make an
investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require
that the Fund sell a portfolio security or currency position at a
disadvantageous time.


     - SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS AND COLLARS. Among the Strategic Transactions into
which a Fund engaging in Strategic Transactions may enter, consistent with the
Fund's investment policies and restrictions, are interest rate, currency and
index swaps and the purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. A Fund
would enter into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on
a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. A Fund will use these transactions as hedges and not speculative
investments and will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not own
securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay.

                                       22
<PAGE>   178

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating
rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of
principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional
amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among
them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount
based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The purchase of a cap
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified index exceeds a
predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the
purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party
selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or value.

     A Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two payment
streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as these swaps, caps,
floors and collars are entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the Advisor
and the Trusts believe that such obligations do not constitute senior securities
under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the
Fund's borrowing restrictions. If there is a default by the counterparty, a Fund
may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the
transaction. Caps, floors and collars are relatively recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they may be less liquid.

     - FUTURES ACTIVITIES. Each of the Funds permitted to engage in Strategic
Transactions within WM Trust II, and the High Yield and Mid Cap Stock Funds and
each of the Portfolios may enter into futures contracts and options on futures
contracts that are traded on a U.S. exchange or board of trade. These
investments may be made by the Fund involved for the purpose of hedging against
changes in the value of its portfolio securities due to anticipated changes in
interest rates and market conditions, and for otherwise permitted Strategic
Transactions. In the case of the California Municipal and the California Insured
Intermediate Municipal Funds, such investments will be made only in unusual
circumstances, such as when that Funds' sub-advisor anticipates an extreme
change in interest rates or market conditions. The ability of a Fund to trade in
futures contracts and options on futures contracts may be materially limited by
the requirement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
applicable to a regulated investment company. See "Taxes" below.

     - FUTURES CONTRACTS. An interest rate futures contract provides for the
future sale by one party and the purchase by the other party of a certain amount
of a specific financial instrument (debt security) at a specified price, date,
time and place. A bond index futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which
two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the
difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day
of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally
written. No physical delivery of the underlying securities in the index is made.


     The purpose of entering into a futures contract by a Portfolio or Fund is
to protect the Portfolio or Fund from fluctuations in the value of its
securities caused by anticipated changes in interest rates or market conditions
without necessarily buying or selling the securities. For example, if the
California Municipal Fund or the California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund
owns long-term bonds and tax-exempt rates are expected to increase, these Funds
might enter into futures contracts to sell a municipal bond index. Such a
transaction would have much the same effect as a Fund's selling some of the
long-term bonds in its portfolio. If tax-exempt rates increase as anticipated,
the value of certain long-term municipal obligations in the portfolio would
decline, but the value of the Fund's futures contracts would increase at
approximately the same rate, thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund
from declining as much as it otherwise would have. Because the value of
portfolio securities will far exceed the value of the futures contracts entered
into by a Fund, an increase in the value of the futures contract would only
mitigate -- but not totally offset -- the decline in the value of the portfolio.


                                       23
<PAGE>   179


     No consideration is paid or received by a Fund upon entering into a futures
contract. Initially, a Portfolio or Fund would be required to deposit with the
broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to approximately 1% to 10% of
the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the board of trade on
which the contract is traded and members of such board of trade may charge a
higher amount). This amount is known as "initial margin" and is in its nature
the equivalent of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract,
which is returned to a Portfolio or Fund upon termination of the futures
contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent
payments, known as "variation margin," to and from the broker, will be made
daily as the price of the index or securities underlying the futures contract
fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or
less valuable, a process known as "marking-to-market." At any time prior to the
expiration of a futures contract, a Portfolio or Fund may elect to close the
position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate the
Portfolio's or Fund's existing position in the contract.


     There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as
a hedging device. Successful use of futures contracts by a Fund is subject to
the ability of the Advisor or the sub-advisor to correctly predict movements in
the direction of interest rates or changes in market conditions. These
predictions involve skills and techniques that may be different from those
involved in the management of the portfolio being hedged. In addition, there can
be no assurance that there will be a correlation between movements in the price
of the underlying index or securities and movements in the price of the
securities which are the subject of the hedge. A decision of whether, when and
how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-
conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or
unexpected trends in interest rates.


     Although the Portfolios and the Funds intend to enter into futures
contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, there is no
assurance that an active market will exist for the contracts at any particular
time. Most U.S. futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of
fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day.
Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be
made that day at a price beyond that limit. It is possible that futures contract
prices would move to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with
little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions
and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses. In such event, and in
the event of adverse price movements, a Portfolio or Fund would be required to
make daily cash payments of variation margin. In such circumstances, an increase
in the value of the portion of the portfolio being hedged, if any, may partially
or completely offset losses on the futures contract. However, as described
above, there is no guarantee that the price of the securities being hedged will,
in fact, correlate with the price movements in a futures contract and thus
provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.



     To ensure that transactions constitute bona fide hedges in instances
involving the purchase or sale of a futures contract, the Portfolios or Funds
will be required to either (i) segregate sufficient cash or liquid assets to
cover the outstanding position or (ii) cover the futures contract by either
owning the instruments underlying the futures contract or by holding a portfolio
of securities with characteristics substantially similar to the underlying index
or stock index comprising the futures contract or by holding a separate option
permitting it to purchase or sell the same futures contract. Because of the
imperfect correlation between the movements in the price of underlying indexes
or stock indexes of various futures contracts and the movement of the price of
securities in the Portfolios' or Funds' assets, the Portfolios and Funds will
periodically make adjustments to its index futures contracts positions to
appropriately reflect the relationship between the underlying portfolio and the
indexes. The Portfolios and Funds will not maintain short positions in index or
stock index futures contracts, options written on index or stock index futures
contracts and options written on indexes or stock indexes, if in the aggregate,
the value of these positions exceeds the current market value of its securities
portfolio plus or minus the unrealized gain or loss on those positions, adjusted
for the historical volatility relationship between the portfolio and the index
contracts.


     - OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. An option on a futures contract, as
contrasted with the direct investment in such a contract, gives the purchaser
the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the futures
contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date
of the option. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures position
by the writer of the option to the holder
                                       24
<PAGE>   180

of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the
writer's futures margin account, which represents the amount by which the market
price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract.
The value of the option can change daily and that change would be reflected in
the net asset value of the Fund or Portfolio holding the option.


     When engaging in Strategic Transactions, the Portfolios and the Funds may
purchase and write put and call options on futures contracts that are traded on
a U.S. exchange or board of trade as a hedge against changes in the value of its
portfolio securities, and may enter into closing transactions with respect to
such options to terminate existing positions. There is no guarantee that such
closing transactions can be effected.


     There are several risks relating to options on futures contracts. The
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the existence of a liquid market. In addition, the purchase of put or call
options will be based upon predictions as to anticipated interest rate and
market trends by the Advisor or the sub-advisors, which could prove to be
inaccurate. Even if the expectations of the Advisor or the sub-advisors are
correct, there may be an imperfect correlation between the change in the value
of the options and the portfolio securities hedged.


     - OPTIONS ON SECURITIES. The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Northwest,
Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth and Short Term
Income Funds, may buy and sell covered put (except for the Equity Income, Growth
& Income and Northwest Funds) and call options on securities.


     Options written by a Fund will normally have expiration dates between one
and nine months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be
below, equal to or above the market values of the underlying securities at the
times the options are written. In the case of call options, these exercise
prices are referred to as "in-the-money," "at-the-money" and "out-of-the-money,"
respectively. A Fund may write (1) in-the-money call options when the Advisor or
its sub-advisor expects that the price of the underlying security will remain
flat or decline moderately during the option period, (2) at-the-money call
options when the Advisor or its sub-advisor expects that the price of the
underlying security will remain flat or advance moderately during the option
period and (3) out-of-the-money call options when the Advisor or its sub-
advisor expects that the premiums received from writing the call option plus the
appreciation in the market price of the underlying security up to the exercise
price will be greater than the appreciation in the price of the underlying
security alone. In any of the preceding situations, if the market price of the
underlying security declines and the security is sold at this lower price, the
amount of any realized loss will be offset wholly or in part by the premium
received. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money and in-the-money put options (the
reverse of call options as to the relation of exercise price to market price)
may be utilized in the same market environments as such call options described
above.

     So long as the obligation of the Fund as the writer of an option continues,
the Fund may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through which
the option was sold, requiring the Fund to deliver, in the case of a call, or
take delivery of, in the case of a put, the underlying security against payment
of the exercise price. This obligation terminates when the option expires or the
Fund effects a closing purchase transaction. The Fund can no longer effect a
closing purchase transaction with respect to an option once it has been assigned
an exercise notice. To secure its obligation to deliver the underlying security
when it writes a call option, or to pay for the underlying security when it
writes a put option, the Fund will be required to deposit in escrow the
underlying security or other assets in accordance with the rules of the Options
Clearing Corporation (the "OCC") and of the securities exchange on which the
option is written.

     An option may be closed out only when there exists a secondary market for
an option of the same series on a recognized securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter market. In light of this fact and current trading conditions,
the Fund expects to purchase or write call or put options issued by the OCC,
except that options on U.S. Government Securities may be purchased or written in
the over-the-counter market. Over-the-counter options can be closed out only by
agreement with the primary dealer in the transaction. Any over-the-counter
option written by a Fund will be with a qualified dealer pursuant to an
Agreement under which the Fund may repurchase the option at a formula price at
which the Fund would have the absolute right to repurchase an over-the-counter
option it has sold. Such options will generally be considered illiquid in an
amount equal to
                                       25
<PAGE>   181

the formula price, less the amount by which the option is "in-the-money." In the
event of the insolvency of the primary dealer, the Fund may not be able to
liquidate its position in over-the-counter options, and the inability of the
Fund to enter into closing purchase transactions on options written by the Fund
may result in a material loss to the Fund.

     A Fund may realize a profit or loss upon entering into closing
transactions. In cases where the Fund has written an option, it will realize a
profit if the cost of the closing purchase transaction is less than the premium
received upon writing the original option, and will incur a loss if the cost of
the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received upon writing the
original option. Similarly, when the Fund has purchased an option and engages in
a closing sale transaction, the Fund will realize a profit or loss to the extent
that the amount received in the closing sale transaction is more or less than
the premium the Fund initially paid for the original option plus the related
transaction costs.

     To facilitate closing transactions, a Fund will generally purchase or write
only those options for which the Advisor or its sub-advisor believes there is an
active secondary market although there is no assurance that sufficient trading
interest to create a liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist
for any particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no
such secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may
cease to exist for a variety of reasons. In the past, for example, higher than
anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events, have at
times rendered certain of the facilities of the OCC and the securities exchanges
inadequate and resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as
trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts or
suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that similar
events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution of
customers' orders, will not recur. In such events, it might not be possible to
effect closing transactions in particular options. If as a covered call option
writer the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a
secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the
option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.

     Securities exchanges have established limitations governing the maximum
number of calls and puts of each class which may be held or written, or
exercised within certain time periods, by an investor or group of investors
acting in concert (regardless of whether the options are written on the same or
different securities exchanges or are held, written or exercised in one or more
accounts or through one or more brokers). It is possible that the particular
Fund and other clients of the Advisor and its sub-advisors and certain of their
affiliates may be considered to be such a group. A securities exchange may order
the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may
impose certain other sanctions.

     In the case of options written by a Fund that are deemed covered by virtue
of the Fund's holding convertible or exchangeable preferred stock or debt
securities, the time required to convert or exchange and obtain physical
delivery of the underlying security with respect to which the Fund has written
options may exceed the time within which the Fund must make delivery in
accordance with an exercise notice. In these instances, the Fund may purchase or
temporarily borrow the underlying securities for purposes of physical delivery.
By so doing, the Fund will not bear any market risk, since the Fund will have
the absolute right to receive from the issuer of the underlying security an
equal number of shares to replace the borrowed stock. The Fund may however,
incur additional transaction costs or interest expenses in connection with any
such purchase or borrowing.

     Additional risks exist with respect to mortgage-backed U.S. Government
Securities for which the Fund may write covered call options. If a Fund writes
covered call options on a mortgage-backed security, the security that it holds
as cover may, because of scheduled amortization of unscheduled prepayments,
cease to be sufficient cover. In such an instance, the Fund will compensate by
purchasing an appropriate additional amount of mortgage-backed securities.


     - OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDEXES. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap
Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income and California Insured
Intermediate Municipal Funds may also purchase and sell call and put options on
securities indexes. Such options give the holder the right to receive a cash
settlement during the term of the option based upon the difference between the
exercise price and the value of the index.


                                       26
<PAGE>   182

     Options on securities indexes entail risks in addition to the risks of
options on securities. Because exchange trading of options on securities indexes
is relatively new, the absence of a liquid secondary market to close out an
option position is more likely to occur, although the Fund generally will
purchase or write such an option only if the Advisor or its sub-advisor believes
the option can be closed out.

     Use of options on securities indexes also entails the risk that trading in
such options may be interrupted if trading in certain securities included in the
index is interrupted. The Fund will not purchase such options unless the Advisor
or its sub-advisor believes the market is sufficiently developed for the risk of
trading in such options to be no greater than the risk of trading in options on
securities.

     Price movements in the Fund's portfolio may not correlate precisely with
movements in the level of an index and, therefore, the use of options on
securities indexes cannot serve as a complete hedge. Because options on
securities indexes require settlement in cash, the Fund may be forced to
liquidate portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations.


     - FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small
Cap Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income, Income and High Yield Funds
may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in
the level of future exchange rates. The Funds' dealings in forward currency
exchange contracts will be limited to hedging involving either specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale
of forward foreign currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of
the Fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its
portfolio securities. Position hedging is the sale of forward foreign currency
with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in such
foreign currency. A Fund may not position a hedge with respect to a particular
currency to an extent greater than the aggregate market value (at the time of
making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or quoted
in or currently convertible into that particular currency.


     If a Fund enters into a position hedging transaction, the Trusts' Custodian
will, except in circumstances where segregated accounts are not required by the
1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder, place cash or other liquid assets in
a segregated account for the Fund in an amount at least equal to the value of
the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of the forward contract.
For each forward foreign currency exchange contract that is used to hedge a
securities position denominated in a foreign currency, but for which the hedging
position no longer provides, in the opinion of the Advisor or the sub-advisor,
sufficient protection to consider the contract to be a hedge, the Fund maintains
with the Custodian a segregated account of cash or other liquid assets in an
amount at least equal to the portion of the contract that is no longer
sufficiently covered by such hedge. If the value of the securities placed in the
segregated account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the
account so that the value of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's
unhedged exposure (in the case of securities denominated in a foreign currency)
or commitment with respect to the contract. Hedging transactions may be made
from any foreign currency into U.S. dollars or into other appropriate
currencies.

     At or before the maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may either sell a
portfolio security and make delivery of the currency, or retain the security and
offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing a second
contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity date, the
amount of the currency that it is obligated to deliver. If the Fund retains the
portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund, at the
time of execution of the offsetting transaction, will incur a gain or a loss to
the extent that movement has occurred in forward contract prices. Should forward
prices decline during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward
contract for the sale of currency and the date it enters into an offsetting
contract for the purchase of the currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the
extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the
currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund
will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to
purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.

     The cost to a Fund of engaging in currency transactions with factors such
as, the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the prevailing
market conditions. Because transactions in currency exchange are usually
conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of
forward currency contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying
prices of the securities.
                                       27
<PAGE>   183

     If a devaluation of a currency is generally anticipated, a Fund may not be
able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it
anticipates.

     The Funds, in addition, may combine forward currency exchange contracts
with investments in securities denominated in other currencies in an attempt to
create a combined investment position, the overall performance of which will be
similar to that of a security denominated in a Fund's underlying currency. For
instance, a Fund could purchase a U.S. dollar-denominated security and at the
same time enter into a forward currency exchange contract to exchange U.S.
dollars for its underlying currency at a future date. By matching the amount of
U.S. dollars to be exchanged with the anticipated value of the U.S.
dollar-denominated security, the Fund may be able to "lock in" the foreign
currency value of the security and adopt a synthetic investment position whereby
the Fund's overall investment return from the combined position is similar to
the return from purchasing a foreign currency-denominated instrument.

     There is a risk in adopting a synthetic investment position. It is
impossible to forecast with absolute precision what the market value of a
particular security will be at any given time. If the value of a security
denominated in the U.S. dollar or other foreign currency is not exactly matched
with a Fund's obligation under a forward currency exchange contract on the date
of maturity, the Fund may be exposed to some risk of loss from fluctuations in
that currency. Although the Advisor and each sub-advisor will attempt to hold
such mismatching to a minimum, there can be no assurance that the Advisor or the
Fund's sub-advisor will be able to do so.

     There is less protection against defaults in the forward trading to
currencies than there is in trading such currencies on an exchange because such
forward contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house. The
Commodity Futures Trading Commission has indicated that it may assert
jurisdiction over forward contracts in foreign currencies and attempt to
prohibit certain entities from engaging in such transactions. In the event that
such prohibition included the Fund, it would cease trading such contracts.
Cessation of trading might adversely affect the performance of a Fund.


     - OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. The Growth, Mid Cap Stock, International
Growth, Short Term Income, High Yield and California Insured Intermediate
Municipal Funds may purchase and write put and call options on foreign
currencies for the purpose of hedging against declines in the U.S. dollar value
of foreign currency-denominated portfolio securities and against increases in
the U.S. dollar cost of such securities to be acquired. Such hedging includes
cross hedging and proxy hedging where the options to buy or sell currencies
involve other currencies besides the U.S. dollar. As one example, a decline in
the U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency in which securities are denominated
will reduce the U.S. dollar value of the securities, even if their value in the
foreign currency remains constant. To protect against diminutions in the value
of securities held by a Fund in a particular foreign currency, the Fund may
purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency does
decline, the Fund will have the right to sell the currency for a fixed amount in
U.S. dollars and may thereby offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on
its portfolio that otherwise would have resulted. When an increase in the U.S.
dollar value of a currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is
projected, thereby increasing the cost of the securities, the Fund conversely
may purchase call options on the currency. The purchase of such options could
offset, at least partially, the effects of the adverse movements in exchange
rates. As in the case of other types of options, however, the benefit to the
Fund deriving from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the
amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, if currency
exchange rates do not move in the direction, or to the extent anticipated, the
Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options that would
require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in
the rates.


     The Funds may also write covered call options on foreign currencies for the
types of hedging purposes described above. As one example, when the Advisor or
Fund's sub-advisor anticipates a decline in the U.S. dollar value of foreign
currency-denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates it
could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a covered call option on the
relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely
not be exercised, and the diminution in value of portfolio securities will be
offset by the amount of the premium received. As in the case of other types of
options, however, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only
a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only if

                                       28
<PAGE>   184

rates move in the expected direction. If this does not occur, the option may be
exercised and the Fund would be required to purchase or sell the underlying
currency at a loss that may not be offset by the amount of the premium. Through
the writing of options on foreign currencies, the Fund may also be required to
forego all or a portion of the benefits that might otherwise have been obtained
from favorable movements in exchange rates.

     A call option written on a foreign currency by a Fund is "covered" if the
Fund owns the underlying foreign currency covered by the call or has an absolute
and immediate right to acquire the foreign currency without additional cash
consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account
by Boston Safe, the Fund's Custodian, upon conversion or exchange of other
foreign currency held by the Fund). A call option also is covered if the Fund
has a call on the same foreign currency and in the same principal amount as the
call written when the exercise price of the call held (1) is equal to or less
than the exercise price of the call written or (2) is greater than the exercise
price of the call written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash,
U.S. Government Securities and other liquid debt securities in a segregated
account with Boston Safe.

