General Money Market Funds
General Money Market Fund
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
General Municipal Money Market Fund
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
Investing in high quality, short-term securities for current income, safety of
principal and liquidity
PROSPECTUS December 1, 1999
CLASS B SHARES
[First Albany Corporation logo]
THE GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS ARE MANAGED BY THE DREYFUS CORPORATION.
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TO BE USED ONLY BY CLIENTS OF FIRST ALBANY CORPORATION.
As with all mutual funds, 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 criminal offense.
<PAGE>
The Funds
Contents
The Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction 1
General Money Market Fund 2
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund 4
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund 6
General Municipal
Money Market Fund 8
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund 10
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund 12
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund 14
Management 16
Financial Highlights 17
Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Policies 20
Distributions and Taxes 22
For More Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFORMATION ON EACH FUND CAN BE FOUND IN THE FUND'S CURRENT
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
Introduction
Each fund is a money market mutual fund with a separate investment portfolio.
The operations and results of a fund are unrelated to those of each other fund.
This combined prospectus has been prepared for your convenience so that you can
consider seven investment choices in one document.
As a money market fund, each fund is subject to maturity, quality and
diversification requirements designed to help it maintain a stable share price.
Generally, each fund is required to invest at least 95% of its assets in the
securities of issuers with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent
as determined by Dreyfus, with the remainder invested in securities with the
second-highest credit rating.
An investment in a fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although each fund seeks
to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to
lose money by investing in a fund.
Concepts to understand
MONEY MARKET FUND: a specific type of fund that seeks to maintain a $1.00 price
per share. Money market funds are subject to strict federal requirements and
must:
* maintain an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity of 90 days or less
* buy individual securities that have remaining maturities of 13 months or
less
* invest only in high quality, dollar-denominated obligations
CREDIT RATING: a measure of the issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. An issuer with the highest
credit rating has a very strong degree of certainty (or safety) with respect to
making all payments. An issuer with the second-highest credit rating has a
strong capacity to make all payments, but the degree of safety is somewhat less
The Funds 1
<PAGE 1>
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of high quality, short-term debt securities, including the following:
* securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
* certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other
short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or their
subsidiaries or branches
* repurchase agreements
* asset-backed securities
* domestic and dollar-denominated foreign commercial paper, and other
short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable
rates of interest
* dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign
governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its net assets in domestic or
dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* the risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the
banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk and regulatory
developments relating to the banking industry
* the risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments,
such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of
deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on the payment of
principal and interest
2
<PAGE 2>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.68 4.84 4.73
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.22%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.09%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.16%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.73% 4.84%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.25%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Money Market Fund 3
<PAGE 3>
General Government Securities Money Market Fund
- ----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GSBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements
in respect of these securities.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
4
<PAGE 4>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.60 4.69 4.61
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.18%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.06%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.06%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.61% 4.72%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.08%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.02%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$104 $325 $563 $1,248
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.02% to 0.97%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Government Securities Money Market Fund 5
<PAGE 5>
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund
- ------------------
Ticker Symbol: N/A
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund only invests in securities issued or guaranteed as
to principal and interest by the U.S. government.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
6
PAST PERFORMANCE
As a new fund, past performance information is not available for the fund as of
the date of this prospectus.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$107 $334
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund 7
<PAGE 7>
General Municipal Money Market Fund
- -----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GBMXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal personal income
tax, as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of
liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal personal
income tax. The fund also may invest in high quality, short-term structured
notes, which are derivative instruments whose value is tied to underlying
municipal obligations. Structured notes typically are purchased in privately
negotiated transactions from financial institutions. When the portfolio manager
believes that acceptable municipal obligations are unavailable for investment,
the fund may invest temporarily in high quality, taxable money market
instruments. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal income
tax, interest from some of its holdings may be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may invest in
taxable money market instruments.