     Options on foreign currencies traded on national securities exchanges are
within the jurisdiction of the SEC, as are other securities traded on those
exchanges. As a result, many of the projections provided to traders on organized
exchanges will be available with respect to those transactions. In particular,
all foreign currency option positions entered into on a national securities
exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the OCC, thereby reducing the risk of
counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a
national securities exchange may exist, potentially permitting the Fund to
liquidate open positions at a profit prior to their exercise or expiration, or
to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.

     The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign currency options are
subject to the risks of the availability of a liquid secondary market described
above, as well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, margining of
options written, the nature of the foreign currency market, possible
intervention by governmental authorities and the effects of other political and
economic events. In addition, exercise and settlement of exchange-traded foreign
currency options must be made exclusively through the OCC, which has established
banking relationships in applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a
result, the OCC may, if it determines that foreign governmental restrictions or
taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency option exercises,
or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or its clearing member, impose
special procedures on exercise and settlement, such as technical changes in the
mechanics of delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or
prohibitions on exercise.


     SECURITIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Although most of the investments of the
Equity Income, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock, International Growth,
Income and High Yield Funds are made in securities of companies in (or
governments of) developed countries, the Funds set forth above may also invest
in securities of companies in (or governments of) developing or emerging
countries (sometimes referred to as "emerging markets"). A developing or
emerging country is generally considered to be a country that is in the initial
stages of its industrialization cycle. "Developing or Emerging Markets," for the
WM Group of Funds, include all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, all
countries in Asia (except Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, and
Singapore), all countries in Africa and the Middle East (except Israel), all
former Eastern bloc countries, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent
States, Greece, Portugal and Turkey. Investing in the equity and fixed-income
markets of developing or emerging countries involves exposure to economic
structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems
that can be expected to have less stability than those of developed countries.
Historical experience indicates that the markets of developing or emerging
countries have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature economies
of developed countries.


     Price movements in the Fund's portfolio may not correlate precisely with
movements in the level of an index and, therefore, the use of options on
securities indexes cannot serve as a complete hedge. Because options on
securities indexes require settlement in cash, the Fund may be forced to
liquidate portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations.

                                       29
<PAGE>   185


     LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Certain of the Funds may lend portfolio
securities to brokers and other financial organizations. The Growth, Small Cap
Stock, International Growth and Short Term Income Funds each may lend portfolio
securities up to 20% of total assets. The Equity Income, Growth & Income,
Northwest, Mid Cap Stock, U.S. Government Securities, Income, High Yield and
Money Market Funds may lend portfolio securities up to 33% of total assets.
These Funds will adhere to the following conditions whenever its portfolio
securities are loaned: (1) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral
or equivalent securities from the borrower; (2) the borrower must increase the
collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above the level of
the collateral; (3) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4)
the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends,
interest or other distributions on the loaned securities and any increase in
market value; (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection
with the loan; and (6) voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the
borrower, provided that if a material event adversely affecting the investment
occurs, the Trusts' Board of Trustees must terminate the loan and regain the
right to vote the securities. From time to time, the Funds may pay a part of the
interest earned from the investment of the collateral received for securities
loaned to the borrower and/or a third party that is unaffiliated with the Trust
and that is acting as a "finder." The Funds will not lend more than 20% of their
respective total assets.


     MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. Municipal Obligations are securities, the interest
on which qualifies for exclusion from gross income for federal income tax
purposes in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer. The three principal
classifications of Municipal Obligations are Municipal Bonds, Municipal
Commercial Paper and Municipal Notes.

     Municipal Bonds, which generally have a maturity of more than one year when
issued, have two principal classifications: General Obligation Bonds and Revenue
Bonds. An AMT-Subject Bond is a particular kind of Revenue Bond. The
classifications of Municipal Bonds and AMT-Subject Bonds are discussed below.

     1. GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. The proceeds of these obligations are used to
        finance a wide range of public projects, including construction or
        improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems.
        General Obligation Bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its
        faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and
        interest.

     2. REVENUE BONDS. Revenue Bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of
        capital projects, including; electric, gas, water and sewer systems;
        highways, bridges and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and
        universities; and hospitals. The principal security for a Revenue Bond
        is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group
        of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or
        other specific revenue source. Although the principal security behind
        these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a
        debt service reserve fund which may be used to make principal and
        interest payments on the issuer's obligations. Some authorities provide
        further security in the form of a state's ability (without obligation)
        to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.

     3. AMT-SUBJECT BONDS. AMT-Subject Bonds are considered Municipal Bonds if
        the interest paid on them is excluded from gross income for federal
        income tax purposes and if they are issued by or on behalf of public
        authorities to raise money to finance, for example, privately operated
        manufacturing or housing facilities, publicly operated airport, dock,
        wharf, or mass-commuting facilities. The payment of the principal and
        interest on these bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the
        facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if
        any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such
        payment.

     MUNICIPAL COMMERCIAL PAPER issues typically represent short-term,
unsecured, negotiable promissory notes. These obligations are issued by agencies
of state and local governments to finance seasonal working capital needs of
municipalities or to provide interim construction financing, and are paid from
general revenues of municipalities or are refinanced with long-term debt. In
most cases, Municipal Commercial Paper is backed by letters of credit, lending
agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility agreements
offered by banks or other institutions.

                                       30
<PAGE>   186

     MUNICIPAL NOTES generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs
and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal Notes include:

     1. TAX ANTICIPATION NOTES. Tax Anticipation Notes are issued to finance
        working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, they are issued in
        anticipation of various seasonal tax revenues, such as income, sales,
        use and business taxes and are payable from these specific future taxes.

     2. REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTES. Revenue Anticipation Notes are issued in
        expectation of receipt of other kinds of revenue, such as federal
        revenues available under the Federal Revenue Sharing Program.

     3. BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES. Bond Anticipation Notes are issued to provide
        interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. In most
        cases, the long-term bonds provide the money for the repayment of the
        notes.


     4. CONSTRUCTION LOAN NOTES. Construction Loan Notes are sold to provide
        construction financing. Permanent financing, the proceeds of which are
        applied to the payment of Construction Loan Notes, is sometimes provided
        by a commitment by GNMA to purchase the loan, accompanied by a
        commitment by the Federal Housing Administration to insure mortgage
        advances thereunder. In other instances, permanent financing is provided
        by commitments of banks to purchase the loan. The Tax-Exempt Bond,
        California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate Municipal,
        Tax-Exempt Money Market, and California Money Funds (the "Municipal
        Funds") will only purchase Construction Loan Notes that are subject to
        GNMA or bank purchase commitments.


     From time to time, proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income
tax exemption for interest on Municipal Obligations have been introduced before
Congress. Similar proposals may be introduced in the future. If a proposal to
restrict or eliminate the federal tax exemption for interest on Municipal
Obligations were enacted, the availability of Municipal Obligations for
investment by the Municipal Funds would be adversely affected. In such event,
the Municipal Funds would reevaluate their respective investment objectives and
policies and submit possible changes in the structure of the Funds for the
consideration of shareholders.

     PARTICIPATION INTERESTS. The Municipal Funds may invest in participation
interests purchased from banks in floating rate or variable rate municipal
obligations (such as AMT-Subject Bonds) owned by banks. A participation interest
gives the purchaser an undivided interest in the municipal security in the
proportion that the relevant Fund's participation interest bears to the total
principal amount of the municipal security and provides a demand repurchase
feature. Each participation is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or
guarantee of a bank that meets the prescribed quality standards of the Fund. A
Fund has the right to sell the instrument back to the issuing bank or draw on
the letter of credit on demand for all or any part of the Fund's participation
interest in the municipal security, plus accrued interest. Banks will retain or
receive a service fee, letter of credit fee and a fee for issuing repurchase
commitments in an amount equal to the excess of the interest paid on the
municipal obligations over the negotiated yield at which the instruments were
purchased by the Fund. Participation interests in the form to be purchased by
the Fund are new instruments, and no ruling of the Internal Revenue Service has
been secured relating to their tax-exempt status. The Funds intend to purchase
participation interests based upon opinions of counsel to the issuer to the
effect that income from them is tax-exempt to the Fund.

     STAND-BY COMMITMENTS. The Municipal Funds may acquire stand-by commitments
with respect to municipal obligations held in their respective portfolios. Under
a stand-by commitment, a broker-dealer, dealer or bank would agree to purchase,
at the relevant Funds' option, a specified municipal security at a specified
price. Thus, a stand-by commitment may be viewed as the equivalent of a "put"
option acquired by a Fund with respect to a particular municipal security held
in the Fund's portfolio.

     The amount payable to a Fund upon its exercise of a stand-by commitment
normally would be (1) the acquisition cost of the municipal security (excluding
any accrued interest that the Fund paid on the acquisition), less any amortized
market premium or plus any amortized market or original issue discount during
the period the Fund owned the security, plus, (2) all interest accrued on the
security since the last interest payment date during the period the security was
owned by the Fund. Absent unusual circumstances,
                                       31
<PAGE>   187

the Fund would value the underlying municipal security at amortized cost. As a
result, the amount payable by the broker-dealer, dealer or bank during the time
a stand-by commitment is exercisable would be substantially the same as the
value of the underlying municipal obligation.

     A Fund's right to exercise a stand-by commitment would be unconditional and
unqualified. Although a Fund could not transfer a stand-by commitment, it could
sell the underlying municipal security to a third party at any time. It is
expected that stand-by commitments generally will be available to the Funds
without the payment of any direct or indirect consideration. The Funds may,
however, pay for stand-by commitments if such action is deemed necessary. In any
event, the total amount paid for outstanding stand-by commitments held in a
Fund's portfolio would not exceed 1/2 of 1% of the value of a Fund's total
assets calculated immediately after each stand-by commitment is acquired.

     The Funds intend to enter into stand-by commitments only with
broker-dealers, dealers or banks that the Advisor or their sub-advisor believes
present minimum credit risks. A Fund's ability to exercise a stand-by commitment
will depend upon the ability of the issuing institution to pay for the
underlying securities at the time the stand-by commitment is exercised. The
credit of each institution issuing a stand-by commitment to a Fund will be
evaluated on an ongoing basis by the Advisor or its sub-advisor in accordance
with procedures established by the Board of Trustees.

     A Fund intends to acquire stand-by commitments solely to facilitate
portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise its right thereunder for
trading purposes. The acquisition of a stand-by commitment would not affect the
valuation of the underlying municipal security. Each stand-by commitment will be
valued at zero in determining net asset value. Should a Fund pay directly or
indirectly for a stand-by commitment, its costs will be reflected in realized
gain or loss when the commitment is exercised or expires. The maturity of a
municipal security purchased by a Fund will not be considered shortened by any
stand-by commitment to which the obligation is subject. Thus, stand-by
commitments will not affect the dollar-weighted average maturity of a Fund's
portfolio.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS


     The ability of issuers to pay interest on, and repay principal of,
California municipal obligations ("California Municipal Obligations") may be
affected by (1) amendments to the California Constitution and related statutes
that limit the taxing and spending authority of California government entities,
(2) voter initiatives, (3) a wide variety of California laws and regulations,
including laws related to the operation of health care institutions and laws
related to secured interests in real property and (4) the general financial
condition of the State of California. The following information constitutes only
a brief summary, and is not intended as a complete description. The information
has been drawn, in some cases by excerpt, from official statements relating to
securities offerings of the State of California available as of the date of this
Statement of Additional Information. While the information has not been
independently verified by the California Municipal Fund, California Insured
Intermediate Municipal or California Money Fund (the "California Fund"), the
California Fund has no reason to believe that such information is not correct in
all material respects.


     AMENDMENTS TO THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION AND RELATED STATUTES. Since 1978
the California voters have voted to amend the California Constitution in a
number of ways which could affect a governmental entity's ability to budget or
raise sufficient funds to meet debt service on bonds and other obligations.

     These amendments, among other things, provide maximum limits on ad valorem
taxes on real property, appropriation limits for state and local governmental
entities, require new local taxes to be submitted to the electorate and make it
generally more difficult for local agencies to levy and maintain fees, charges
and assessments for municipal services and programs. These amendments may
adversely affect the ability of issuers of California Municipal Obligations to
make timely payments of principal and interest, and may adversely affect the
supply of California Municipal Obligations.

     OTHER RELEVANT CALIFORNIA LAWS. A wide variety of California laws and
regulations may affect, directly or indirectly, the payment of interest on, or
the repayment of the principal of, California Municipal

                                       32
<PAGE>   188


Obligations in which the California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate
Municipal and California Money Funds may invest. The impact of such laws and
regulations on particular California Municipal Obligations may vary depending
upon numerous factors including, among others, the particular type of Municipal
Security involved, the public purpose funded by the Municipal Security and the
nature and extent of insurance or other security for payment of principal and
interest on the Municipal Security. For example, California Municipal
Obligations which are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular
facility may be adversely affected by California laws or regulations which make
it more difficult for the particular facility to generate revenues sufficient to
pay such interest and principal, including, among others, laws and regulations
which limit the amount of fees, rates or other charges which may be imposed for
use of the facility or which increase competition among facilities of that type
or which limit or otherwise have the effect of reducing the use of such
facilities generally, thereby reducing the revenues generated by the particular
facility. California Municipal Obligations, the payment of interest and
principal on which is insured in whole or in part by a California governmentally
created fund, may be adversely affected by California laws or regulations which
restrict the aggregate insurance proceeds available for payment of principal and
interest in the event of a default on such Municipal Obligations.



     Certain California Municipal Obligations in which the California Municipal,
California Insured Intermediate and California Money Funds may invest may be
obligations that are payable solely from the revenues of health care
institutions. Certain provisions under California law may adversely affect such
revenues and, consequently, payment on those California Municipal Obligations.



     Certain California Municipal Obligations in which the California Municipal,
California Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds may invest
may be obligations which are secured in whole or in part by a mortgage or deed
of trust on real property. California has five principal statutory provisions
which limit the remedies of a creditor secured by a mortgage or deed of trust,
two of which limit the creditor's right to obtain a deficiency judgment. One of
the limitations is based on the method of foreclosure and the other on the type
of debt secured. Under the former, a deficiency judgment is barred when the
foreclosure is accomplished by means of a nonjudicial trustee's sale. Under the
latter, a deficiency judgment is barred when the foreclosed mortgage or deed of
trust secures certain purchase money obligations. Another California statute,
commonly known as the "one form of action" rule, requires the creditors secured
by real property to exhaust their real property security by foreclosure before
bringing a personal action against the debtor. The fourth statutory provision
limits any deficiency judgment obtained by a creditor secured by real property
following a judicial sale of such property to the excess of the outstanding debt
over the fair value of the property at the time of the sale, thus preventing the
creditor from obtaining a large deficiency judgment against the debtor as the
result of low bids at a judicial sale. The fifth statutory provision gives the
debtor the right to redeem the real property from any judicial foreclosure sale
as to which a deficiency judgment may be ordered against the debtor.


     Upon the default of a mortgage or deed of trust with respect to California
real property, the creditor's nonjudicial foreclosure rights under the power of
sale contained in the mortgage or deed of trust are subject to the constraints
imposed by California law upon transfers of title to real property by private
power of sale. During the three-month period beginning with the filing of a
formal notice of default, the debtor is entitled to reinstate the mortgage by
making any overdue payments. Under standard loan servicing procedures, the
filing of the formal notice of default does not occur unless at least three full
monthly payments have become due and remain unpaid. The power of sale is
exercised by posting and publishing a notice of sale for at least 20 days after
expiration of the three-month reinstatement period. Therefore, the effective
minimum period for foreclosing on a home mortgage could be in excess of seven
months after the initial default. Such time delays in collections could disrupt
the flow of revenues available to an issuer for the payment of debt service on
the outstanding obligations if such defaults occur with respect to a substantial
number of mortgages or deeds of trust securing an issuer's obligations.

     In addition, a court could find that there is sufficient involvement of the
issuer in the nonjudicial sale of property securing a mortgage for such private
sale to constitute "state action," and could hold that the private-
right-of-sale proceedings violate the due process requirements of the Federal or
State Constitutions, consequently preventing an issuer from using the
nonjudicial foreclosure remedy described above.
                                       33
<PAGE>   189


     Certain California Municipal Obligations in which the California Municipal,
California Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds may invest
may be obligations which finance the acquisition of single family home mortgages
for low and moderate income mortgagors. These obligations may be payable solely
from revenues derived from the home mortgages, and are subject to the California
statutory limitations described above applicable to obligations secured by real
property. Under California anti-deficiency legislation, there is no personal
recourse against a mortgagor of a single family residence purchased with the
loan secured by the mortgage, regardless of whether the creditor chooses
judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure.


     Under California law, mortgage loans secured by single family
owner-occupied dwellings may be prepaid at any time. Prepayment charges on such
mortgage loans may be imposed only with respect to voluntary prepayments made
during the first five years during the term of the mortgage loan, and cannot in
any event exceed six months' advance interest on the amount prepaid in any
twelve month period in excess of 20% of the original amount of the mortgage
loan. This limitation could affect the flow of revenues available to an issuer
for debt service on the outstanding debt obligations which financed such home
mortgages.


     Because of the diverse nature of such laws and regulations and the
impossibility of either predicting in which specific California Municipal
Obligations the California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate Municipal
and California Money Funds will invest from time to time or predicting the
nature or extent of future changes in existing laws or regulations or the future
enactment or adoption of additional laws or regulations, it is not presently
possible to determine the impact of such laws and regulations on the Municipal
Obligations in which the California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate
Municipal and California Money Funds may invest and, therefore, on the units of
the California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate Municipal or
California Money Funds.



     ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS. With respect to Municipal Obligations issued by
the State of California and its political subdivisions, as well as certain other
governmental issuers such as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trusts cannot
predict what legislation, if any, may be proposed in the California State
Legislature as regards the California State personal income tax status of
interest on such obligations, or which proposals, if any, might be enacted. Such
proposals, if enacted, might materially adversely affect the availability of
California Municipal Obligations for investment by the California Municipal,
California Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds and the
value of the Fund's investments. In such event, the Trustees would reevaluate
the investment objective and policies of the California Municipal, California
Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds and consider changes
in its investments structure or possible dissolution.



     LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. The Equity Income, Growth & Income, Mid Cap Stock,
Small Cap Stock, Income and Tax-Exempt Bond Funds may each invest up to 35%, and
the Growth Fund up to 20%, of their total assets, respectively, in
non-investment grade securities (rated Ba and lower by Moody's and BB and lower
by S&P) or unrated securities determined to be of comparable quality by the
Advisor. The High Yield Fund may invest entirely in such securities and will
generally invest at least 65% of its assets in such securities. Such securities
carry a high degree of risk (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy
of the issuer of such securities), generally involve greater volatility of price
and risk of principal and income, and may be less liquid, than securities in the
higher rating categories and are considered speculative. See the Appendix to
this SAI for a more detailed description of the ratings assigned by ratings
organizations and their respective characteristics.


     Historically, economic downturns have disrupted the high yield market and
impaired the ability of issuers to repay principal and interest. Also, an
increase in interest rates could adversely affect the value of such obligations
held by any of the Funds set forth above. Prices and yields of high yield
securities will fluctuate over time and may affect a Fund's net asset value. In
addition, investments in high yield zero coupon or pay-in-kind bonds, rather
than income-bearing high yield securities, may be more speculative and may be
subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates.

     The trading market for high yield securities may be thin to the extent that
there is no established retail secondary market or because of a decline in the
value of such securities. A thin trading market may limit the ability of the
Trustees to accurately value high yield securities in the Fund's portfolio and
to dispose of those
                                       34
<PAGE>   190

securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions may decrease the value
and liquidity of high yield securities. These securities may also involve
special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs.