8
<PAGE 8>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.66 2.86 2.60
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.76%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.61%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.68%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.60% 2.77%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.83%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$107 $334 $579 $1,283
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.05% to 0.96%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Municipal Money Market Fund 9
<PAGE 9>
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GENXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and California
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
California state personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable California municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to California state income tax, but are free from federal
income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* California's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
California state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
10
<PAGE 10>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.48 2.62 2.34
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.71%
WORST QUARTER: Q3 '98 +0.53%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.48%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (8/1/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.34% 2.52%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.59%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$109 $340 $590 $1,306
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.07% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund 11
<PAGE 11>
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMNXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and Minnesota
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
Minnesota state personal income taxes. When the portfolio manager believes that
acceptable Minnesota municipal obligations are unavailable for investment, the
fund may invest in securities that may be subject to Minnesota state income tax,
but are free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two
types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* Minnesota's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
Minnesota state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
12
<PAGE 12>
PAST PERFORMANCE
Since the fund has less than one calendar year of performance, past performance
information is not included. For performance information as of the end of the
fund's first fiscal period, please refer to the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.72%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$170 $526
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus waived its fee and assumed certain other fund
expenses pursuant to an undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.67% to
0.80%. This undertaking was voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund 13
<PAGE 13>
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GNYXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York state
and New York city personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation
of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal, New York
state and New York city personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable New York municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to New York state and New York city income taxes, but are
free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* New York's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal, New
York state and New York city income taxes, interest from some of its holdings
may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund
occasionally may invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt
only from federal personal income tax.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
14
<PAGE 14>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.51 2.70 2.42
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.70%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.55%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.52%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (9/8/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.42% 2.57%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.61%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 0.98%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund 15
<PAGE 15>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for each fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages more than
$118 billion in over 160 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, each
operational fund (other than General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund) paid
Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily
net assets. For General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, no management fee
was paid to Dreyfus for that period. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business
of Mellon Financial Corporation, a global financial services company with
approximately $2.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or
custody, including approximately $450 billion under management. Mellon provides
wealth management, global investment services and a comprehensive array of
banking services for individuals, businesses and institutions. Mellon is
headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Dreyfus has a personal securities trading policy (the "Policy") which restricts
the personal securities transactions of its employees. Its primary purpose is to
ensure that personal trading by Dreyfus employees does not disadvantage any
Dreyfus-managed fund. Dreyfus portfolio managers and other investment personnel
who comply with the Policy's preclearance and disclosure procedures may be
permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may
be or are held in the fund(s) they advise.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: these funds could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by Dreyfus and the funds' other service providers do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which these funds invest may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of a fund's investments and its share price.
16
<PAGE 16>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of the Class B shares of each fund
(except General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund) for the periods indicated. As
a new fund, financial highlights information is not available for General
Treasury Prime Money Market Fund as of the date of this prospectus. "Total
return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or
decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and
distributions. These figures have been independently audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial
statements, is included in the annual report.
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .021 .047 .039 .046 .043
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.021) (.047) (.039) (.046) (.043)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.17(3) 4.78 4.83(3) 4.65 5.18(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.14(3) 4.66 4.78(3) 4.56 5.00(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .04(3) .06 .05(3) .07 .07(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 2,679,456 2,427,332 1,231,132 369,205 50,446
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .020 .046 .038 .045 .042
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.020) (.046) (.038) (.045) (.042)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.05(3) 4.66 4.69(3) 4.58 5.01(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) .97 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.01(3) 4.55 4.60(3) 4.48 5.01(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .03(3) .05 .05(3) .08 .10(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 650,987 645,984 364,845 90,175 58
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
Financial Highlights 17
<PAGE 17>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .011 .026 .028 .027 .020
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.011) (.026) (.028) (.027) (.020)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.23(2) 2.64 2.86 2.70 3.01(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .96 .95 .85 1.10(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.22(2) 2.59 2.87 2.65 2.83(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .07(2) .09 .16 .29 .09(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 401,156 377,636 263,008 17,491 3,024
(1) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED FOUR MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .002 .024 .009 .026 .025
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.002) (.024) (.009) (.026) (.025)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(3) 2.39 2.57(3) 2.61 2.56
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.03(3) 2.34 2.62(3) 2.52 2.45
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .26(3) .07 .13(3) .07 .08
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 47,012 8,760 2,669 928 5,475
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JULY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM AUGUST 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JULY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE 18>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .012 .013
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.012) (.013)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.43 2.67(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .80 .80(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.39 2.63(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .50 .87(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 31,251 28,160