     Credit quality in the high yield securities market can change suddenly and
unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the
actual risks posed by a particular high yield security. For these reasons, it is
the policy of the Advisor and the sub-advisor of each of the Funds not to rely
exclusively on ratings issued by established credit rating agencies, but to
supplement such ratings with its own independent and ongoing review of credit
quality. The achievement of a Fund's investment objectives by investment in such
securities may be more dependent on the Advisor or its sub-advisor's credit
analysis than is the case for higher quality bonds. Should the rating of a
portfolio security be downgraded the Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor will
determine whether it is in the best interest of the Fund to retain or dispose of
the security.

     Prices for below investment-grade securities may be affected by legislative
and regulatory developments. For example, new federal rules require savings and
loan institutions to gradually reduce their holdings of this type of security.
Also, Congress from time to time has considered legislation which would restrict
or eliminate the corporate tax deduction for interest payments on these
securities and would regulate corporate restructurings. Such legislation may
significantly depress the prices of outstanding securities of this type.

                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS


     Certain of the Portfolios' and Funds' investment restrictions set forth
below are fundamental policies. A fundamental policy may not be changed without
the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio or
Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. Such a majority is defined in the 1940 Act as
the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting of shareholders
of the Portfolio or Fund, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares of the Portfolio or Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio or Fund. A fundamental
policy affecting a particular Portfolio or Fund may not be changed without the
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the affected Portfolio or Fund.



     RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO THE GROWTH, SMALL CAP STOCK, INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH, SHORT TERM INCOME, CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL, CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE
MUNICIPAL AND CALIFORNIA MONEY FUNDS:


     Restrictions 1 through 16 are fundamental policies of the Funds. Investment
restrictions 17 through 26 may be changed by the WM Trust II's Board of Trustees
at any time, without shareholder approval.

     The above listed Funds are prohibited from:


      1. Purchasing the securities of any issuer (other than U.S. Government
         securities) if as a result more than 5% of the value of the Fund's
         total assets would be invested in the securities of the issuer (the "5%
         Limitation"), except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total
         assets may be invested without regard to the 5% Limitation; provided
         that this restriction shall not apply to the California Municipal,
         California Insured Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds.



      2. Purchasing more than 10% of the securities of any class of any one
         issuer; provided that this limitation shall not apply to investments in
         U.S. Government securities; provided further that this restriction
         shall not apply to the Growth, California Municipal, California Insured
         Intermediate Municipal and California Money Funds; and provided further
         that the Growth Fund may not own more than 10% of the outstanding
         voting securities of a single issuer.


      3. Purchasing securities on margin, except that a Fund may obtain any
         short-term credits necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales
         of securities. For purposes of this restriction, the deposit or payment
         of initial or variation margin in connection with futures contracts or
         related options will not be deemed to be a purchase of securities on
         margin.

      4. Making short sales of securities or maintaining a short position;
         provided that this restriction shall not apply to the Growth and
         International Growth Funds.

                                       35
<PAGE>   191


      5. Borrowing money, except that (a) the Funds may (i) enter into reverse
         repurchase agreements or (ii) borrow from banks for temporary or
         emergency (not leveraging) purposes including the meeting of redemption
         requests that might otherwise require the untimely disposition of
         securities in an aggregate amount not exceeding 30% of the value of a
         Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at market
         less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the
         borrowing is made, (b) the Growth, Small Cap Stock, International
         Growth, Short Term Income, California Municipal and California Insured
         Intermediate Municipal Funds may enter into futures contracts, and (c)
         the Short Term Income Fund may engage in dollar roll transactions;
         provided that whenever borrowings pursuant to (a) above (except that
         whenever borrowings pursuant to (a)(ii) above) exceed 5% of the value
         of a Fund's total assets, the Fund will not purchase any securities;
         and provided further that the Short Term Income Fund is prohibited from
         borrowing money or entering into reverse repurchase agreements or
         dollar roll transactions in the aggregate in excess of 33 1/3% of the
         Fund's total assets (after giving effect to any such borrowing).


      6. Pledging, hypothecating, mortgaging or otherwise encumbering more than
         30% of the value of the Fund's total assets. For purposes of this
         restriction, (a) the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with the
         writing of covered put or call options and the purchase of securities
         on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis and (b) collateral
         arrangements with respect to (i) the purchase and sale of options on
         securities, options on indexes and options on foreign currencies, and
         (ii) initial or variation margin for futures contracts will not be
         deemed to be pledges of a Fund's assets.

      7. Underwriting the securities of other issuers, except insofar as the
         Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as
         amended, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.

      8. Purchasing or selling real estate or interests in real estate, except
         that a Fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured, directly
         or indirectly, by real estate and may purchase securities issued by
         companies that invest or deal in real estate.


      9. Investing in commodities, except that the Growth, Small Cap Stock,
         International Growth, Short Term Income, California Municipal and
         California Insured Intermediate Municipal Funds may invest in futures
         contracts and options on futures contracts. The entry into forward
         foreign currency exchange contracts is not and shall not be deemed to
         involve investing in commodities.


     10. Investing in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development
         programs.

     11. Making loans, except through the purchase of qualified debt
         obligations, loans of portfolio securities (except in the case of the
         California Municipal Fund) and the entry into repurchase agreements.

     12. Investing in securities of other investment companies registered or
         required to be registered under the 1940 Act, except as they may be
         acquired as part of a consolidation, reorganization, acquisition of
         assets or an offer of exchange or as otherwise permitted by law,
         including the 1940 Act.

     13. Purchasing any securities that would cause more than 25% of the value
         of the Fund's total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in
         the securities of issuers conducting their principal business
         activities in the same industry provided that this limitation shall not
         apply to the purchase of (a) U.S. Government securities, (b) municipal
         obligations issued by governments or political subdivisions of
         governments or (c) with respect to the California Money Fund, U.S.
         dollar-denominated bank instruments such as certificates of deposit,
         time deposits, bankers' acceptances and letters of credit that have
         been issued by U.S. banks.


     14. Purchasing, writing or selling puts, calls, straddles, spreads or
         combinations thereof; provided that this restriction shall not apply to
         the Growth, Short Term Income and California Insured Intermediate
         Municipal Funds; and provided further that (a) the Small Cap Stock and
         International Growth Funds may purchase, write and sell covered put and
         call options on securities, (b) the Small Cap Stock, International
         Growth and California Municipal Funds may purchase, write and sell
         futures contracts and options on futures contracts, (c) the California
         Municipal and California


                                       36
<PAGE>   192


         Money Funds may acquire stand-by commitments, (d) the Small Cap Stock
         and International Growth Funds may purchase and write put and call
         options on stock indexes, and (e) the International Growth Fund may
         purchase put and call options and write covered call options on foreign
         currency contracts.



     15. With respect to the Growth Fund, investing more than 20% of the Fund's
         assets in non-investment grade debt securities.


     16. With respect to the Short Term Income Fund, having a dollar-weighted
         average portfolio maturity in excess of five years.

     17. With respect to the Growth Fund, investing more than 25% of the Fund's
         assets in foreign securities.


     18. Purchasing securities that are not readily marketable if more than 10%
         of the net assets of a Money Fund, or more than 15% of the net assets
         of a Non-Money Fund, would be invested in such securities, including,
         but not limited to: (1) repurchase agreements with maturities greater
         than seven calendar days; (2) time deposits maturing in more than seven
         calendar days; provided that the Funds may not invest more than 10% of
         its total assets in such securities, except the Growth and Short Term
         Income Funds (3) to the extent a liquid secondary market does not exist
         for the instruments, futures contracts and options thereon; (4) certain
         over-the-counter options, as described in this SAI; (5) certain
         variable rate demand notes having a demand period of more than seven
         days; and (6) certain Rule 144A restricted securities that are deemed
         to be illiquid.


     19. Purchasing any security if as a result the Fund would then have more
         than 5% of its total assets invested in securities of companies
         (including predecessors) that have been in continuous operation for
         less than three years; provided that in the case of industrial revenue
         bonds purchased for the Municipal Funds, this restriction shall apply
         to the entity supplying the revenues from which the issue is to be
         paid.

     20. Making investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.

     21. Purchasing or retaining securities of any company if, to the knowledge
         of the Company, any of the Company's officers or Trustees or any
         officer or director of the Advisor or a sub-advisor individually owns
         more than 1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such company and
         together they own beneficially more than 5% of the securities.

     22. Investing in warrants, (other than warrants acquired by the Fund as
         part of a unit or attached to securities at the time of purchase) if,
         as a result, the investments (valued at the lower of cost or market)
         would exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets or if, as a
         result, more than 2% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in
         warrants not listed on a recognized United States or foreign stock
         exchange, to the extent permitted by applicable state securities laws.

     23. Purchasing or selling interests in real estate limited partnerships.

     24. Investing in mineral leases.

     25. Entering into Strategic Transactions otherwise prohibited by the Fund's
         investment restrictions or in the aggregate in excess of 25% of the
         Fund's net assets, for purposes other than bona fide hedging positions
         or that are not "covered," subject to such greater percentage
         limitations as may be imposed by the Advisor from time to time.


     For purposes of the investment restrictions described above, the issuer of
a municipal security is deemed to be the entity (public or private) ultimately
responsible for the payment of the principal of and interest on the security.
For purposes of investment restriction 13 above, AMT-Subject Bonds and Revenue
Bonds, the payment of principal and interest on which is the ultimate
responsibility of companies within the same industry, are grouped together as an
"industry." The percentage limitations contained in the restrictions listed
above apply at the time of purchase of securities, and shall not be considered
violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs immediately after and as a result
of such purchase.


                                       37
<PAGE>   193


THE INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH BELOW HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY WM TRUST I WITH
RESPECT TO THE WM TRUST I FUNDS AS FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES.



     Each of the Money Market and Tax-Exempt Money Market Funds may not:


      1. invest in common stocks or other equity securities(1)

      2. borrow money for investment purposes, except that each Fund may borrow
         up to 5% of its total assets in emergencies, and may borrow up to
         33 1/3% of such assets to meet redemption requests that would otherwise
         result in the untimely liquidation of vital parts of its portfolio;

      3. buy securities on margin, mortgage or pledge its securities, or engage
         in "short" sales;

      4. buy or sell options;

      5. act as underwriter of securities issued by others;

      6. buy securities restricted as to resale under federal securities laws
         (other than securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under
         the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and except in connection with
         repurchase agreements);

      7. buy or sell real estate, real estate investment trust securities,
         commodities, or oil, gas and mineral interests;

      8. lend money, except in connection with repurchase agreements and for
         investments made in accordance with Fund policies discussed in the
         Prospectus;

      9. issue senior securities;

     10. invest more than 5%* of its total assets in the securities of any
         single issuer (except for the United States Government, its agencies or
         instrumentalities);

     11. invest more than 25%* of its total assets in securities of issuers in
         any single industry;

     12. invest more than 10%* of its net assets in illiquid securities;

     13. invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.

     The Money Market Fund May Not:

     1. invest in other investment companies (except as part of a merger).

     The Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund May Not:

     1. invest more than 20%* of its assets in obligations that pay interest
subject to federal alternative minimum tax.


     Each of the U.S. Government Securities, Income and Tax-Exempt Bond Funds
may not:


      1. invest more than 5%* of its total assets in any single issuer other
         than U.S. Government securities, except that up to 25% of a Fund's
         assets may be invested without regard to this 5% limitation;

      2. acquire more than 10%* of the voting securities of any one company;

      3. invest in any company for the purpose of management or exercising
         control;

      4. invest in real estate or commodities, although the Income Fund may
         purchase securities of issuers which deal in real estate, securities
         which are secured by interests in real estate, and/or securities which
         represent interests in real estate, and it may acquire and dispose of
         real estate or interests in

---------------


 * Percentage at the time the investment is made.


(1) For purposes of determining compliance with this restriction, the Tax-Exempt
   Money Market Fund will not consider securities of other money market Funds to
   be "common stocks or other equities."
                                       38
<PAGE>   194

         real estate acquired through the exercise of its rights as a holder of
         debt obligations secured by real estate interests therein, and the
         Income and Tax-Exempt Bond Funds may purchase and sell interest rate
         futures and options;

      5. invest in oil, gas or other mineral leases;

      6. invest in securities restricted under federal securities laws other
         than securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the
         Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

      7. invest more than 20%* of its assets in forward commitments;

      8. invest more than 25%* of its assets in any single industry;**

      9. invest more than 15%* of its net assets in illiquid securities;

     10. buy foreign securities not payable in U.S. dollars (not applicable to
         the Income Fund);

     11. buy securities on margin, mortgage or pledge its securities, or engage
         in "short" sales;

     12. invest more than 5%* of its net assets in warrants including not more
         than 2%* of such net assets in warrants that are not listed on either
         the New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange; however,
         warrants acquired in units or attached to securities may be deemed to
         be without value for the purpose of this restriction;

     13. act as underwriter of securities issued by others;

     14. borrow money for investment purposes, although it may borrow up to 5%
         of its total net assets for emergency, non-investment purposes and,
         except for the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, may enter into transactions in
         which the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and
         simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities
         on a specified future date;

     15. lend money (except for the execution of repurchase agreements);

     16. buy or sell put or call options;

     17. issue senior securities.

In addition,


     The U.S. Government Securities Fund may not:


     1. invest less than 80%* of its assets in obligations guaranteed by the
        U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities or in repurchase
        agreements or collateralized mortgage obligations secured by these
        obligations.


     The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund may not:


     1. buy or hold securities which directors or officers of the Fund or the
        Advisor hold more than .50% of the outstanding securities.


     The U.S. Government Securities and Income Funds may not:


     1. invest in other investment companies (except as part of a merger).


     The U.S. Government Securities and Tax-Exempt Bond Funds may not:


     1. buy common stocks or other equity securities, except that the Tax-Exempt
        Bond Fund may invest in other investment companies.

*  Percentage at the time the investment is made.

** It is a policy of the Income Fund to consider electric utilities, electric
   and gas utilities, gas utilities, and telephone utilities to be separate
   industries. The Fund also considers foreign issues to be a separate industry.
   It is a policy of the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund to apply this restriction only to
   its assets in non-

                                       39
<PAGE>   195

   municipal bond holdings, pollution control revenue bonds and industrial
   development revenue bonds. These policies may result in increased risk.


     The Mid Cap Stock and High Yield Funds may not:


      1. invest more than 5% of its total assets in any single issuer other than
         U.S. Government Securities, except that up to 25% of the Fund's assets
         may be invested without regard to this 5% limitation;

      2. acquire more than 10% of the voting securities of any one company;

      3. invest in real estate** or commodities;

      4. invest in oil, gas or other mineral leases;

      5. invest more than 25% or more of its assets in any single industry;*

      6. buy securities on margin, mortgage or pledge its securities;

      7. act as underwriter of securities issued by others;

      8. borrow money for investment purposes (it may borrow up to 5% of its
         total assets for emergency, non-investment purposes);

      9. lend money (except for the execution of repurchase agreements);

     10. issue senior securities.

*  Percentage at the time the investment is made.

** This restriction will not prevent the Fund from purchasing and selling
   securities that are secured, directly or indirectly, by real estate or
   purchasing securities issued by companies that invest or deal in real estate.


     Each of the Equity Income, Growth & Income and Northwest Funds may not:


      1. invest more than 5%* of its total assets in securities of any single
         issuer other than U.S. Government Securities, except that up to 25% of
         a Fund's assets may be invested without regard to this 5% limitation;

      2. acquire more than 10%* of the voting securities of any one company;

      3. invest in any company for the purpose of management or exercising
         control;

      4. invest in real estate (except publicly traded real estate investment
         trusts);

      5. invest in commodities;

      6. invest in oil, gas or other mineral leases;

      7. invest in other investment companies (except as part of a merger);

      8. invest more than 20%* of its total assets in forward commitments or
         repurchase agreements;

      9. invest more than 25%* of its total assets in any single industry;

     10. act as underwriter of securities issued by others;

     11. borrow money for investment purposes (it may borrow up to 5% of its
         total net assets for emergency, non-investment purposes);

     12. lend money (except for the execution of repurchase agreements);

     13. issue senior securities;

     14. buy or sell options, with the exception of covered call options which
         must be limited to 20% of total assets;

     15. buy or sell futures-related securities;

                                       40
<PAGE>   196

     16. invest in securities restricted under federal securities laws (other
         than securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the
         Securities Act of 1933, as amended);

     17. invest more than 15%* of its net assets in illiquid securities;

     18. buy securities on margin, mortgage or pledge its securities, or engage
         in "short" sales;

     19. invest more than 5%* of its net assets in warrants including not more
         than 2% of such net assets in warrants that are not listed on either
         New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange; however, warrants
         acquired in units or attached to securities may be deemed to be without
         value for the purpose of this restriction;

     20. invest more than 25%* of its total assets in foreign securities and
         then only in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign securities.

* Percentage at the time the investment is made.


THE INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH BELOW HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY THE PORTFOLIOS
AS FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES.



     Each of the Strategic Growth, Conservative Growth, Balanced, Conservative
Balanced Portfolios and Flexible Income may not


     1. purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of
        ownership of securities or other instruments (except this shall not
        prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options or futures contracts
        or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
        commodities);

     2. purchase or sell real estate including limited partnership interests,
        although it may purchase and sell securities of companies that deal in
        real estate and may purchase and sell securities that are secured by
        interests in real estate;

     3. make loans to any person, except loans of portfolio securities to the
        extent that no more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to
        other parties, but this limitation does not apply to purchases of debt
        securities or repurchase agreements;

     4. (i) purchase more than 10% of any class of the outstanding voting
        securities of any issuer (except other investment companies as defined
        in the 1940 Act) and (ii) purchase securities of an issuer (except
        obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and
        instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies as
        defined in the 1940 Act) if as a result, with respect to 75% of its
        total assets, more than 5% of the Portfolio's total assets, at market
        value, would be invested in the securities of such issuer.

     5. issue senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) except as permitted
        by rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission;

     6. will not borrow, except from banks for temporary or emergency (not
        leveraging) purposes including the meeting of redemption requests that
        might otherwise require the untimely disposition of securities in an
        aggregate amount not exceeding 30% of the value of the Portfolio's total
        assets (including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is
        made; and whenever borrowings by a Portfolio, including reverse
        repurchase agreements, exceed 5% of the value of a Portfolio's total
        assets, the Portfolio will not purchase any securities;

     7. underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the
        Portfolio may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the
        1933 Act in the disposition of restricted securities; and

     8. write or acquire options or interests in oil, gas or other mineral
        exploration or development programs.

                               PORTFOLIO TURNOVER


     The Money Funds attempt to increase yields by trading to take advantage of
short-term market variations, which result in high portfolio turnover and high
transactions costs. The Equity Income, Growth &


                                       41
<PAGE>   197


Income, Northwest, Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock and International
Growth, Short Term Income, U.S. Government Securities Income, High Yield,
Tax-Exempt Bond, California Municipal and California Insured Intermediate
Municipal Funds do not intend to seek profits through short-term trading.
Nevertheless, the Funds will not consider portfolio turnover rate a limiting
factor in making investment decisions.



     Under certain market conditions, the Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap
Stock, International Growth, Short Term Income or California Insured
Intermediate Municipal Funds may experience increased portfolio turnover as a
result of such Fund's options activities. For instance, the exercise of a
substantial number of options written by a Fund (due to appreciation of the
underlying security in the case of call options or depreciation of the
underlying security in the case of put options) could result in a turnover rate
in excess of 100%. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of a
Fund's securities that are included in the computation of turnover were replaced
once during a period of one year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by
dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year
by the monthly average value of portfolio securities. Securities with remaining
maturities of one year or less at the date of acquisition are excluded from the
calculation. During fiscal year 2000, each of the Growth and International
Growth Funds experienced a significant increase in portfolio turnover rate from
fiscal year 1999. The Growth Fund rose to   % from   %, and the International
Growth Fund rose to   % from   %.