(1) FROM JUNE 1, 1998 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1998.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .010 .024 .027 .025 .006
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.010) (.024) (.027) (.025) (.006)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(2) 2.47 2.68 2.55 2.82(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .98 .95 .95 1.04(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.00(2) 2.44 2.64 2.47 3.64(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .09(2) .08 .08 .16 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 43,146 46,997 42,169 36,199 --
(1) FROM SEPTEMBER 8, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
Financial Highlights 19
<PAGE 19>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
Buying shares
GENERAL FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing through a
third party such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser. Third parties
with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and fees
which are different than those described here. To purchase fund shares, contact
your financial representative.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY
MARKET FUND AND GENERAL TREASURY PRIME MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., every day the New
York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be
priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's
transfer agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued
based on amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon,
you will receive the dividend declared that day. If your payments are received
in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon, you will begin to accrue
dividends on the following business day. Qualified institutions may telephone
orders to buy shares. If such an order is made by 5:00 p.m. and Federal Funds
are received by 6:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined at
5:00 p.m. and will receive the dividend declared that day. If such an order is
made after 5:00 p.m. but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8:00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MUNICIPAL
MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND GENERAL NEW
YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m., for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund and three times a day, at 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and
8:00 p.m., for each other municipal money market fund, every day the New York
Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be priced
at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer
agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued based on
amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or by 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will receive the dividend declared that day. If
your payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or after 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will begin to accrue dividends on the following
business day. Qualified institutions may telephone orders to buy shares. If such
an order is made by 12:00 noon for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or
by 2:00 p.m. for each other municipal money market fund, and Federal Funds are
received by 4:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined after
the telephone order is accepted and will receive the dividend
20
<PAGE 20>
declared that day. If such an order is made after 12:00 noon for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund or after 2:00 p.m. for any of the other municipal
money market funds, but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8:00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
BECAUSE THE MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS seek tax-exempt income, they are not
recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified retirement plans.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL (REDEEM) SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative,
or you can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
authorized entity. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be
returned with your redemption request. Your order will be processed promptly and
you will generally receive the proceeds within a week.
BEFORE SELLING recently purchased shares, please note that if the fund has
not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending
the proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has collected payment.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): a mutual fund's share price on a given day. A fund's NAV
is calculated by dividing the value of its net assets by the number of existing
shares.
AMORTIZED COST: a method of valuing a money market fund's portfolio securities,
which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result,
portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time
based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. This
method of valuation is designed to permit a fund to maintain a stable NAV.
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES, you may be responsible for any
fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to
verify that the order is from a representative of your financial institution.
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
* refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who,
in the fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually
defined as more than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
* refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's total
assets
* change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend this
privilege during unusual market conditions
* change its minimum investment amounts
* delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or
during unusual market conditions)
Each fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
Your Investment 21
<PAGE 21>
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
EACH FUND USUALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment income
once a month, and distributes any net realized securities gains once a year.
Your dividends and distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you
instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments
or withdrawals.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID by the taxable money market funds are taxable
to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income (unless your investment is in an IRA or
other tax-advantaged account).
EACH MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND anticipates that, under normal market
conditions, virtually all of its income dividends will be exempt from federal
and, as to California Municipal Money Market Fund, California, as to Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund, Minnesota, and as to New York Municipal Money
Market Fund, New York state and New York city, personal income taxes. However,
any dividends and distributions from taxable investments are taxable as ordinary
income.
Concepts to understand
DIVIDENDS: income or interest paid by the investments in a fund's portfolio, net
of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders.
DISTRIBUTIONS: income, net of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders. These
are calculated on a per-share basis: each share earns the same rate of return,
so the more fund shares you own, the higher your distribution.
SECURITIES GAINS: distributions derived from the profits the fund earns when it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them.
The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you have
been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in
cash.
The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you
have been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them
in cash.
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Retirement plans
A variety of retirement plans are offered for the taxable money market funds,
including traditional, Roth and Education IRAs.
In addition, SEP-IRAs, Keogh accounts, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are also
available. Please call your financial representative for information.
22
<PAGE 22>
NOTES
NOTES
<PAGE>
NOTES
For More Information
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3207
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4871
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4870
More information on each fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance and lists portfolio holdings.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about each fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE
Call your First Albany Consultant
or 1-800-462-6242
BY MAIL Write to:
First Albany Corporation
30 South Pearl Street
P.O. Box 52
Albany, NY 12201-0052
E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can
be viewed online or downloaded from:
http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999 Dreyfus Service Corporation
GEN-P1299B-FA
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Money Market Funds
General Money Market Fund
General Government Securities Money Market Fund
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund
General Municipal Money Market Fund
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
Investing in high quality, short-term securities for current income, safety of
principal and liquidity
PROSPECTUS December 1, 1999
CLASS B SHARES
[Dreyfus Logo]
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TO BE USED ONLY BY CLIENTS OF SELECT BROKER-DEALERS.