     Certain other practices that may be employed by the Funds could result in
high portfolio turnover. For example, portfolio securities may be sold in
anticipation of a rise in interest rates (market decline) or purchased in
anticipation of a decline in interest rates (market rise) and later sold. In
addition, a security may be sold and another of comparable quality purchased at
approximately the same time to take advantage of what the Advisor or a Fund's
sub-advisor believes to be a temporary disparity in the normal yield
relationship between the two securities. These yield disparities may occur for
reasons not directly related to the investment quality of particular issues or
the general movement of interest rates, such as changes in the overall demand
for, or supply of, various types of securities.

                            SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

     Most of the purchases and sales of securities for a Fund, whether
transacted on a securities exchange or over-the-counter, will be effected in the
primary trading market for the securities. Decisions to buy and sell securities
for a Fund are made by the Advisor or the relevant sub-advisor, which also is
responsible for placing these transactions, subject to the overall review of the
Trusts' Board of Trustees. Although investment decisions for each Fund are made
independently from those of the other accounts managed by the Advisor or the
sub-advisor, investments of the type the Fund may make may also be made by those
other accounts. When a Fund and one or more other accounts managed by the
Advisor or the sub-advisor are prepared to invest in, or desire to dispose of,
the same security, available investments or opportunities for sales will be
allocated in a manner believed by the Advisor or the sub-advisor to be equitable
to each. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the price paid or
received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained or disposed of by the
Fund. In other cases, however, it is believed that coordination and the ability
to participate in volume transactions will be to the benefit of the Fund.

     Transactions on U.S. exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage
commissions. With respect to exchanges on which commissions are negotiated, the
cost of transactions may vary among different brokers. There is generally no
stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter
markets, but the prices of those securities include undisclosed commissions or
concessions, and the prices at which securities are purchased from and sold to
dealers include a dealer's mark-up or mark-down. U.S. Government Securities may
be purchased directly from the U.S. Treasury or from the issuing agency or
instrumentality.

     In selecting brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf
of a Fund, the Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor seeks the best overall terms
available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction,
the Advisor and each sub-advisor will consider the factors that the Advisor or
the sub-advisor deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the
security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution
capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if
any, for
                                       42
<PAGE>   198

the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In addition, each advisory
agreement among the Trusts authorizes the Advisor, and a sub-advisory agreement
authorizes the sub-advisor, in selecting brokers or dealers to execute a
particular transaction and in evaluating the best overall terms available, to
consider the brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) provided to
the Trusts, the other Funds and/or other accounts over which the Advisor, the
sub-advisor or their affiliates exercise investment discretion. The fees under
the advisory agreements between the Trusts, the Advisor and the sub-advisors are
not reduced by reason of their receiving such brokerage and research services.
The Trusts' Board of Trustees will periodically review the commissions paid by
the Funds to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of
time were reasonable in relation to the benefits received by the Trusts.

     Consistent with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the rules and
exemptions adopted by the Commission thereunder, and relevant interpretive and
"no-action" positions taken by the Commission's staff, the Trusts' Board of
Trustees has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to
ensure that all portfolio transactions with affiliates will be fair and
reasonable. Under the procedures adopted, portfolio transactions for a Fund may
be executed through any affiliated broker (other than affiliated persons of the
Trust solely because the broker is an affiliated person of a sub-advisor of
another Fund) if, subject to other conditions in the Rule 17e-1 procedures, in
the judgment of the Advisor or the Fund's sub-advisor, the use of an affiliated
broker is likely to result in price and execution at least as favorable as those
of other qualified broker-dealers, and if, in the transaction an affiliated
broker charges the Fund a rate consistent with those charged for comparable
transactions in comparable accounts of the broker's most favored unaffiliated
clients. Over-the-counter purchases and sales are transacted directly with
principal market makers except in those cases in which better prices and
executions may be obtained elsewhere.

     For the years set forth below, the WM Trust I and WM Trust II Funds paid
the following brokerage commissions:

                        TOTAL BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                          -----------------------------------------
                                                          OCTOBER 31,    OCTOBER 31,    OCTOBER 31,
                          FUND                               2000           1999           1998
                          ----                            -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
Equity Income Fund**....................................                 $  390,026      $200,832
Growth & Income Fund**..................................                  1,244,070       643,715
Northwest Fund**........................................                    215,410        59,090
Growth Fund***..........................................                    886,895        63,900
Small Cap Stock***......................................                     82,407        29,914
International Growth Fund***............................                  1,092,074        47,507
Short Term Income Fund***...............................                      2,345            --
U.S. Government Securities Fund*........................                      2,415            --
Income Fund*............................................                      1,525            --
High Yield Fund.........................................                     22,639           757
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund*...................................                      2,712           n/a
California Municipal Fund***............................                      8,628           n/a
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund..........                      1,095           n/a
Money Market Fund*......................................                         --            --
Tax-Exempt Money Market*................................                         --            --
California Money Fund***................................                         --            --
</TABLE>


---------------
  * Fiscal year changed from 12/31 to 10/31 as of 10/31/98

 ** Fiscal year ended 10/31

*** Fiscal year end changed from 6/30 to 10/31 as of 10/31/98

                                       43
<PAGE>   199


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    TOTAL AMOUNT OF
                                                             TOTAL BROKERAGE       TRANSACTIONS WHERE
                                                             COMMISSIONS PAID    BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
                                                             TO BROKERS THAT      WERE PAID TO BROKERS
                                                            PROVIDED RESEARCH    THAT PROVIDED RESEARCH
                                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED      FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                           FUND                              OCTOBER 31, 2000       OCTOBER 31, 2000
                           ----                             ------------------   ----------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                  <C>
Equity Income Fund........................................      $                    $
Growth & Income Fund......................................
Northwest Fund............................................
Growth Fund...............................................
Small Cap Stock...........................................
International Growth Fund.................................
Short Term Income Fund....................................
U.S. Government Securities Fund...........................
Income Fund...............................................
High Yield Fund...........................................
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund......................................
California Municipal Fund.................................
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund............
Money Market Fund.........................................
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund..............................
California Money Fund.....................................
</TABLE>



     As of December 31, 2000, none of the Funds held any securities of any
"regular broker or dealer" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the
Portfolios or Trusts.


                                NET ASSET VALUE

     The Trusts will calculate the net asset value of the Funds and Portfolios'
Class A, Class B, and Class I shares as of the close of regular trading on the
New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), Monday through
Friday, exclusive of national business holidays. The Trusts will be closed on
the following national holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day,
President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving and Christmas.

     A security that is primarily traded on a U.S. exchange (including
securities traded through the NASDAQ National Market System) is valued at the
last sale price on that exchange or, if there were no sales during the day, at
the mean of the current day's bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter securities
that are not traded through the NASDAQ National Market System and U.S.
Government Securities are valued at the mean of the current day's bid and asked
prices. An option is generally valued at the last sale price or, in the absence
of a last sale price, at the mean of the current day's bid and asked prices.
Short term debt securities that mature in 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost; assets of the Money Funds are also valued at amortized cost. The
value of a foreign security is determined in its national currency as of the
close of trading on the foreign exchange on which it is traded or as of 4:00
p.m. New York Time, if that is earlier, and that value is then converted into
its U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at noon, New
York time, on the day the value of the foreign security is determined. The value
of a futures contract equals the unrealized gain or loss on the contract, which
is determined by marking the contract to the current settlement price for a like
contract acquired on the day on which the futures contract is being valued. If
the market makes a limit move with respect to the security or index underlying
the futures contract, the futures contract will be valued at a fair market value
as determined by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees.

     Debt securities of U.S. issuers (other than U.S. Government Securities and
short-term investments), including Municipal Obligations, are valued by one or
more independent pricing services (each a "Pricing Service") retained by the
Trusts. When, in the judgment of a Pricing Service, market quotations for these
securities are readily available, they are valued at the mean between the quoted
bid prices and asked prices. Securities for which market quotations are not
readily available are valued at fair value as determined by, or

                                       44
<PAGE>   200

under the direction of, the Board of Trustees, which may rely on the assistance
of one or more Pricing Services. The procedures of each Pricing Service are
reviewed periodically by the officers of the Trusts under the general
supervision and responsibility of the Board of Trustees.

     VALUATION OF THE MONEY FUNDS. The valuation of the portfolio securities of
the Money Funds is based upon their amortized cost, which does not take into
account unrealized capital gains or losses. Amortized cost valuation involves
initially valuing an instrument at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant
amortization to maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of the impact of
fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the instrument. While this
method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which
value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price a Fund
would receive if it sold the instrument.

     The use by the Money Funds of the amortized cost method of valuing their
respective portfolio securities is permitted by a rule adopted by the SEC. Under
this rule, the Money Funds must maintain dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturities of 90 days or less, purchase only instruments having remaining
maturities of thirteen months or less and invest only in securities determined
by the Board of Trustees of the Trusts to present minimal credit risks. Pursuant
to the rule, the Board of Trustees also has established procedures designed to
stabilize, to the extent reasonably possible, the Funds' price per share as
computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions at $1.00. Such procedures
include review of the Funds' portfolio holdings by the Board of Trustees or its
delegate, at such intervals as the Board of Trustees may deem appropriate, to
determine whether the Funds' net asset values calculated by using available
market quotations or market equivalents deviates from $1.00 per share based on
amortized cost.

     In the event the Board of Trustees determines that a deviation exists which
may result in material dilution or other unfair results to investors or existing
shareholders, the Board of Trustees will cause the Trusts to take such
corrective action as the Board deems necessary and appropriate including:
selling portfolio instruments prior to maturity to realize capital gains or
losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity; withholding dividends or paying
distributions from capital or capital gains; redeeming shares in kind; or
establishing a net asset value per share by using available market quotations.

                          HOW TO BUY AND REDEEM SHARES


     Class A, Class B and Class I shares of the Portfolios and Funds may be
purchased and redeemed in the manner described in the Prospectus and in this
SAI. Class I shares are currently offered and sold only to the Portfolios.



     As stated in the prospectus, each Portfolios and Funds may sell class A
shares at net asset value to brokers, dealers and registered investment advisers
who have entered into arrangements with the Distributor providing specifically
for the shares to be used in particular investment products or programs made
available to their clients for which they may charge a separate fee. This
includes investment products or programs that are available only with respect to
the proceeds of redemptions of shares of other mutual funds on which the client
had paid an initial or contingent deferred sales charge.


COMPUTATION OF PUBLIC OFFERING PRICES

     The Funds offer their shares to the public on a continuous basis. The
public offering price per Class A share of the Funds is equal to the net asset
value next computed after receipt of a purchase order, plus the applicable
front-end sales charge, if any, as set forth in the Prospectus. The public
offering price per Class B, or Class I share of the Funds is equal to the net
asset value next computed after receipt of a purchase order.


     An illustration of the computation of the public offering price per share
of each Portfolio and Fund is contained in the financial statements incorporated
herein by reference.


     COMMISSIONS ON NAV SALES. The Distributor pays authorized dealers
commissions of up to 1% on purchases of Class A shares at net asset value that
are (i) part of a purchase of $1 million or more or (ii) sold

                                       45
<PAGE>   201

to qualified employee benefit plans (including SEPs and SIMPLEs) that have more
than 100 participants or that have more than $500,000 invested in the WM Group
of Funds.

PAYMENT IN SECURITIES


     In addition to cash, the Portfolios and Funds may accept securities as
payment for Portfolio or Fund shares at the applicable net asset value.
Generally, the Portfolios and Funds will only consider accepting securities to
increase their holding in a portfolio security or if WM Advisors determines that
the offered securities are a suitable investment for the Portfolio or Fund and
in a sufficient amount for efficient management.



     While no minimum has been established, the Portfolios and Funds may decide
not to accept securities as payment for shares at their discretion. The
Portfolios and Funds may reject in whole or in part any or all offers to pay for
purchasers of shares with securities, may require partial payment in cash for
such purchases to provide funds for applicable sales charges, and may
discontinue accepting securities as payment for shares at any time without
notice. The Portfolios and Funds will value accepted securities in the manner
described in the section "Net Asset Value" for valuing shares of the Portfolios
and Funds. The Portfolios and Funds will only accept securities which are
delivered in proper form. The acceptance of securities by certain of the
Portfolios or Funds in exchange for shares is subject to additional
requirements. For federal income tax purposes, a purchase of shares with
securities will be treated as a sale or exchange of such securities on which the
investor will generally realize a taxable gain or loss. The processing of a
purchase of Portfolio or Fund shares with securities involves certain delays
while the fund considers the suitability of such securities and while other
requirements are satisfied. For information regarding procedures for payment in
securities, contact WM Shareholder Services at 1-800-222-5852. Investors should
not send securities to the Portfolios and Funds except when authorized to do so
and in accordance with specific instructions received from WM Shareholder
Services.


REDEMPTIONS


     The procedures for redemption of Class A and Class B shares of each
Portfolio and Fund are summarized in the Prospectus under "How Can I Sell
Shares." The right of redemption of Class A and Class B shares of a Portfolio or
Fund may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (1) for any periods
during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than for customary
weekend and holiday closings), (2) when trading in the markets the Fund normally
utilizes is restricted, or an emergency, as defined by the rules and regulations
of the SEC, exists making disposal of a Portfolio's or Fund's investments or
determination of its net asset value not reasonably practicable or (3) for such
other periods as the SEC by order may permit for protection of shareholders.


     CERTAIN WAIVERS OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES. Contingent
deferred sales charges (each, a "CDSC") imposed upon redemptions of Class A and
Class B shares will be waived in certain instances.

     APPLICATION OF CLASS A SHARES CDSC. The Class A CDSC of 1.0% or 0.5% may be
imposed on certain redemptions within one or two years of purchase,
respectively, with respect to Class A shares (i) purchased at NAV without a
sales charge at time of purchase due to purchases of $1 million or more, or (ii)
acquired, including Class A shares of a Money Fund acquired, through an exchange
for Class A shares of a Non-Money Fund purchased at NAV without a sales charge
at time of purchase due to purchases of $1 million or more. The CDSCs for Class
A shares are calculated on the lower of the shares' cost or current net asset
value, and in determining whether the CDSC is payable, the Funds will first
redeem shares not subject to any CDSC.

     With respect to certain investors who purchase Class A shares through an
authorized dealer and who receive a waiver of the entire initial sales charge on
Class A shares because the Class A shares where purchased through a plan
qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code ("401(k) Plan") or through a plan
qualified under Section 403(b) of the Code ("403(b) Plan") or who hold Class A
shares of a Money Fund that were acquired through an exchange for Non-Money Fund
Class A shares that were purchased at NAV through one of such plans, a CDSC of
1% may be imposed on the amount that was invested through the plan in such Class
A shares and that is redeemed (i) if, within the first two years after the
plan's initial investment
                                       46
<PAGE>   202

in the Funds, the named fiduciary of the plan withdraws the plan from investing
in the Funds in a manner that causes all shares held by the plan's participants
to be redeemed; or (ii) by a plan participant in a 403(b) Plan within two years
of the plan participant's purchase of such Class A shares. This CDSC will be
waived on redemptions in connection with certain involuntary distributions,
including distributions arising out of the death or disability of a shareholder
(including one who owns the shares as joint tenant). See "How to Buy and Redeem
Shares" in the SAI.

     WAIVERS OF CLASS A SHARES CDSC. The Class A CDSC is waived for redemptions
of Class A shares (i) that are part of exchanges for Class A shares of other
Funds; (ii) for distributions to pay benefits to participants from a retirement
plan qualified under Section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Code, including
distributions due to the death or disability of the participant (including one
who owns the shares as a joint tenant); (iii) for distributions from a 403(b)
Plan or an IRA due to death, disability, or attainment of age 70 1/2, including
certain involuntary distributions; (iv) for tax-free returns of excess
contributions to an IRA; (v) for distributions by other employee benefit plans
to pay benefits; (vi) in connection with certain involuntary distributions;
(vii) for systematic withdrawals in amounts of 1% or less per month; and (viii)
by a 401(k) Plan participant so long as the shares were purchased through the
401(k) Plan and the 401(k) Plan continues in effect with investments in Class A
shares of the Fund. See "How to Buy and Redeem Shares" in the SAI.

     For purposes of the waivers described in such section of the Prospectus, a
person will be deemed "disabled" only if the person is unable to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or be of
long-continued and indefinite duration.


     DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE: CLASS B SHARES. If you choose the
deferred sales charge alternative, you will purchase Class B shares at their NAV
per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of purchase.
Class B shares of the Short Term Income Fund that are redeemed within four years
of purchase, and Class B shares of the remaining Portfolios and Funds that are
redeemed within five years of purchase, however, will be subject to a CDSC as
described below. CDSC payments and distribution fees on Class B shares may be
used to fund commissions payable to Authorized Dealers.


     No charge will be imposed with respect to shares having a value equal to
any net increase in the value of shares purchased during the preceding four or
five years and shares acquired by reinvestment of net investment income and
capital gain distributions. The amount of the charge is determined as a
percentage of the lesser of (1) the NAV of the shares at the time of purchase or
(2) the NAV of the shares at the time of redemption. The percentage used to
calculate the CDSC will depend on the number of years since you invested the
dollar amount being redeemed, according to the following tables:


<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
Class B shares of all           Class B shares of all           Class B shares of all Funds of
Portfolios and Funds (except    Portfolios and Funds of WM      WM Trust I purchased before
for the Short Term Income       Trust II (except for the Short  March 20, 1998(2) and the
Fund) purchased after March     Term Income Fund) purchased     Short Term Income Fund
20, 1998 (other than shares of  before March 20, 1998, and
the Funds received in           shares of the Funds received
connection with the merger of   in connection with the merger
other mutual funds into         of other mutual Funds into
certain Funds).                 certain funds.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      YEAR OF         CONTINGENT           YEAR OF           CONTINGENT          YEAR OF
    REDEMPTION         DEFERRED          REDEMPTION           DEFERRED         REDEMPTION          CONTINGENT
  AFTER PURCHASE     SALES CHARGE      AFTER PURCHASE       SALES CHARGE     AFTER PURCHASE      DEFERRED SALES
-------------------  ------------   ---------------------   ------------   -------------------   --------------
<S>                  <C>            <C>                     <C>            <C>                   <C>
First                    5.00%      First                       5.00%      First                      4.00%
Second                   4.00%      Second                      4.00%      Second                     3.00%
Third                    3.00%      Third                       3.00%      Third                      2.00%
Fourth                   2.00%      Fourth                      3.00%      Fourth                     1.00%
Fifth                    1.00%      Fifth                       2.00%      Fifth and following           0%
Sixth and following      0.00%      Sixth                       1.00%
                                    Seventh and following       0.00%
</TABLE>

                                       47
<PAGE>   203

---------------

(2) Class B shares of the U.S. Government Securities, Income and Tax-Exempt Bond
    Funds purchased prior to March 15, 1996, and Class B shares of the Equity
    Income, Growth & Income and Northwest Funds purchased prior to January 15,
    1996, are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 3% if redeemed
    the first or second year after purchase, 2% in the third or fourth year, 1%
    in the fifth year, and 0% in year six.


     For these purposes, all purchases are considered made on the last day of
the month of purchase. To determine the CDSC payable on a redemption of Class B
shares, a Fund will first redeem Class B shares not subject to a CDSC.
Thereafter, to determine the applicability and rate of any CDSC, it will be
assumed that shares representing the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain
distributions are redeemed first and shares held for the longest period of time
are redeemed next. Using this method, your sales charge, if any, will be at the
lowest possible CDSC rate.