As with all mutual funds, 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 criminal offense.
The Funds
Contents
The Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction 1
General Money Market Fund 2
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund 4
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund 6
General Municipal
Money Market Fund 8
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund 10
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund 12
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund 14
Management 16
Financial Highlights 17
Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Policies 20
Distributions and Taxes 22
For More Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFORMATION ON EACH FUND CAN BE FOUND IN THE FUND' S CURRENT
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
Introduction
Each fund is a money market mutual fund with a separate investment portfolio.
The operations and results of a fund are unrelated to those of each other fund.
This combined prospectus has been prepared for your convenience so that you can
consider seven investment choices in one document.
As a money market fund, each fund is subject to maturity, quality and
diversification requirements designed to help it maintain a stable share price.
Generally, each fund is required to invest at least 95% of its assets in the
securities of issuers with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent
as determined by Dreyfus, with the remainder invested in securities with the
second-highest credit rating.
An investment in a fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although each fund seeks
to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to
lose money by investing in a fund.
Concepts to understand
MONEY MARKET FUND: a specific type of fund that seeks to maintain a $1.00 price
per share. Money market funds are subject to strict federal requirements and
must:
* maintain an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity of 90 days or less
* buy individual securities that have remaining maturities of 13 months or
less
* invest only in high quality, dollar-denominated obligations
CREDIT RATING: a measure of the issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. An issuer with the highest
credit rating has a very strong degree of certainty (or safety) with respect to
making all payments. An issuer with the second-highest credit rating has a
strong capacity to make all payments, but the degree of safety is somewhat less.
The Funds 1
<PAGE 1>
General Money Market Fund
-------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of high quality, short-term debt securities, including the following:
* securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
* certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other
short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or their
subsidiaries or branches
* repurchase agreements
* asset-backed securities
* domestic and dollar-denominated foreign commercial paper, and other
short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable
rates of interest
* dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign
governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its net assets in domestic or
dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* the risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the
banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk and regulatory
developments relating to the banking industry
* the risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments,
such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of
deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on the payment of
principal and interest
2
<PAGE 2>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.68 4.84 4.73
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.22%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.09%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.16%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.73% 4.84%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.25%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Money Market Fund 3
<PAGE 3>
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
-----------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GSBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements
in respect of these securities.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
4
<PAGE 4>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.60 4.69 4.61
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.18%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.06%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.06%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.61% 4.72%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.08%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.02%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$104 $325 $563 $1,248
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.02% to 0.97%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Government Securities Money Market Fund 5
<PAGE 5>
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
------------------
Ticker Symbol: N/A
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund only invests in securities issued or guaranteed as
to principal and interest by the U.S. government.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
6
<PAGE 6>
PAST PERFORMANCE
As a new fund, past performance information is not available for the fund as of
the date of this prospectus.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$107 $334
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund 7
<PAGE 7>
General Municipal Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GBMXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal personal income
tax, as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of
liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal personal
income tax. The fund also may invest in high quality, short-term structured
notes, which are derivative instruments whose value is tied to underlying
municipal obligations. Structured notes typically are purchased in privately
negotiated transactions from financial institutions. When the portfolio manager
believes that acceptable municipal obligations are unavailable for investment,
the fund may invest temporarily in high quality, taxable money market
instruments. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal income
tax, interest from some of its holdings may be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may invest in
taxable money market instruments.