     The Trusts will adopt procedures to convert Class B shares, without payment
of any sales charges, into Class A shares, which have lower distribution fees,
after the passage of a number of years after purchase. Such conversion may occur
in approximately eight years. Those shares of the former Griffin Funds purchased
prior to the merger with the WM Group of Funds may convert in approximately six
years.

     The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is subject to a
favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or a determination by the
Board of Trustees, after consultation with legal counsel, that such conversion
will not be subject to federal income tax. There can not be any assurance that a
ruling or determination will be available. If they should not be available, the
conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares would not occur and those shares
would continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A shares for an
indefinite period.

     WAIVERS OF CLASS B CDSCS. For each of the WM Trust II Funds purchased prior
to March 20, 1998, no CDSCs will be assessed on redemptions of Class B shares in
the case of systematic withdrawals in amounts of 1% or less per month; death of
the shareholder; and redemptions in connection with certain involuntary
distributions, including distributions arising out of the death or disability of
a shareholder or attainment of age 70 1/2, from IRAs. The foregoing waivers may
be changed at any time. For waivers with respect to each of the other Funds and
Portfolios, or for shares of the WM Trust II Funds purchased on or after March
20, 1998, see the Prospectus.

     DISTRIBUTIONS IN KIND. If the Board of Trustees determines that it would be
detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of a Fund to
make a redemption payment wholly in cash, the Trusts may pay, in accordance with
SEC rules, any portion of a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1%
of the Fund's net assets by distribution in kind of portfolio securities in lieu
of cash. Securities issued in a distribution in kind will be readily marketable,
although shareholders receiving distributions in kind may incur brokerage
commissions when subsequently redeeming shares of those securities.


     SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN. As described in the Prospectus, a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan may be established by a shareholder who owns either Class A or
Class B shares of a Fund with a value exceeding $5,000 and who wishes to receive
specific amounts of cash periodically. Monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual
withdrawals in a minimum amount of $100 may be made under the Systematic
Withdrawal Plan by redeeming as many shares of the Portfolio or Fund as may be
necessary to cover the stipulated withdrawal payment. The CDSC on Class B shares
is waived for withdrawals under a Systematic Withdrawal Plan that meets certain
conditions as described in "Buying Class B shares -- Contingent deferred sales
charge" in the Prospectus. To the extent that withdrawals exceed dividends,
distributions and appreciation of a shareholder's investment in a Portfolio or
Fund, there will be a reduction in the value of the shareholder's investment in
the relevant class of the Portfolio or Fund and continued withdrawal payments
may reduce the shareholder's investment and ultimately exhaust it. Withdrawal
payments should not be considered as income from investment in a Portfolio or
Fund. For additional information regarding the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, write
to the WM Group of Funds at 1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, Washington
98101 or call the Trust at 800-222-5852.


                                       48
<PAGE>   204

     CHECK REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE. Checkwriting is available for the Class A
shares of the Money Funds only. Checks to redeem shares of any of the Money
Funds are drawn on the account of the Fund at Boston Safe and shareholders will
be subject to the same rules and regulations that Boston Safe applies to
checking accounts and, will have the same rights and duties with respect to stop
payment orders, "stale" checks, and unauthorized endorsements as bank checking
account customers do under Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code. All notices
with regard to those rights and duties must be given to Boston Safe.

HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES


     You may exchange shares of any of the Portfolios or Funds for shares of the
same class of any other of the Portfolios or Funds. Exchanges of shares are
sales and may result in a gain or loss for income tax purposes.


     Exchanges are made at the relative NAVs of the shares being exchanged. No
additional sales charge will be incurred when exchanging shares from a Fund
which imposes an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Any contingent
deferred sales charge on the subsequent sale of shares acquired by exchange will
be based on the contingent deferred sales charge schedule of the Fund originally
purchased. Shares exchanged from Money Fund will be subject to the acquired
Fund's sales charge unless the shares given in exchange were previously
exchanged from a Fund that imposes an initial or contingent deferred sales
charge.


     All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirements of the
Fund being acquired and to its availability for sale in your state of residence.
You may arrange for automatic monthly exchanges. The Portfolios or Funds reserve
the right to refuse any order for the purchase of shares, including those by
exchange. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides with a "market
timing" strategy may be disruptive to a Portfolios or Fund and, consequently,
may be disallowed.


                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

YIELD

     MONEY FUNDS. From time to time, advertisements or shareholder reports
concerning the Money Funds may describe yield and effective yield. The yield of
a Money Fund refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund over a
7-day period identified in the advertisement. This income is then "annualized."
That is, the amount of income generated by the investment during that week is
assumed to be generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a
percentage of the investment. Effective yield is calculated similarly but, when
annualized, the income earned by an investment in a Fund is assumed to be
reinvested. Effective yield will generally be slightly higher than the yield
because of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.

     FIXED-INCOME AND MUNICIPAL FUNDS. From time to time, the Fixed-Income and
Municipal Funds may advertise 30-day yield. The 30-day yield of each of these
Funds refers to the income generated by an investment in such Fund over the
30-day period identified in the advertisement, and is computed by dividing the
net investment income per share earned by the Fund during the period by the
maximum public offering price per share on the last day of the 30-day period.
This income is "annualized" by assuming that the amount of income is generated
each month over a one-year period and is compounded semiannually. The annualized
income is then shown as a percentage of the maximum public offering price. In
addition, these Funds may advertise a similar 30-day yield computed in the same
manner except that the NAV per share is used in place of the public offering
price per share.

STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIOS

     In the Risk/Return Summary of the Prospectus, each of the Portfolio's
performance is compared to a capital Mixed Benchmark. Each such benchmark is a
blended mix of component indices. Descriptions of each such component index are
as follows:

     - THE SALOMON BROTHERS U.S. 90-DAY T-BILL INDEX measures performance of
       United States Treasury Bills with maturities of three months.
                                       49
<PAGE>   205

     - THE LEHMAN BROTHERS MUTUAL FUND (1-5) GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX
       represents by all U.S. government agency and Treasury securities and all
       investment-grade corporate debt securities with maturities of one to five
       years.

     - THE LEHMAN BROTHERS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES INDEX includes 15- and
       30-year fixed rate securities backed by mortgage pools of the Government
       National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage
       Corporation (FHLMC), and Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA).
       Balloons are included in the index; graduated payment mortgages (GPMs),
       buydowns, manufactured home mortgages, and graduated equity mortgages
       (GEMs) are not.

     - THE LEHMAN BROTHERS BAA LONG-TERM CORPORATE BOND INDEX includes all
       publicly issued, fixed rate, nonconvertible BAA rated,
       dollar-denominated, SEC-registered corporate debt with maturities greater
       than ten years.

     - THE LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE INDEX is an all-inclusive bond index which
       contains government, corporate, mortgage and asset-backed securities.

     - THE STANDARD & POOR'S 500 COMPOSITE INDEX is a capitalization-weighted
       index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic
       economy and all economic sectors.

     - THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest
       companies (approximately 10% of the total market capitalization) of the
       Russell 3000 Index.

     - THE RUSSELL 2000 GROWTH INDEX measures the performance of the companies
       with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values
       within the Russell 2000 Index.

     - THE RUSSELL 3000 INDEX is comprised of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies
       based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98%
       of the investable U.S. equity market.

     - THE MORGAN STANLEY CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL (MSCI) EUROPE, AUSTRALASIA, AND
       THE FAR EAST PLUS EMERGING MARKETS FREE INDEX is a market capitalization
       weighted index composed of companies representative of the market
       structure of 48 developed and emerging market countries. The index is
       calculated with gross dividends reinvested and in United States Dollars.


     TAX-EQUIVALENT YIELD. The Municipal Funds, the Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund
and the California Money Fund may also quote tax-equivalent yield.
Tax-equivalent yield shows the taxable yields an investor would have to earn
before taxes to equal the Funds' tax-free yield. A tax-equivalent yield is
calculated by dividing a Fund's tax-exempt yield by the result of one minus the
sum of a stated federal and applicable state tax rate, based upon the highest
marginal tax rate and adjusted for the federal deduction of state taxes paid. To
the extent that particular investor is not subject to the highest marginal tax
rate, the tax-equivalent yield experienced by the investor will be lower than
the tax-equivalent yield quoted by the Fund. If only a portion of a Fund's
income is tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the calculation.


TOTAL RETURN

     From time to time, a Fund may advertise its average annual total return
over various periods. Such total return figures reflect a deduction or any front
end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge and show the average
percentage change in value of an investment in the Fund from the beginning date
of the measuring period. These figures reflect changes in the price of the
Fund's shares and assume that any income dividends and/or capital gains
distributions made by the fund during the period were reinvested. Figures will
be given for recent one-, five-, and ten-year periods (or from commencement of
the Fund's operations) and may be given for other periods.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS

     Advertisements of total return may also show total return without giving
effect to sales charges. Similarly, a Fund may provide yield quotations in
investor communications based on the Fund's NAV (rather than its public offering
price) on the last day of the period covered by the yield computation. Because
these additional

                                       50
<PAGE>   206

quotations will not reflect the maximum sales charge payable, such performance
quotations will be higher than the performance quotations that include the
maximum sales charge.

TOTAL RETURNS AND YIELDS ARE BASED ON PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT A PREDICTION OF
FUTURE PERFORMANCE

     Performance information is computed separately for each class of shares.
Because Class B shares bear the expense of the higher distribution and service
fees, it is expected that performance for such shares will be lower than that
for a Fund's Class A shares.

OBTAINING PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

     Each Fund's strategies, performance, and holdings are detailed twice a year
in Fund reports, which are sent to all shareholders. The SAI describes the
methods used to determine a Fund's performance. Shareholders may call
800-222-5852 for performance information.

                          DETERMINATION OF PERFORMANCE


     From time to time, the Trusts may quote the performance of a Portfolio's or
Fund's Class A, Class B shares in terms of yield, actual distributions, total
return or capital appreciation in reports or other communications to
shareholders or in advertising material. The yield for the Class A, Class B and
shares of the Money Funds is computed by: (1) determining the net change,
exclusive of capital changes, in the value of a hypothetical pre-existing
account in each Fund having a balance of one share at the beginning of a seven
calendar day period for which yield is to be quoted, (2) subtracting a
hypothetical change reflecting deductions from shareholder accounts, (3)
dividing the net change by the value of the account at the beginning of the
period to obtain the base period return, and (4) annualizing the results (i.e.,
multiplying the base period return by 365/7). The net change in the value of the
account reflects the value of additional shares purchased with dividends
declared on the original share and any such additional shares, but does not
include realized gains and losses or unrealized appreciation or depreciation. In
addition, the Money Funds may calculate a compounded effective annualized yield
by adding 1 to the base period return (calculated as described above), raising
the sum to a power equal to 365/7 and subtracting 1.



     The current yield for the Money Funds may be obtained by calling
800-222-5852. For the seven-day period ended December 31, 2000, the yield for
the outstanding shares of the California Money Fund that are treated as Class A
shares was      % and the effective yield of such shares of that Fund for the
same period was      %. The Tax-Exempt Money Market and California Money Funds
may also calculate their tax equivalent yields as described below.


     The Municipal Funds and Fixed-Income Funds may quote a 30-day yield figure
(the "SEC Yield") which is calculated according to a formula prescribed by the
SEC. The formula can be expressed as follows:

<TABLE>
<C>        <S>  <C>   <C>        <C>
YIELD = 2  [    (a-b  + 1)(6)-1  ]
                ----
                 cd
</TABLE>

Where:  a = dividends and interest earned during the period.

               b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursement).

               c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the
                   period that were entitled to receive dividends.

               d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
                   period.


     For the purpose of determining the interest earned (variable "a" in the
formula) on debt obligations that were purchased by one of the Fixed-Income and
Municipal Funds at a discount or premium, the formula generally calls for
amortization of the discount or premium; the amortization schedule will be
adjusted monthly to reflect changes in the market values of the debt
obligations.


                                       51
<PAGE>   207


     Based on the foregoing calculation, the SEC Yields relating to the
outstanding shares treated as Class A shares for the 30-day period ended October
31, 2000 are as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FUND                              YIELD
                            ----                              -----
<S>                                                           <C>
Balanced Portfolio..........................................
Conservative Balanced Portfolio.............................
Flexible Income Portfolio...................................
Short Term Income Fund......................................
U.S. Government Securities Fund.............................
Income Fund.................................................
High Yield Fund.............................................
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund........................................
California Municipal Fund...................................
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund..............
</TABLE>



     In addition, the Portfolio or Fund may quote a 30-day yield based on actual
distributions during a 30-day period that is computed by dividing the net
investment income per share earned by the Portfolio or Fund during the period by
the maximum Public Offering Price per share on the last day of the 30-day
period. This income is "annualized" by assuming that the amount of income is
generated each month over a one-year period and is compounded semiannually. The
annualized income is then shown as a percentage of the maximum Public Offering
Price. In addition, the Balanced, Conservative Balanced, and Flexible Income
Portfolios and the Fixed-Income Funds and the Municipal Funds may advertise a
similar 30-day yield computed in the same manner except that the NAV per share
is used in place of the Public Offering Price per share. These 30-day average
yields for the period ended October 31, 2000 for the Class A shares of the Tax-
Exempt Bond, California Municipal and California Insured Intermediate Municipal
Funds and the Balanced, Conservative Balanced and Flexible Income Portfolios
were      %,      %,      %,      %,      %,      %, and      %, respectively.
Yields for the same period for the Short Term Income, U.S. Government
Securities, Income and High Yield funds were      %,      %,      % and      %
respectively.



     The tax equivalent yield for the Tax-Exempt Bond, California Municipal,
California Insured Intermediate Municipal, Tax-Exempt Money Market and
California Money Funds is computed by dividing that portion of the Fund's yield
which is tax-exempt by one minus a stated federal and/or state income tax rate
and adding the product to that portion, if any, of the Fund's yield that is not
tax-exempt. The tax-equivalent yields for the outstanding shares of the
Tax-Exempt Money Market and California Money Fund Class A shares, for the 7-day
period ended October 31, 2000 were      % and      %, respectively. The tax
equivalent SEC 30-day yields for the period ended October 31, 1999 for the
outstanding shares of the Tax-Exempt Bond, California Municipal and California
Insured Intermediate Municipal Funds were      %,      % and      %,
respectively. The tax equivalent yield based on the 30-day average yield for the
period ended October 31, 2000 for the outstanding shares of the Tax-Exempt Bond,
California Municipal and California Insured Intermediate Municipal Funds were
     %,      % and      %, respectively. Tax-equivalent yields assume the
payment of federal income taxes at a rate of      % and, if applicable,
California state income taxes at a rate of      %.



     Capital appreciation for Class A, and Class B shares of the Portfolios and
Equity, Fixed-Income and Municipal Funds shows principal changes for the period
shown, and total return combines principal changes and dividend and interest
income reinvested for the periods shown. Principal changes are based on the
difference between the beginning and closing net asset values for the period.
Actual distributions include short-term capital gains derived from option
writing or other sources. The period selected for performance data will depend
upon the purpose of reporting the performance.



     The total return of the Portfolios' and the Funds' Class A and Class B
shares may be calculated on an "average annual total return" basis, and may also
be calculated on an "aggregate total return" basis, for various periods. Average
annual total return reflects the average annual percentage change in the value
of an investment in a Fund over the particular measuring period. Aggregate total
return reflects the cumulative percentage change in value over the measuring
period. Average annual total return figures provided for


                                       52
<PAGE>   208


Class A and Class B shares of the Portfolios and the Equity and Fixed-Income
Funds will be computed according to a formula prescribed by the SEC. The formula
can be expressed as follows:


                              P (1 + T)(n) = E R V

<TABLE>
      <S>     <C>    <C>
      Where:  P    = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
              T    = average annual total return/aggregate total return
              n    = number of years
              ERV =  Ending Redeemable Value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment
                     made at the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10 years (or other)
                     periods or the life of the Fund
</TABLE>

     The formula for calculating aggregate total return can be expressed as
follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>  <C>    <C>
                             (ERV)
Aggregate Total Return   =   -----  -1
                               p
</TABLE>

     The calculation of average annual total return and aggregate total return
assumes reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain distributions on
the reinvestment dates during the period and includes all recurring fees charged
to all shareholder accounts. In addition, with respect to Class A shares, the
maximum sales charge is deducted from the initial $1,000 payment (variable "P"
in the formula).

     The ERV assumes complete redemption of the hypothetical investment at the
end of the measuring period and reflects deduction of all nonrecurring charges
at the end of the measuring period covered by the computation. A Fund's net
investment income changes in response to fluctuations in interest rates and the
expenses of the Fund.


     Each Portfolio is modeled after an investment strategy used by the WM
Strategic Asset Management ("SAM") program, an investment management service
offered by WM Group of Funds, Inc., an affiliate of the Portfolios' Advisor that
allocates investments across a combination of the underlying Funds. Set forth
below is certain performance data for the Portfolios and, prior to the
Portfolios' inception, those strategies. Performance information for the
strategies is deemed relevant because each strategy was managed using virtually
the same investment objectives, policies and restrictions as those used by the
Portfolios. Nonetheless, the performance data is not necessarily indicative of
the future performance of the Portfolios.



     Because of certain differences in the expenses applicable to the SAM
program and the Portfolios, the following performance information has been
adjusted by applying the current total expense ratios for the Class A shares of
the Portfolios. The average annual total return of the following investment
strategies for the one-year period, the five-year period and the period from
inception of the strategy, in each case ended October 31, 2000, was as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SINCE
                                                                        FIVE    TEN     DATE OF
           PORTFOLIO/STRATEGY AND INCEPTION DATE             ONE YEAR   YEAR    YEAR   INCEPTION
           -------------------------------------             --------   -----   ----   ---------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>     <C>    <C>
STRATEGIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
  CLASS A SHARES 5/31/95
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 5/31/95
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
</TABLE>


                                       53
<PAGE>   209


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SINCE
                                                                        FIVE    TEN     DATE OF
           PORTFOLIO/STRATEGY AND INCEPTION DATE             ONE YEAR   YEAR    YEAR   INCEPTION
           -------------------------------------             --------   -----   ----   ---------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>     <C>    <C>
CONSERVATIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO
  CLASS A SHARES 9/30/90
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
  CLASS A SHARES 9/30/90
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
CONSERVATIVE BALANCED PORTFOLIO
  CLASS A SHARES 9/30/90
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO
  CLASS A SHARES 3/31/93
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
EQUITY INCOME FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 3/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
GROWTH & INCOME FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 3/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
</TABLE>


                                       54
<PAGE>   210


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SINCE
                                                                        FIVE    TEN     DATE OF
           PORTFOLIO/STRATEGY AND INCEPTION DATE             ONE YEAR   YEAR    YEAR   INCEPTION
           -------------------------------------             --------   -----   ----   ---------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>     <C>    <C>
NORTHWEST FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.................
  CLASS B SHARES
     Adjusted for Sales Charge.............................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
GROWTH FUND
  CLASS A SHARES 4/5/93
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
SMALL CAP STOCK
  CLASS A SHARES 7/18/90
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
  CLASS A SHARES 7/18/90
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge.....................
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge.........................
</TABLE>



     The average annual rates of return (unless otherwise noted) for the Funds
for the one-year, five-year and ten-year periods and for the period since
inception in each case ended October 31, 2000 are as follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           AGGREGATE
                                                                                          TOTAL RETURN
                                                                                          TEN YEAR OR
                                                                                SINCE     FROM DATE OF
                                                            FIVE      TEN      DATE OF     INCEPTION,
           FUND AND INCEPTION DATE              ONE YEAR    YEAR     YEAR     INCEPTION    IF SHORTER
           -----------------------              --------    -----    -----    ---------   ------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>
SHORT TERM INCOME FUND
  CLASS A SHARES 11/1/93
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
</TABLE>


                                       55
<PAGE>   211


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           AGGREGATE
                                                                                          TOTAL RETURN
                                                                                          TEN YEAR OR
                                                                                SINCE     FROM DATE OF
                                                            FIVE      TEN      DATE OF     INCEPTION,
           FUND AND INCEPTION DATE              ONE YEAR    YEAR     YEAR     INCEPTION    IF SHORTER
           -----------------------              --------    -----    -----    ---------   ------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
  CLASS B SHARES 3/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
INCOME FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
  CLASS B SHARES 3/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND
  CLASS A SHARES
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
  CLASS B SHARES 3/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND
  CLASS A SHARES 7/25/89
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND
  CLASS A SHARES 4/4/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
  CLASS B SHARES 6/30/94
     Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge........
     Not Adjusted for Sales Charge............
</TABLE>



     The performance of a Portfolio's and Fund's Class A and Class B shares will
vary from time to time depending upon market conditions, the composition of the
Portfolio's or Fund's portfolio and the Portfolio's or Fund's operating
expenses. Consequently, any given performance quotation should not be considered
representative of the Portfolio's or Fund's performance for any specified period
in the future. In addition, because performance will fluctuate, it may not
provide a basis for comparing an investment in a Portfolio or Fund with certain
bank deposits or other investments that pay a fixed yield or return for a stated
period of time.