8
<PAGE 8>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund' s performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund' s performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.66 2.86 2.60
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.76%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.61%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.68%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.60% 2.77%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.83%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$107 $334 $579 $1,283
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.05% to 0.96%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Municipal Money Market Fund 9
<PAGE 9>
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GENXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and California
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
California state personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable California municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to California state income tax, but are free from federal
income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* California's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
California state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
10
<PAGE 10>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.48 2.62 2.34
1980 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.71%
WORST QUARTER: Q3 '98 +0.53%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.48%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (8/1/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.34% 2.52%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.59%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$109 $340 $590 $1,306
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.07% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund 11
<PAGE 11>
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMNXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and Minnesota
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
Minnesota state personal income taxes. When the portfolio manager believes that
acceptable Minnesota municipal obligations are unavailable for investment, the
fund may invest in securities that may be subject to Minnesota state income tax,
but are free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two
types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* Minnesota's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
Minnesota state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
12
<PAGE 12>
PAST PERFORMANCE
Since the fund has less than one calendar year of performance, past performance
information is not included. For performance information as of the end of the
fund's first fiscal period, please refer to the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.72%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$170 $526
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus waived its fee and assumed certain other fund
expenses pursuant to an undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.67% to
0.80%. This undertaking was voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund 13
<PAGE 13>
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GNYXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York state
and New York city personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation
of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal, New York
state and New York city personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable New York municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to New York state and New York city income taxes, but are
free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* New York's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal, New
York state and New York city income taxes, interest from some of its holdings
may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund
occasionally may invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt
only from federal personal income tax.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
14
<PAGE 14>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.51 2.70 2.42
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.70%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.55%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.52%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (9/8/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.42% 2.57%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.61%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 0.98%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund 15
<PAGE 15>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for each fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages more than
$118 billion in over 160 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, each
operational fund (other than General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund) paid
Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily
net assets. For General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, no management fee
was paid to Dreyfus for that period. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business
of Mellon Financial Corporation, a global financial services company with
approximately $2.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or
custody, including approximately $450 billion under management. Mellon provides
wealth management, global investment services and a comprehensive array of
banking services for individuals, businesses and institutions. Mellon is
headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Dreyfus has a personal securities trading policy (the "Policy") which restricts
the personal securities transactions of its employees. Its primary purpose is to
ensure that personal trading by Dreyfus employees does not disadvantage any
Dreyfus-managed fund. Dreyfus portfolio managers and other investment personnel
who comply with the Policy's preclearance and disclosure procedures may be
permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may
be or are held in the fund(s) they advise.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: these funds could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by Dreyfus and the funds' other service providers do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which these funds invest may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of a fund's investments and its share price.
16
<PAGE 16>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of the Class B shares of each fund
(except General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund) for the periods indicated. As
a new fund, financial highlights information is not available for General
Treasury Prime Money Market Fund as of the date of this prospectus. "Total
return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or
decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and
distributions. These figures have been independently audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial
statements, is included in the annual report.
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .021 .047 .039 .046 .043
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.021) (.047) (.039) (.046) (.043)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.17(3) 4.78 4.83(3) 4.65 5.18(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.14(3) 4.66 4.78(3) 4.56 5.00(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .04(3) .06 .05(3) .07 .07(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 2,679,456 2,427,332 1,231,132 369,205 50,446
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .020 .046 .038 .045 .042
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.020) (.046) (.038) (.045) (.042)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.05(3) 4.66 4.69(3) 4.58 5.01(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) .97 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.01(3) 4.55 4.60(3) 4.48 5.01(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .03(3) .05 .05(3) .08 .10(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 650,987 645,984 364,845 90,175 58
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
Financial Highlights 17
<PAGE 17>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .011 .026 .028 .027 .020
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.011) (.026) (.028) (.027) (.020)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.23(2) 2.64 2.86 2.70 3.01(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .96 .95 .85 1.10(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.22(2) 2.59 2.87 2.65 2.83(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .07(2) .09 .16 .29 .09(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 401,156 377,636 263,008 17,491 3,024
(1) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED FOUR MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .002 .024 .009 .026 .025
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.002) (.024) (.009) (.026) (.025)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(3) 2.39 2.57(3) 2.61 2.56
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.03(3) 2.34 2.62(3) 2.52 2.45
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .26(3) .07 .13(3) .07 .08
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 47,012 8,760 2,669 928 5,475
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JULY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM AUGUST 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JULY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE 18>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .012 .013
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.012) (.013)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.43 2.67(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .80 .80(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.39 2.63(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .50 .87(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 31,251 28,160
(1) FROM JUNE 1, 1998 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1998.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .010 .024 .027 .025 .006
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.010) (.024) (.027) (.025) (.006)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(2) 2.47 2.68 2.55 2.82(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .98 .95 .95 1.04(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.00(2) 2.44 2.64 2.47 3.64(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .09(2) .08 .08 .16 --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 43,146 46,997 42,169 36,199 --
(1) FROM SEPTEMBER 8, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
Financial Highlights 19
<PAGE 19>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
Buying shares
GENERAL FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing through a
third party such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser. Third parties
with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and fees
which are different than those described here. To purchase fund shares, contact
your financial representative.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND,
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY MARKET FUND AND
GENERAL TREASURY PRIME MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund' s net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., every day the New
York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be
priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's
transfer agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued
based on amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon,
you will receive the dividend declared that day. If your payments are received
in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon, you will begin to accrue
dividends on the following business day. Qualified institutions may telephone
orders to buy shares. If such an order is made by 5:00 p.m. and Federal Funds
are received by 6:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined at
5: 00 p.m. and will receive the dividend declared that day. If such an order is
made after 5:00 p.m. but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8: 00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MUNICIPAL
MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND GENERAL NEW
YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m., for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund and three times a day, at 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and
8: 00 p.m., for each other municipal money market fund, every day the New York
Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be priced
at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer
agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued based on
amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or by 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will receive the dividend declared that day. If
your payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or after 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will begin to accrue dividends on the following
business day. Qualified institutions may telephone orders to buy shares. If such
an order is made by 12:00 noon for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or
by 2: 00 p.m. for each other municipal money market fund, and Federal Funds are
received by 4:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined after
the telephone order is accepted and will receive the dividend
20
<PAGE 20>
declared that day. If such an order is made after 12:00 noon for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund or after 2:00 p.m. for any of the other municipal
money market funds, but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8: 00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
BECAUSE THE MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS seek tax-exempt income, they are not
recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified retirement plans.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL (REDEEM) SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative,
or you can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
authorized entity. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be
returned with your redemption request. Your order will be processed promptly and
you will generally receive the proceeds within a week.