     Investors should recognize that, because the Portfolios and the Funds may
have a high component of fixed-income securities, in periods of declining
interest rates the yields of the Funds will tend to be somewhat


                                       56
<PAGE>   212


higher than prevailing market rates, and in periods of rising interest rates
yields will tend to be somewhat lower. In addition, when interest rates are
falling, the inflow of net new money to the Portfolios and Funds from the
continuous sale of shares will likely be invested in portfolio instruments
producing lower yields than the balance of the Portfolio's or Fund's securities,
thereby reducing the current yields of the Funds. In periods of rising interest
rates, the opposite can be expected to occur. Comparative performance
information may be used from time to time in advertising the Trusts' Class A and
Class B shares, including data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., the S&P
500 Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and other
industry publications. The International Growth Fund may compare its performance
to other investments or relevant indexes consisting of Morgan Stanley Capital
International EAFE Index, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, the Lipper
International Fund Index and The Financial Times World Stock Index.


                                     TAXES


     The following discussion of federal income tax consequences is based on the
Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this
Statement of Additional Information and all references to the Funds in this
discussion include the Portfolios. New legislation, as well as administrative
changes or court decisions, may significantly alter the conclusions expressed
herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions
contemplated herein.



     Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes
and is not combined with the other funds within a Trust. Each of the Funds
intends to continue qualifying as a "regulated investment company" ("RIC") as
defined under Subchapter M of the Code. A Fund that is a RIC and distributes to
its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable net investment income (including,
for this purpose, the excess of its net short-term capital gain over its net
long-term capital loss) and 90% of its tax-exempt interest income (reduced by
certain expenses), will not be liable for federal income taxes on that part of
its income distributed to its stockholders.



     In order to qualify as a RIC under the Code, each Fund must (a) derive at
least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest,
payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other
disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, and certain other
related income, including, generally, certain gains from options, futures, and
forward contracts; and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each
fiscal quarter of the Fund's taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value
of the Fund's assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government
Securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with such other
securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not
represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer or
exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and (ii) not more than 25% of
the value of its assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S.
Government Securities and securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or of two
or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same,
similar, or related trades or businesses.



     If a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for any year, all of its income will be
subject to tax at corporate rates, and its distributions (including capital
gains distributions) will in general be taxable as ordinary income dividends to
its shareholders, subject to the dividends received deduction for corporate
shareholders. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund
may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and
interest, and make certain distributions.



     Notwithstanding the distribution requirement described above, which only
requires a Fund to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment company
taxable income and tax-exempt interest income and does not require any minimum
distribution of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over
net short-term capital loss), a Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4%
federal excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any
calendar year (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income for that year, (ii) at
least 98% of its capital gain net income (the excess of short- and long-term
capital gains over short- and long-term capital losses) for the one-year period
generally ending on October 31 of that year, and (iii) certain other amounts.
Each Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4%
excise tax.


                                       57
<PAGE>   213


     The Tax-Exempt Bond, California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate
Municipal, Tax-Exempt Money Market and California Money Funds will be qualified
to pay exempt-interest dividends to their shareholders only if, at the close of
each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the total value of a
Fund's assets consist of obligations the interest on which is exempt from
federal income tax. Shareholders of a Fund are required to report tax-exempt
interest on their federal income tax returns. Part or all of the interest on
indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares
of these funds will not be deductible for federal income tax purposes or, in the
case of the California Funds, for California income tax purposes. Any loss on
the sale or exchange of shares in these Funds held for six months or less will
be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividend received by the
shareholders with respect to such shares. In addition, the Code may require a
shareholder who receives exempt-interest dividends to treat as taxable income a
portion of certain otherwise non-taxable social security and railroad retirement
benefit payments. Municipal funds may not be an appropriate investment for
persons (including corporations and other business entities) who are
"substantial users" (or who are related to substantial users) of facilities
financed by "private activity bonds" or "industrial development bonds." For
these purposes, the term "substantial user" is defined generally to include a
"non-exempt person" who regularly uses in a trade or business a part of a
facility financed from the proceeds of such bonds. Moreover, as noted in the
Prospectus, some or all of these Funds' dividends may be a specific preference
item, or a component of an adjustment item, for purposes of the federal
individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes. Similar rules apply for
California State personal income tax purposes. Shareholders should consult their
own tax advisers as to whether they are (1) "substantial users" with respect to
a facility or "related" to such users within the meaning of the Code or (2)
subject to federal alternative minimum tax, the federal "branch profits" tax, or
the federal "excess net passive income" tax. Issuers of bonds purchased by the
Municipal Funds, the Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund and the California Money Fund
(or the beneficiary of such bonds) may have made certain representations or
covenants in connection with the issuance of such bonds to satisfy certain
requirements of the Code that must be satisfied subsequent to the issuance of
such bonds. Shareholders should be aware that exempt-interest dividends may
become subject to federal income taxation retroactively to the date of issuance
of the bonds to which such dividends are attributable if such representations
are determined to have been inaccurate or if the issuers (or the beneficiary) of
the bonds fail to comply with certain covenants made at that time.



     The portion of distributions made by any Fund which are derived from
dividends received by such Fund from U.S. domestic corporations may qualify for
the dividends received deduction for corporations (reduced to the extent shares
of such Fund are treated as debt-financed) if certain holding period
requirements with respect to the Fund shares (generally 46 days without
protection from risk of loss during the 90-day period beginning on the day 45
days before the ex-dividend date) and certain other requirements are met and if
such Fund could have taken such deduction if it were a regular corporation.
Receipt of certain distributions qualifying for the deduction may result in
reduction of the tax basis of the corporate shareholder's shares and require
current income recognition to the extent it is in excess of such basis.
Distributions made by the Fixed-Income Funds generally will not be eligible for
the dividends received deduction otherwise available to corporate taxpayers.



     A Fund's investments, if any, in securities issued at a discount (for
example, zero-coupon bonds) and certain other obligations will (and investments
in securities purchased at a discount may) require this Fund to accrue and
distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make
the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities that it
otherwise would have continued to hold.


     As described above and in the Prospectus, certain of the Funds may invest
in certain types of futures contracts and options. The Funds anticipate that
these investment activities will not prevent the Funds from qualifying as RICs.
As a general rule, these investment activities may accelerate, increase or
decrease the amount of long-term and short-term capital gains or losses realized
by a Fund and, accordingly, will affect the amount of capital gains distributed
to a Fund's shareholders.

     A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated
debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and
forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or
loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of
the foreign
                                       58
<PAGE>   214


currency concerned. In addition, if a Fund engages in hedging transactions,
including hedging transactions in options, futures contracts and straddles (or
other similar transactions), it will be subject to special tax rules (including
mark-to-market, straddle, wash sale, short sale and constructive sale rules),
the effect of which may be to accelerate income to a Fund, defer losses to a
Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of a Fund's securities, convert
capital gains into ordinary income, or convert short-term capital losses into
long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing
and character of distributions to shareholders. Each Fund will endeavor to make
any available elections pertaining to such transactions in a manner believed to
be in the best interests of the Fund.



     In addition, investment by a Fund in an entity that qualified as a "passive
foreign investment company" under the Code could subject the Fund to a U.S.
federal income tax or other charge on certain "excess distributions" with
respect to the investment. This tax or charge may be avoided, however, by making
an election to mark such investments to market annually or to treat the passive
foreign investment company as a "qualified electing fund."



     A "passive foreign investment company" is any foreign corporation: (i) 75
percent or more of the income of which for the taxable year is passive income,
or (ii) the average percentage of the assets of which (generally by value, but
by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) that produce or are held for the
production of passive income is at least 50 percent. Generally, passive income
for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to
interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gains over losses from
certain property transactions and commodities transactions, foreign currency
gains and certain income from notional principal contracts. Passive income for
this purpose does not include rents and royalties received by the foreign
corporation from active business, certain income received from related persons
and certain other income.



     Distributions of net capital gains (i.e., the excess of net gains from
capital assets held for more than one year over net losses from capital assets
held for not more than one year) that are designated by a Fund as capital gain
dividends will generally be taxable to a shareholder receiving such
distributions as long-term capital gain (generally taxed at a 20% tax rate for
noncorporate shareholders) regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund
shares. If a shareholder held shares six months or less and during that period
received a distribution of net capital gains, any loss realized on the sale of
such shares during such six-month period would be a long-term capital loss to
the extent of such distribution (and to the extent not disallowed by virtue of
exempt-interest dividend distributions, if any, as described above). In
addition, all or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of
Fund shares will be disallowed if other shares of the same Fund are purchased
(whether through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days
before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly
purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.



     While only the Equity Funds expect to realize a significant amount of net
long-term capital gains, any such realized gains will be distributed as
described in the Prospectus and will be designated as such in a written notice
mailed to the shareholder after the close of the Fund's taxable year.



     Sales charges paid upon a purchase of shares subject to a front-end sales
charge cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain or loss on
a redemption or exchange of the shares before the 91st day after their purchase
to the extent a sales charge is reduced or eliminated in a subsequent
acquisition of shares of the Fund (or of another Fund) pursuant to the
reinvestment or exchange privilege. Any disregarded amounts will result in an
adjustment to the shareholder's basis in some or all of any other shares
acquired.



     Dividends and distributions on a Fund's shares are generally subject to
federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the
Fund's realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions
may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder's investment.
Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time
when a Fund's net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized, or
realized but not distributed. Such realized gains may be required to be
distributed, even when a Fund's net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.
Certain distributions declared in October, November or December and paid in the
following January will be taxed to shareholders as if received on December 31 of
the year in which they were declared.


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<PAGE>   215


     For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000, the maximum capital
gain tax rates for capital assets (including Fund shares) held by a
non-corporate shareholder for more than 5 years will be 8 percent and 18 percent
(rather than 10 percent and 20 percent). The 18-percent rate applies only to
assets the holding period for which begins after December 31, 2000 (including by
way of an election to mark the asset to the market, and to pay the tax on any
gain thereon, as of January 2, 2001). The mark-to-market election may be
disadvantageous from a federal tax perspective and shareholders should consult
their tax advisors before making such an election.


ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF THE STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT
PORTFOLIOS

     A Portfolio will not be able to offset gains realized by one Fund in which
such Portfolio invests against losses realized by another Fund in which such
Portfolio invests. The Portfolio's use of a fund-of-funds structure could
therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to
shareholders.

     Depending on a Portfolio's percentage ownership in an underlying Fund both
before and after a redemption, a Portfolio's redemption of shares of such Fund
may cause the Portfolio to be treated as not receiving capital gain income on
the amount by which the distribution exceeds the Portfolio's tax basis in the
shares of the underlying Fund, but instead to be treated as receiving a dividend
taxable as ordinary income on the full amounts of the distribution. This could
cause shareholders of the Portfolio to recognize higher amounts of ordinary
income than if the shareholders had held the shares of the underlying Funds
directly.


     Although a Portfolio may itself be entitled to a deduction for foreign
taxes paid by the International Growth Fund, the Portfolio will not be able to
pass any such credit or deduction through to its own shareholders.


ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND


     If at the end of the International Growth Fund's fiscal year more than 50%
of the value of its total assets represents securities of foreign corporations,
the Fund intends to make an election permitted by the Code to treat any foreign
taxes paid by it on securities it has held for at least the minimum period
specified in the Code as having been paid directly by the Fund's shareholders in
connection with the Fund's dividends received by them. In this case,
shareholders generally will be required to include in their gross income their
pro rata share of such taxes. Shareholders may then deduct such pro rata portion
of such taxes or, alternatively, such shareholders who hold Fund shares (without
protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 other
days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date will be entitled
to claim a foreign tax credit for their share of these taxes.



ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND,
CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE MUNICIPAL FUND AND CALIFORNIA MONEY FUND



     If, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the
value of the total assets of each of the California Municipal Fund, California
Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund and California Money Fund (the "California
Funds") consist of obligations the interest on which would be exempt from
California personal income tax if the obligations were held by an individual
("California Tax-Exempt Obligations"), and if each of the California Funds
continues to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax
purposes, then each respective California Fund will be qualified to pay
dividends, subject to certain limitations, to its shareholders that are exempt
from California State personal income tax, but not from California State
franchise tax or California State corporate income tax ("California
Exempt-Interest Dividends"). However, the total amount of California
Exempt-Interest Dividends paid by each of the California Funds to each of the
California Fund's non-corporate shareholders with respect to any taxable year
cannot exceed the amount of interest received by such California Fund during
such year on California Tax-Exempt Obligations less any expenses and
expenditures (including any dividends paid to corporate shareholders) deemed to
have been paid from such interest. If the aggregate dividends designated as
California Exempt-Interest Dividends exceed the amount that may be treated as
California Exempt-Interest Dividends, only that percentage of each dividend


                                       60
<PAGE>   216


distribution equal to the ratio of the aggregate amount that may be so treated
to aggregate dividends so designated will be treated as a California
Exempt-Interest Dividend. Dividend distributions that do not qualify for
treatment as California Exempt-Interest Dividends will be taxable to
shareholders at ordinary tax rates for California personal income tax purposes.
In addition, shareholders who receive social security or railroad retirement
benefits should consult their tax advisors to determine what effect, if any, an
investment in one of these Funds may have on the taxation of these benefits.


SHAREHOLDER STATEMENTS


     Each shareholder will receive after the close of the calendar year an
annual statement and such other written notices as are appropriate as to the
federal income and California State personal income tax status of the
shareholder's dividends and distributions received from the Fund for the prior
calendar year. These statements will also inform shareholders as to the amount
of exempt-interest dividends that is a specific preference item for purposes of
the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes for the current
tax year. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers as to any other state
and local taxes that may apply to these dividends and distributions. The dollar
amount of dividends excluded or exempt from federal income taxation or
California State personal income taxation and the dollar amount of dividends
subject to federal income taxation or California State personal income taxation,
if any, will vary for each shareholder depending upon the size and duration of
each shareholder's investment in a Fund. To the extent that the Tax-Exempt Bond,
California Municipal, California Insured Intermediate Municipal, Tax-Exempt
Money Market and California Money Funds earns taxable net investment income, it
intends to designate as taxable dividends the same percentage of each day's
dividend (or of each day's taxable net investment income) as its taxable net
investment income bears to its total net investment income earned on that day.
Therefore, the percentage of each day's dividend designated as taxable, if any,
may vary from day to day.



     If a shareholder fails to furnish a correct taxpayer identification number,
fails to certify that the taxpayer identification number is correct and that the
shareholder is not subject to "backup withholding," or if the Internal Revenue
Service or a broker notifies the Fund that withholding is required then the
shareholder may be subject to a 31% "backup withholding" tax with respect to (1)
taxable dividends and distributions and (2) the proceeds of any redemptions of
Fund shares. An individual's taxpayer identification number is generally his or
her social security number. The 31% "backup withholding" tax is not an
additional tax and may be credited against a taxpayer's regular federal income
tax liability.



     THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
GENERALLY AFFECTING A FUND AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS, AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A
SUBSTITUTE FOR CAREFUL TAX PLANNING. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX
ADVISORS WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THEIR OWN TAX SITUATIONS, INCLUDING THEIR
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN, IF ANY, TAX LIABILITIES.


                                  DISTRIBUTOR


     WM Funds Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, serves as distributor for Class A
and Class B shares. For the year ended October 31, 2000, WM Funds Distributor
received $       representing commissions (front-end sales charges) on Class A
shares and $          representing CDSC fees from Class B shares. For the year
ended October 31, 2000, WM Financial Services, Inc., also a registered
broker-dealer for the Funds, received $       representing commissions on Class
A shares and $       representing CDSC fees from Class B shares.



     Additionally, WM Funds Distributor, Inc. serves as distributor for Class A
and B shares of the Portfolios. For the year ended October 31, 2000, WM Funds
Distributor, Inc. and WM Financial Services, Inc. received $       and $       ,
respectively, representing commissions on Class A shares. In addition, WM Funds
Distributor, Inc. and WM Financial Services, Inc. received $          and
$       , respectively, representing CDSC fees from Class B shares.


                                       61
<PAGE>   217


     Each of the Funds has adopted two distribution plans, pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act, applicable to Class A and Class B shares of the Fund.
Under the applicable Rule 12b-1 Plans, WM Funds Distributor receives a service
fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of both classes.
For the year ended October 31, 2000, this fee amounted to $          for Class A
shares and $1,992,580 for Class B shares. In addition, WM Funds Distributor is
paid a fee as compensation in connection with the offering and sale of Class B
shares at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of such
shares, amounting to $       for fiscal year ended October 31, 2000. These fees
may be used to cover the expenses of WM Funds Distributor primarily intended to
result in the sale of such shares, including payments to the Distributor's
representatives or others for selling shares. For the year ended October 31,
2000, WM Funds Distributor waived fees of $       and $       for the Growth &
Income Fund and the Growth Fund, respectively. Because WM Funds Distributor may
retain any amount of its fee that is not so expended, the Rule 12b-1 Plans are
characterized by the SEC as "compensation-type" plans. The service fee is paid
by the Fund to WM Funds Distributor, who in turn, pays a portion of the service
fee to broker/dealers that provide services, such as accepting telephone
inquiries and transaction requests and processing correspondences, new account
applications and subsequent purchases by check for the shareholders. Under their
terms, both the Class A Plan and the Class B Plan shall remain in effect from
year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by vote of the
Board of Trustees.



     Additionally, each of the Portfolios has adopted two distribution plans,
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, one for the Class A shares and one
for the Class B shares. Under the Class A and Class B Plans, the Distributor is
to be paid a shareholder service fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of each class of shares. For the year ended October 31, 2000,
this fee amounted to $       for Class A shares and $       for Class B shares.
Additionally, under the Class B Plan, the Distributor is to be paid an annual
distribution fee of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Class B
shares of each Portfolio for activities primarily intended to result in the sale
of Class B shares for the Portfolios, amounting to $       for fiscal year ended
October 31, 2000.


                                       62
<PAGE>   218

                                    APPENDIX

            DESCRIPTION OF BOND, NOTES AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

DESCRIPTION OF S&P CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

     AAA: Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

     AA:  Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.

     A: Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

     Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

     Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as for Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.

     A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

     Moody's applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating
classification from Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue ranks
in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.

DESCRIPTION OF DUFF & PHELPS' CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

     Bonds rated AAA by Duff & Phelps are judged by Duff & Phelps to be of the
highest credit quality, with negligible risk factors being only slightly more
than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt. Bonds rated AA by Duff & Phelps are
judged by Duff & Phelps to be of high credit quality with strong protection
factors and risk that is modest but that may vary slightly from time to time
because of economic conditions. Bonds rated A by Duff & Phelps are judged by
Duff & Phelps to have average but adequate protection factors. However, risk
factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress. Bonds rated
BBB by Duff & Phelps are judged by Duff & Phelps as having below average
protection factors but still considered sufficient for prudent investment, with
considerable variability in risk during economic cycles.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH IBCA CORPORATE BOND RATINGS

     Bonds rated AAA by Fitch are considered to be investment grade and of the
highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay
interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
foreseeable events. Bonds rated AA by Fitch are considered to be investment
grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA.
Bonds rated A by Fitch are considered to be investment grade and of high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be strong, but may be more
                                       63
<PAGE>   219

vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than
bonds with higher ratings. Bonds rated BBB by Fitch are considered to be
investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to
pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes
in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have
adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The
likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is
higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

DESCRIPTION OF S&P MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS

     AAA -- PRIME -- These bonds have the highest rating assigned by S&P.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

     GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS -- In a period of economic stress, the issuers
will suffer the smallest declines in income and will be least susceptible to
autonomous decline. Debt burden is moderate. A strong revenue structure appears
more than adequate to meet future expenditure requirements. Quality of
management appears superior.

     REVENUE BONDS -- Debt service coverage has been, and is expected to remain,
substantial. Stability of the pledged revenues is also exceptionally strong due
to the competitive position of the municipal enterprise or to the nature of the
revenues. Basic security provisions (including rate covenant, earnings test for
issuance of additional bonds, debt service reserve requirements) are rigorous.
There is evidence of superior management.

     AA -- HIGH GRADE -- Bonds in this group have a very strong capacity to pay
interest and repay principal and differ from the highest rated debt only in
small degree.

     A -- GOOD GRADE -- Bonds in this category have a strong capacity to pay
interest and repay principal, although they are somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds
in higher rated categories. Regarding municipal bonds, the rating differs from
the two higher ratings because:

     GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS -- There is some weakness, either in the local
economic base, in debt burden, in the balance between revenues and expenditures
or in quality of management. Under certain adverse circumstances, any one such
weakness might impair the ability of the issuer to meet debt obligations at some
future date.

     REVENUE BONDS -- Debt service coverage is good, but not exceptional.
Stability of the pledged revenues could show some variations because of
increased competition or economic influences on revenues. Basic security
provisions, while satisfactory, are less stringent. Management performance
appears adequate.

     BBB -- MEDIUM GRADE -- Bonds in this group are regarded as having an
adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally
exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay principal for bonds in this category than for bonds in higher rated
categories.

     GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS -- Under certain adverse conditions, several of
the above factors could contribute to a lesser capacity for payment of debt
service. The difference between A and BBB ratings is that the latter shows more
than one fundamental weakness, or one very substantial fundamental weakness,
whereas the former shows only one deficiency among the factors considered.

     REVENUE BONDS -- Debt coverage is only fair. Stability of the pledged
revenues could show substantial variations, with the revenue flow possibly being
subject to erosion over time. Basic security provisions are no more than
adequate. Management performance could be stronger.

     BB, B, CCC, CC AND C -- Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates
the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While
such bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposure to adverse
conditions.

                                       64
<PAGE>   220

     D -- Bonds rated D are in default, or the obligor has filed for bankruptcy.
The D rating is issued when interest or principal payments are not made on the
date due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.

     S&P's letter ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or a minus
sign, which is used to show relative standing within the major rating
categories, except in the AAA-Prime Grade category.

DESCRIPTION OF S&P MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS

     Municipal notes with maturities of three years or less are usually given
note ratings (designated SP-1, -2 or -3) to distinguish more clearly the credit
quality of notes as compared to bonds. Notes rated SP-1 have a strong capacity
to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess a very strong
capacity to pay debt service are given the designation of SP-1+. Notes rated
SP-2 have a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS

     Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

     Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities, or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude, or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.

     A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

     Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.

     Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.

     B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

     Moody's applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the security
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issuer ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS

     Moody's ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term loans
are designated Moody's Investment Grade (MIG) and for variable rate demand
obligations are designated Variable Moody's Investment Grade (VMIG). This
distinction recognizes the differences between short-term credit risk and
                                       65
<PAGE>   221

long-term risk. Loans bearing the designation MIG 1/VMIG 1 are of the best
quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows of funds for
their servicing, from superior liquidity support, or from established and
broad-based access to the market for refinancing, or both. Loans bearing the
designation of MIG 2/VMIG 2 are of high quality, with margins of protection
ample, although not as large as the preceding group. Loans bearing the
designation MIG 3/VMIG 3 are of favorable quality, with all security elements
accounted for but lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding grades.
Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established. Loans bearing the designation
MIG 4/VMIG 4 are of adequate quality. Protection commonly regarded as required
of an investment security is present and although not distinctly or
predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.

DESCRIPTION OF S&P COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

     Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payments is strong. Those issues determined to possess
extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely
payment on commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree
of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

     The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by
Moody's. Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) are
considered to have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory
obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) are
considered to have a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory
obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics of
issuers rated Prime-1 but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage
ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation. Capitalization
characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external
conditions. Ample alternative liquidity is maintained.

DESCRIPTION OF DUFF'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

     Paper rated Duff-1 is regarded as having very high certainty of timely
payment with excellent liquidity factors which are supported by good fundamental
protection factors. Risk factors are minor. Ratings of Duff-1 are further
refined by the gradations of "1+" and "1-". Issues rated Duff-1+ have the
highest certainty of timely payment, outstanding short term liquidity, and
safety just below risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations. Issues rated
Duff-1- have high certainty of timely payment, strong liquidity factors
supported by good fundamental protection factors, and small risk factors. Paper
rated Duff-2 is regarded as having good certainty of timely payment, good access
to capital markets and sound liquidity factors and company fundamentals. Risk
factors are small.

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

     The rating F-1+ (Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality) is the highest
commercial rating assigned by Fitch and is assigned to issues regarded as having
the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment. Paper rated F-1 (Very
Strong Credit Quality) is regarded as having an assurance of timely payment only
slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+. The rating F-2 (Good Credit
Quality) reflects an assurance of timely payment, but the margin of safety is
not as great as for issues assigned F-1+ or F-1 ratings.

                                       66
<PAGE>   222

                                   WM TRUST I
                                   WM TRUST II
                  WM STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIOS, LLC
                                    FORM N-1A

                                     PART C
                                OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 23.    EXHIBITS

      (a)   Charter

            (1)   WM Trust I

                  (A)   Form of Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration
                        of Trust dated as of September 19, 1997 -- incorporated
                        by reference to Post-Effective Amendment ("PEA") No. 67
                        to the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with
                        the SEC on September 30, 1997.

                  (B)   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Agreement and
                        Declaration of Trust dated March 20, 1998 --incorporated
                        by reference to PEA No. 74 to the Registrant's
                        Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on March 27,
                        1998.

                  (C)   Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Agreement and
                        Declaration of Trust dated March 20, 1998 --
                        incorporated by reference to PEA No. 74 to the
                        Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC
                        on March 27, 1998.

            (2)   WM Trust II

                  (A)   Master Trust Agreement of the Registrant dated February
                        22, 1989 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to
                        the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the
                        SEC on August 28, 1997.

                  (B)   Amendment No. 1 to Master Trust Agreement, dated May 10,
                        1989 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to the
                        Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC
                        on August 28, 1997.

                  (C)   Amendment No. 2 to Master Trust Agreement, dated May 22,
                        1989 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to the
                        Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC
                        on August 28, 1997.

                  (D)   Amendment No. 3 to Master Trust Agreement, dated May 24,
                        1989 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to the
                        Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC
                        on August 28, 1997.

                  (E)   Amendment No. 4 to Master Trust Agreement, dated May 7,
                        1990 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to the
                        Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC
                        on August 28, 1997.

                  (F)   Amendment No. 5 to Master Trust Agreement, dated
                        December 4, 1991 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No.
                        26 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed
                        with the SEC on August 28, 1997.

                  (G)   Amendment No. 6 to Master Trust Agreement, dated January
                        30, 1992 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to
                        the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the
                        SEC on August 28, 1997.

                  (H)   Amendment No. 7 to Master Trust Agreement, dated
                        September 12, 1992 -- incorporated by reference to PEA
                        No. 26 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed
                        with the SEC on August 28, 1997.


                                       1
<PAGE>   223

                  (I)   Amendment No. 8 to Master Trust Agreement, dated
                        September 22, 1993 -- incorporated by reference to PEA
                        No. 26 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed
                        with the SEC on August 28, 1997.

                  (J)   Amendment No. 9 to Master Trust Agreement, dated March
                        13, 1994 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to
                        the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the
                        SEC on August 28, 1997.

                  (K)   Amendment No. 10 to Master Trust Agreement, dated
                        January 20, 1995 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No.
                        26 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed
                        with the SEC on August 28, 1997.

                  (L)   Amendment No. 11 to Master Trust Agreement, dated July
                        19, 1996 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 28 to
                        the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the
                        SEC on March 27, 1998.

                  (M)   Amendment No. 12 to Master Trust Agreement, dated March
                        20, 1998 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 28 to
                        the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the
                        SEC on March 27, 1998.

            (3)   WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC - LLC Operating
                  Agreement, dated March 12, 1999 - incorporated by reference to
                  PEA No. 9 to the Registrant's Registration Statement, filed
                  with the SEC on June 25, 1999.

      (b)   Bylaws

            (1)   WM Trust I - incorporated by reference to PEA No. 67 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on
                  September 30, 1997.

            (2)   WM Trust II - incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on
                  August 28, 1997.

            (3)   WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC - incorporated
                  by reference to PEA No. 9 to the Registrant's Registration
                  Statement, filed with the SEC on June 25, 1999.

      (c)   Instruments defining the Rights of Shareholders - See (a) and (b)
            above.

      (d)   Investment Advisory Contracts


            (1)   WM Trust I

                  (A)   Investment Management Agreement dated March 20, 1998, as
                        amended as of March 1, 2000, to be filed by amendment.

                  (B)   Investment Subadvisory Agreement dated January 1, 1999
                        with respect to the Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, filed
                        herewith.

                  (C)   Amendment Agreement with Van Kampen Management, Inc.,
                        dated as of January 1, 2000, filed herewith.


            (2)   WM Trust II


                  (A)   Investment Management Agreement dated January 30, 1998
                        with respect to the Short Term High Quality Bond and
                        California Money Funds -- incorporated by reference to
                        PEA No.28 to the Registrant's Registration Statement,
                        filed with the SEC on March 27, 1998.


                  (B)   Investment Management Agreement dated March 20, 1998
                        with respect to the Growth, Emerging Growth,
                        International Growth, California Municipal and
                        California Insured Intermediate Municipal Funds, as
                        amended as of January 1 1999. Incorporated by reference
                        to PEA No. 31 to the


                                       2
<PAGE>   224

                        Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC
                        on February 26, 1999.


                  (C)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated March 20, 1998
                        with respect to the California Municipal and California
                        Insured Intermediate Municipal Funds --incorporated by
                        reference to PEA No. 28 to the Registrant's Registration
                        Statement filed with the SEC on March 27, 1998.

                  (D)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated June 23, 1999
                        with respect to International Growth Fund --
                        incorporated by reference to PEA No. 33 to the
                        Registrant's Registration Statement filed with the SEC
                        on February 29, 2000.

                  (E)   Amendment Agreement with Van Kampen Management, Inc.
                        dated as of January 1, 2000 -- see (d)(1)(B) above

                  (F)   Amendment Agreement with Capital Guardian Trust Company,
                        dated as of January 1, 2000, filed herewith.

                  (G)   Amendment Agreement with Janus Capital Corporation,
                        dated as of January 1, 2000, filed herewith.


            (3)   WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC - Investment
                  Management Agreement, dated _________ __, 2000, to be filed by
                  amendment.

      (e)   Underwriting Contracts.

            (1)   Distribution Contract dated as of March 7, 2000, filed
                  herewith.


            (2)   Form of Dealer Agreement, filed herewith.


      (f)   Bonus or Profit Sharing Plans - Not Applicable.

      (g)   Custodian Agreements


            (1)   WM Trust I - Custody Agreement dated March 20, 1998 --
                  incorporated by reference to PEA No. 74 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on March 20, 1998.


            (2)   WM Trust II - Custody Agreement dated March 20, 1998
                  --incorporated by reference to PEA No. 28 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on March 27, 1998.

            (3)   WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC - Delegation,
                  Custody and Information Services Agreement dated July 16, 1999
                  -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 8 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on February 26,
                  1999.

      (h)   Other Material Contracts


            (1)   Transfer Agent Contract dated March 1, 2000, filed herewith.


      (i)   Legal Opinion

            (1)   WM Trust I - Opinion and Consent of Counsel --incorporated by
                  reference to PEA No. 74 to the Registrant's Registration
                  Statement, filed with the SEC on March 27, 1998.

            (2)   WM Trust II - Consent and Opinion of Counsel dated June 20,
                  1997 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 26 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on
                  August 28, 1997.

            (3)   WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC - Opinion and
                  Consent of Counsel dated June 25, 1999 - incorporated by
                  reference to PEA No. 9 of the Registrant's Registration
                  Statement, filed with the SEC on June 25, 1999.

      (j)   Other Opinions


                                       3
<PAGE>   225

            (1)   WM Trust I

                  (A)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP -- to be filed by
                        amendment.

            (2)   WM Trust II

                  (A)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP -- to be filed by
                        amendment.

            (3)   WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC

                  (A)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP -- to be filed by
                        amendment.

      (k)   Omitted Financial Statements - Not Applicable.

      (l)   Initial Capital Agreements - Not Applicable.

      (m)   12b-1 Plan

                  (A)   Class A Distribution Plan dated as of March 7, 2000,
                        filed herewith.

                  (B)   Class B Distribution Plan dated as of March 7, 2000,
                        filed herewith.

      (n)   Rule 18f-3 Plan

            (1)   WM Trust I - Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan --incorporated by
                  reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on June 21, 1996.

            (2)   WM Trust II - Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan dated June 13,
                  1995 -- incorporated by reference to PEA No. 27 to the
                  Registrant's Registration Statement, filed with the SEC on
                  October 30, 1997.

            (3)   WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC - Rule 18f-3
                  Multiple Class Plan dated July 16, 1999 -- incorporated by
                  reference to PEA No. 8 of Registrant's Registration Statement
                  filed with the SEC on February 26, 1999.

      (p)   Codes of Ethics

            (1)   WM Trust I, WM Trust II, Strategic Asset Management
                  Portfolios, WM Advisors, Inc. and WM Funds Distributor, Inc.
                  -- Code of Ethics dated as of December 4, 2000, filed
                  herewith.

            (2)   Van Kampen Management, Inc. -- Code of Ethics dated as of
                  September 1, 2000, filed herewith.


            (3)   Capital Guardian Trust Company -- Code of Ethics, filed
                  herewith.

            (4)   Janus Capital Corporation -- Code of Ethics dated as of
                  March 1, 2000, filed herewith.


ITEM 24.    PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.

            Not applicable.

ITEM 25.    INDEMNIFICATION.

        (a) WM Trust I -- Under Article VIII, Section 1 of the Amended and
Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Agreement and Declaration of
Trust") of the Registrant, as amended, each of the Registrant's Trustees and
officers (including persons who serve at the Registrant's request as directors,
officers or trustees of another organization in which the Registrant has any
interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) (each such person being a
"Covered Person"), is indemnified against all liabilities and expenses,
including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments or settlements or as
reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by a Covered Person in any civil or
criminal proceeding by virtue of such person's being a Covered Person. This
provision does not authorize indemnification of a Covered Person if it is
determined as a final adjudication that the Covered Person is liable to the


                                       4
<PAGE>   226
Registrant or its shareholders by reason of such Covered Person's willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such Covered
Person's duties in such office. Expenses may be paid by the Registrant in
advance of the final disposition of any such action provided that the Covered
Person delivers an undertaking that expenses so advanced will be repaid by the
Covered Person to the Registrant if it is ultimately determined that
indemnification of such expenses is not authorized under the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust and the Covered Person either provides security for such
undertaking or insures Registrant against losses from such advances or a
majority of the disinterested Trustees or independent legal counsel determines,
in the manner specified in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, that there is
reason to believe the Covered Person will be found to be entitled to
indemnification.




        (b) WM Trust II - Under Section 6.4 of Registrant's Master Trust
Agreement, as amended, any past or present Trustee or officer of Registrant
(including persons who serve at Registrant's request as directors, officers or
trustees of another organization in which Registrant has any interest as a
shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered
Person"), is indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law against
liability and all expenses reasonably incurred by him with any action, suit or
proceeding to which he may be a party or otherwise involved by reason of his
being or having been a Covered Person. This provision does not authorize
indemnification when it is determined, in the manner specified in the Master
Trust Agreement, that a Covered Person has not acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that his actions were in or not opposed to the best interests
of Registrant. Moreover, this provision does not authorize indemnification when
it is determined, in the manner specified in the Master Trust Agreement, that
the Covered Person would otherwise be liable to Registrant or its shareholders
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of his duties. Expenses may be paid by Registrant in advance of the
final disposition of any action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by a Covered Person to repay those expenses to Registrant in the
event that it is ultimately determined that indemnification of the expenses is
not authorized under the Master Trust Agreement and the Covered Person either
provides security for such undertaking or insures Registrant against losses from
such advances or the disinterested Trustees or independent legal counsel
determines, in the manner specified in the Master Trust Agreement, that there is
reason to believe the Covered Person will be found to be entitled to
indemnification.




        (c) WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC - Under Article 8,
Section 1 of Registrant's Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLC
Agreement"), any past or present Trustee or officer of Registrant, including
persons who serve at Registrant's request as directors, officers or trustees of
another organization in which Registrant has any interest as a shareholder,
creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person"), is
indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and all
expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with any action, suit or
proceeding to which he may be a party or otherwise involved by reason of his
being or having been a Covered Person. This provision does not authorize
indemnification when it is determined, in the manner specified in the LLC
Agreement, that a Covered Person has not acted in good faith in the reasonable
belief that his actions were in or not opposed to the best interests of
Registrant. Moreover, this provision does not authorize indemnification when it
is determined, in the manner specified in the LLC Agreement, that the Covered
Person would otherwise be liable to Registrant or its shareholders by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his
duties. Expenses may be paid by Registrant in advance of the final disposition
of any action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by a Covered
Person to repay those expenses to Registrant in the event that it is ultimately
determined that indemnification of the expenses is not authorized under the LLC
Agreement and the Covered Person either provides security for such undertaking
or insures Registrant against losses from such advances or the disinterested
Trustees or independent legal counsel determines, in the manner specified in the
LLC Agreement, that there is reason to believe the Covered Person will be found
to be entitled to indemnification.

                                  ************


               Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be permitted to
Trustees, officers and controlling persons of each of WM Trust I, WM Trust II
and Strategic Asset Management Portfolios pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore,



                                       5
<PAGE>   227

unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid
by a Trustee, officer or controlling person of the above-named Registrants in
the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, such Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.


ITEM 26.    BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR.

      (a)   WM Advisors, Inc.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Directors/Officers                  Past Two Fiscal Years
------------------                  ---------------------
<S>                             <C>
Monte D. Calvin                 WM Shareholder Services, Inc.
First Vice President, Director  1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
(Treasurer prior to March
1999)
First Vice President,           WM Advisors, Inc.
Director (Treasurer prior to    1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
March 1999)
First Vice President,           WM Funds Distributor, Inc.
Director (Treasurer prior to    1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
March 1999)

Sandra A. Cavanaugh             WM Advisors, Inc.
First Vice President, Director  1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

First Vice President, Director  WM Shareholder Services, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

First Vice President, Director  WM Funds Distributor, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Craig S. Davis                  WM Funds Distributor, Inc.
Director                        1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Director                        WM Shareholder Services, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Director                        WM Advisors, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Executive Vice President        Washington Mutual, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Sharon L. Howells               WM Advisors, Inc.
First Vice President,           1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
Corporate Secretary
Director

First Vice President,           WM Funds Distributor, Inc.
Corporate Secretary,            1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
Director

First Vice President            WM Shareholder Services, Inc.
Corporate Secretary,            1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
Director

Jeffrey D. Huffman              WM Advisors, Inc.
Vice President                  1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Bruce J. King                   March 1998 - present
Vice President                  WM Advisors, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Vice President                  January 1996 - February 1998
                                Bennington Capital Management
                                1420 Fifth Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
</TABLE>


                                       6
<PAGE>   228

<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>
Suzanne M. Krahling             March 1999 - present
First Vice President,           WM Advisors, Inc.
Treasurer                       1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

First Vice President,           WM Shareholder Services, Inc.
Treasurer                       1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

First Vice President,           WM Funds Distributor, Inc.
Treasurer                       1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

First Vice President,           WM Financial Services, Inc.
Secretary, Treasurer            1201 Third Avenue, Suite 780, Seattle, WA 98101

Joel Calvo                      WM Advisors, Inc.
Chairman                        1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

President and Chairman          WM Shareholder Services, Inc.
                                1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

                                WM Financial Services, Inc.
                                1201 Third Avenue, Suite 780, Seattle, WA 98101

William G. Papesh               WM Advisors, Inc.
President, Director             1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Director                        WM Shareholder Services, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

Director                        WM Insurance Services
                                1201 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98101

President, Director             WM Group of Funds
                                1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

President, Director             July 1997 - present
                                WM Funds Distributor, Inc.
                                1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Brian L. Placzek                WM Advisors, Inc.
Vice President                  1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Gary J. Pokrzywinski            WM Advisors, Inc.
Vice President                  1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Audrey S. Quaye                 WM Advisors, Inc.
Vice President                  1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Brian Applegate                 November 1998 - present
Assistant Vice President        WM Avisors
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Jamellah MacLean                May 1999 - present
Assistant Vice President        WM Advisors
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

                                July 1997 - May 1999
                                Piper Jaffray, Seattle, WA

David W. Simpson                WM Advisors, Inc.
Vice President                  1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Linda C. Walk                   December 1997 - present
Vice President                  WM Advisors, Inc.
                                1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Randall L. Yoakum               February 1999 - present
Vice President,                 WM Advisors, Inc.
Chairman of Investment          1201 Third Ave., 22nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101
Committee
                                April 1997 - February 1999
                                D.A. Davidson & Co., Great Falls, MT
</TABLE>


                                       7
<PAGE>   229

      (b)   Van Kampen Management, Inc.

               Van Kampen Management, Inc. ("Van Kampen"), is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of VK/AC Holding, Inc. VK/AC Holding, Inc. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. Van Kampen provides
investment advice to a wide variety of individual, institutional and investment
company clients.



               The list required by this Item 26 of officers and directors of
Van Kampen, together with information as to any other business, profession,
vocation of employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and
directors during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to Schedules A
and D of Form ADV filed by Van Kampen pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC File
No.801-40808).

      (c)   Janus Capital Corporation

               Janus Capital Corporation ("Janus") is an investment advisor
registered under the Advisers Act, and acts as investment advisor for registered
investment companies, foreign investment companies and for individual,
charitable, corporate and retirement accounts. Janus, and its affiliates,
provide a variety of trust, investment management and investment advisory
services.


<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>
Laurence Joseph Althoff      Senior Vice President & Controller
James K. Ambrosio            Vice President
Don J. Andrews               Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
Timothy R. Armstrong         Vice President
Brian P. Alcara              Vice President
Sara Louise Badler           Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant
                             Secretary
Shakeel Anwar Barkat         Vice President
Scott F. Becker              Assistant Vice President
Scott C. Bernstiel           Vice President
Patricia A. Bettlach         First Vice President
Brian E. Bidner              Assistant Vice President
Christopher M. Bisaillon     Vice President
Carol S. Blegel              Vice President
William Edwin Bond           Vice President
Michael P. Boos              Vice President
James Joseph Boyne           Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant
                             Secretary
Billie J. Bronaugh           Assistant Vice President
Robert C. Brooks             Vice President
Elizabeth M. Brown           Vice President
John Browning                Officer
William F. Burke, Jr.        Vice President
Loren Burket                 Vice President
Juanita E. Buss              Vice President
Christine Cleary Byrum       Vice President
Glenn M. Cackovic            First Vice President
Lynn Chadderton              Assistant Vice President
Richard J. Charlino          Vice President
Deanna Margaret Chiaro       Vice President
Scott A. Chriske             Vice President
German Clavlio               Vice President
Dominick Cogliandro          Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
Michael Colston              Vice President
Kevin J. Connors             Vice President
Amy Cooper                   Assistant Vice President
Gina Costello                Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary
Suzanne Cummings             Vice President
Gary R. DeMoss               Senior Vice President
John E. Doyle                Senior Vice President
Michael E. Eccleston         Vice President
William J. Fow               Vice President
Nicholas J. Foxhoven         Vice President
Charles Friday               Vice President
</TABLE>


                                       8
<PAGE>   230

<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>
Leticia George               Officer
Sarah K. Gieser              Assistant Vice President
Richard G. Golod             Senior Vice President
Walter C. Gray               Assistant Vice President
Timothy D. Griffith          Vice President
Kyle D. Haas                 Vice President
Daniel Hamilton              Vice President
John G. Hansen               Vice President
Eric J. Hargens              First Vice President
Joseph Hays                  Vice President
Gregory Heffington           First Vice President
Michael D. Hibsch            Vice President
Susan Jean Hill              Vice President and Senior Attorney
Thomas R. Hindelang          Vice President
David S. Hogaboorn           First Vice President
Bryn M. Hoggard              Vice President
Michelle Huber               Vice President
Michael B. Hughes            Vice President
Lowell Jackson               Vice President
Kevin G. Jajuga              Vice President
Steven T. Johnson            Senior Vice President
Laurie L. Jones              Assistant Vice President
Robin R. Jordan              Assistant Vice President
Dana R. Klein                Vice President
Anne S. Kochevar             Assistant Vice President
Frederick Kohly              Vice President
David Richard Kowalski       Vice President and Director of Compliance
Patricia D. Lathrop          Vice President
Brian Laux                   Vice President
Tony E. Leal                 Vice President
S. William Lehew II          Vice President
Johnathan Linstra            Vice President
Ivan R. Lowe                 Assistant Vice President
Richard M. Lundgren          Vice President
Walter Lynn                  Vice President
Linda S. MacAyeal            Vice President and Senior Attorney
Kevin Marsh                  Vice President
Dominic C. Martellaro        First Vice President
Carl Mayfield                First Vice President
Brooks D. McCartney          Vice President
Mark R. McClure              First Vice President
Maura A. McGrath             First Vice President
Anne Therese McGrath         Vice President
William D. McLaughlin        Officer
John Mills                   Vice President
Stuart R. Moehlman           Vice President
Ted Morew                    Vice President
Robert F. Muller, Jr.        First Vice President
Rebecca Newman               Officer
Peter Nicolas                Vice President
Cathy Nopoli                 Assistant Secretary
Steven R. Norvid             Vice President
Barbara A. Novak             Assistant Vice President
Allyn Maureen O'Connor       Vice President and Associate General Counsel
Gregory S. Parker            Vice President
Christopher Petrungaro       Vice President
Richard J. Poli              Vice President
Richard F. Powers, III       Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
Ronald E. Pratt              Vice President
Christine K. Putong          Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary
Daniel D. Reams              Vice President
Walter E. Rein               Senior Vice President
Theresa M. Renn              Officer
Kevin Wayne Reszel           Vice President
Leah Richardson              Assistant Vice President
David P. Robbins             Assistant Vice President
Michael W. Rohr              Vice President
Jeffrey L. Rose              Vice President
Regina Rosen                 Assistant Vice President
Suzette N. Rothberg          Vice President
Jeffrey L. Rourke            Vice President
Thomas Rowley                First Vice President
James J. Ryan                Senior Vice President
</TABLE>


                                       9
<PAGE>   231

<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>
William R. Rybak             Director, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
                             and Treasurer
Heather R. Sabo              Vice President
Pamela S. Salley             Assistant Vice President
Michael H. Santo             Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and
                             Technology Officer
Colette M. Saucedo           Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
Thomas J. Sauerborn          Assistant Vice President
Diane Saxon                  Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
David T. Saylor              Assistant Vice President
Stephanie Scarlata           Vice President
Andrew J. Scherer            First Vice President
Christina L. Schmieder       Vice President
Timothy M. Scholten          Vice President
Lisa Schultz                 Assistant Vice President
Ronald J. Schuster           Vice President
Gwen L. Shaneyfelt           Vice President
Frederick Shepherd           Senior Vice President
Jefferey C. Shirk            Vice President
Lauren B. Sinai              Assistant Vice President
Thomas A. Smith              Director
Thomas A. Smith              Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Traci T. Sorensen            Vice President
Darren D. Stabler            Vice President
Christopher Staniforth       Vice President
Richard Stefanec             Vice President
James D. Stevens             First Vice President
Scott Stevens                Assistant Vice President
William C. Strafford         Vice President
Mark A. Syswerda             Vice President
</TABLE>


      (d)   Capital Guardian Trust Company


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Directors/Officers                 Past Two Years
--------------------               --------------

<S>                                <C>
Donnalisa Barnum                   Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; Vice President, Capital
                                   International Limited

Andrew F. Barth                    Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company;
                                   Executive Vice President and Research
                                   Manager, Capital Guardian Research Company

Michael D. Beckman                 Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
                                   Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company;
                                   Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company of
                                   Nevada; Treasurer, Capital Guardian Research
                                   Company

Elizabeth A. Burns                 Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company

Larry P. Clemmensen                Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company and
                                   American Funds Distributors, Inc.; Chairman
                                   of the Board, American Funds Service Company;
                                   Director and President, The Capital Group
                                   Companies, Inc.; Senior Vice President and
                                   Director, Capital Research and Management
                                   Company; President and Director, Capital
                                   Management Services, Inc.; Treasurer, Capital
                                   Strategy Research, Inc.; Senior Vice
                                   President, Capital Income Builder, Inc. and
                                   Capital World Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

Roberta A. Conroy                  Senior Vice President, Director and Counsel,
                                   Capital Guardian Trust Company; Senior Vice
                                   President and Secretary, Capital
                                   International, Inc. and Emerging Markets
                                   Growth Fund, Inc.; Assistant General Counsel,
</TABLE>


                                       10
<PAGE>   232

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
                                   The Capital Group Companies, Inc.; Secretary,
                                   Capital Management Services, Inc.

John B. Emerson                    Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; Deputy Assistant to the President
                                   for Intergovernmental Affairs, Deputy
                                   Director of Presidential Personnel, The White
                                   House

Michael E. Erickson                Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; Senior Vice President, Capital
                                   International, Limited

David I. Fisher                    Chairman and Director, The Capital Group
                                   Companies, Inc. and Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; Vice Chairman and Director, Capital
                                   International, Inc., Capital International
                                   K.K., Capital International Limited and
                                   Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc.; President
                                   and Director, Capital Group International,
                                   Inc. and Capital International Limited
                                   (Bermuda); Presidente du Conseil, Capital
                                   International S.A., Director, Capital Group
                                   Research, Inc., Capital Research
                                   International, EuroPacific Growth Fund and
                                   New Perspective Fund

William Flumenbaum                 Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company Personal Investment Management
                                   Division; Vice President, Capital Guardian
                                   Trust Company, a Nevada Corporation;
                                   Director, Principal Gifts -- UCLA,
                                   Development; Executive Director, UCLA Jonsson
                                   Cancer Center Foundation; Deputy Director
                                   UCLA Health Science Development

Richard N. Havas                   Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company, Capital International Limited,
                                   Capital Research International and Capital
                                   Guardian Canada, Inc.


Frederick M. Hughes, Jr.           Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company

William                            H. Hurt Senior Vice President and Director,
                                   Capital Guardian Trust Company; Chairman,
                                   Capital Guardian Trust Company of Nevada and
                                   Capital Strategy Research, Inc.

Robert G. Kirby                    Chairman Emeritus, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; Senior Partner, The Capital Group
                                   Partners L.P.

Nancy J. Kyle                      Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Trust Company; President, Capital
                                   Guardian Canada, Inc. and Vice President,
                                   Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc.

Karin L. Larson                    Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company and
                                   The Capital Group Companies, Inc.; President,
                                   Director and Director of Research, Capital
                                   Guardian Research Company; Chairperson,
                                   President and Director, Capital Group
                                   Research, Inc.; President, Director and
                                   Director of International Research, Capital
                                   Research International

D. James Martin                    Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company;
                                   Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Research Company

John R. McIlwraith                 Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
</TABLE>


                                       11
<PAGE>   233

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
                                   Guardian Trust Company; Senior Vice President
                                   and Director, Capital International Limited

James R. Mulally                   Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Trust Company; Senior Vice
                                   President, Capital International Limited;
                                   Director, Capital Guardian Research Company;
                                   Vice President, Capital Research Company

Shelby Notkin                      Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; Director, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company of Nevada

Mary M. O'Hern                     Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company and Capital International Limited;
                                   Vice President, Capital International, Inc.

Jeffrey C. Paster                  Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company

Robert V. Pennington               Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company of Nevada

Jason M. Pilalas                   Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company;
                                   Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Research Company

Robert Ronus                       President and Director, Capital Guardian
                                   Trust Company; Chairman and Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Canada, Inc., Capital Guardian
                                   Research Company and Capital Research
                                   International; Director, The Capital Group
                                   Companies, Inc., Capital Group International,
                                   Inc. and Capital International Fund S.A.;
                                   Directeur, Capital International S.A.; Senior
                                   Vice President, Capital International Limited

Theodore R. Samuels                Senior Vice President and Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Trust Company; Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Research Company

Lionel                             A. Sauvage Senior Vice President, Capital
                                   Guardian Trust Company; Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Research Company; Vice President,
                                   Capital International Research, Inc.

John                               H. Seiter Executive Vice President of Client
                                   Relations & Marketing and Director, Capital
                                   Guardian Trust Company; Senior Vice
                                   President, Capital Group International, Inc.;
                                   Vice President, The Capital Group Companies,
                                   Inc.

Robert L. Spare                    Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company

Eugene P. Stein                    Executive Vice President and Director,
                                   Capital Guardian Trust Company; Director,
                                   Capital Guardian Research Company

Bente L. Strong                    Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company Personal Investment Management
                                   Division; Publisher, Capital Publishing's The
                                   American Benefactor Magazine

Philip A. Swan                     Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company

Shaw B. Wagener                    Director, Capital Guardian Trust Company,
                                   Capital International Asia Pacific Management
                                   Company, S.A., Capital International
                                   Management Company, Capital International
                                   Emerging Countries Fund and Capital
</TABLE>


                                       12
<PAGE>   234

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>
                                   International Latin American Fund; President
                                   and Director, Capital International, Inc.;
                                   Senior Vice President, Capital Group
                                   International, Inc. and Emerging Markets
                                   Growth Fund, Inc.

Eugene M. Waldron                  Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company; Vice President, Loomis, Sayles &
                                   Company

N. Dexter Williams                 Senior Vice President, Capital Guardian Trust
                                   Company Personal Investment Management
                                   Division; Senior Vice President, American
                                   Funds Distributors, Inc.
</TABLE>

ITEM 27.    PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.

      (a)   The principal underwriter for each Registrant is WM Funds
            Distributor, Inc.

      (b)   The Directors and Officers of WM Funds Distributor, Inc., their
            positions with WM Funds Distributor, Inc. and the WM Group of Funds
            are set forth in the table below. The principal business address of
            WM Funds Distributor, Inc. and each of its directors and officers is
            1201 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, Seattle, Washington 98101.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Name and                    Position And               Positions And
 Principal Business               Offices With                Offices With
      Address                      Underwriter                 Registrant
 ------------------               ------------               -------------
<S>                           <C>                       <C>
William G. Papesh                   President                  President

Sandra A. Cavanaugh           First Vice President        Senior Vice President

Monte D. Calvin               First Vice President,     Chief Financial Officer,
                                    Treasurer             Senior Vice President

                                      -14-

Sharon L. Howells                Vice President,          Senior Vice President
                               Corporate Secretary
</TABLE>


      (c)   Not applicable.

ITEM 28.    LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.

        All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder
will be maintained at the offices of the Registrants, at 1201 Third Avenue, 22nd
Floor, Seattle, WA 98101, the offices of the Registrants' custodian, Boston Safe
Deposit and Trust Company, One Boston Place, Boston, MA 02108 and the offices of
the Registrants' sub-advisors, Van Kampen Management, Inc., One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, Janus Capital Corporation, 100 Fillmore
Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80206, and Capital Guardian Trust Co.,
Investment office, 333 South Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90071.

ITEM 29.    MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

        None of the Registrants is a party to any management related contract,
other than as set forth in the Prospectus.

ITEM 30.    UNDERTAKINGS.

      (a)   Each Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
            prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest
            annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge.

      (b)   Each of the Registrants has undertaken to call a meeting of its
            shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal
            of a trustee or trustees of the Registrant when requested to do so
            by the holders of at least 10% of the Registrant's outstanding


                                       13
<PAGE>   235

            shares. Each Registrant has undertaken further, in connection with
            the meeting, to comply with the provisions of Section 16(c) of the
            Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, relating to
            communications with the shareholders of certain common-law trusts.




                                       14
<PAGE>   236

                                   SIGNATURES



        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Seattle in the State of Washington on the 15th day of
December, 2000.


                                          WM TRUST I
                                          WM TRUST II
                                          WM STRATEGIC ASSET
                                          MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIOS, LLC


                                          WILLIAM G. PAPESH*
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          William G. Papesh, President



Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the date indicated.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Signature              Title                       Date
<S>                                    <C>                         <C>
WILLIAM G. PAPESH*                     President and Trustee       December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
William G. Papesh

MONTE D. CALVIN                        Chief Financial             December 15, 2000
-------------------------------        Officer
Monte D. Calvin

DAVID E. ANDERSON*                     Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
David E. Anderson

WAYNE L. ATTWOOD, M.D.*                Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Wayne L. Attwood, M.D.
</TABLE>



                                       15
<PAGE>   237


<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>                         <C>
ARTHUR H. BERNSTEIN, ESQ.*             Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq.

KRISTIANNE BLAKE*                      Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Kristianne Blake

EDMOND R. DAVIS, ESQ.*                 Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Edmond R. Davis, Esq.

ANNE V. FARRELL*                       Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Anne V. Farrell

CARROL R. McGINNIS*                    Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Carrol R. McGinnis

MICHAEL K. MURPHY*                     Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Michael K. Murphy

ALFRED E. OSBORNE, JR., PH.D.*         Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D.

DANIEL L. PAVELICH*                    Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Daniel L. Pavelich

JAY ROCKEY*                            Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Jay Rockey

MORTON O. SCHAPIRO*                    Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Morton O. Schapiro

RICHARD C. YANCEY*                     Trustee                     December 15, 2000
-------------------------------
Richard C. Yancey

*By WILLIAM G. PAPESH pursuant to Powers of Attorney previously filed.
</TABLE>



                                       16
<PAGE>   238

Exhibit Index


(d)(1)(B)      Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement
(d)(1)(C)      Amendment Agreement
(d)(2)(E)-(G)  Amendment Agreements
(e)(1)         Distribution Contract
(e)(2)         Form of Dealer Agreement
(h)(1)         Transfer Agent Contract
(m)(A)         Class A Distribution Plan
(m)(B)         Class B Distribution Plan
(p)(1)-(4)     Codes of Ethics





                                       17



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