BEFORE SELLING recently purchased shares, please note that if the fund has
not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending
the proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has collected payment.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): a mutual fund's share price on a given day. A fund's NAV
is calculated by dividing the value of its net assets by the number of existing
shares.
AMORTIZED COST: a method of valuing a money market fund's portfolio securities,
which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result,
portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time
based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. This
method of valuation is designed to permit a fund to maintain a stable NAV.
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES, you may be responsible for any
fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to
verify that the order is from a representative of your financial institution.
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
* refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who,
in the fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually
defined as more than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
* refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's total
assets
* change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend this
privilege during unusual market conditions
* change its minimum investment amounts
* delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or
during unusual market conditions)
Each fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
Your Investment 21
<PAGE 21>
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
EACH FUND USUALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment income
once a month, and distributes any net realized securities gains once a year.
Your dividends and distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you
instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments
or withdrawals.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID by the taxable money market funds are taxable
to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income (unless your investment is in an IRA or
other tax-advantaged account).
EACH MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND anticipates that, under normal market
conditions, virtually all of its income dividends will be exempt from federal
and, as to California Municipal Money Market Fund, California, as to Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund, Minnesota, and as to New York Municipal Money
Market Fund, New York state and New York city, personal income taxes. However,
any dividends and distributions from taxable investments are taxable as ordinary
income.
Concepts to understand
DIVIDENDS: income or interest paid by the investments in a fund's portfolio, net
of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders.
DISTRIBUTIONS: income, net of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders. These
are calculated on a per-share basis: each share earns the same rate of return,
so the more fund shares you own, the higher your distribution.
SECURITIES GAINS: distributions derived from the profits the fund earns when it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them.
The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you have
been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in
cash.
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Retirement plans
A variety of retirement plans are offered for the taxable money market funds,
including traditional, Roth and Education IRAs.
In addition, SEP-IRAs, Keogh accounts, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are also
available. Please call your financial representative for information.
22
<PAGE 22>
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
For More Information
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3207
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4871
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4870
More information on each fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance and lists portfolio holdings.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about each fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE
Call your financial representative or 1-800-554-4611
BY MAIL Write to:
The Dreyfus Family of Funds
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can
be viewed online or downloaded from:
http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999 Dreyfus Service Corporation
GEN-P1299B-GAM
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Money Market Funds
General Money Market Fund
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
General Municipal Money Market Fund
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
Investing in high quality, short-term securities for current income, safety of
principal and liquidity
PROSPECTUS December 1, 1999
CLASS B SHARES
[Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Logo]
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TO BE USED ONLY BY CLIENTS OF STIFEL, NICOLAUS &
COMPANY, INCORPORATED.
As with all mutual funds, 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 criminal offense.
<PAGE>
The Funds
Contents
The Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction 1
General Money Market Fund 2
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund 4
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund 6
General Municipal
Money Market Fund 8
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund 10
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund 12
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund 14
Management 16
Financial Highlights 17
Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Policies 20
Distributions and Taxes 22
For More Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFORMATION ON EACH FUND CAN BE FOUND IN THE FUND'S CURRENT
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
Introduction
Each fund is a money market mutual fund with a separate investment portfolio.
The operations and results of a fund are unrelated to those of each other fund.
This combined prospectus has been prepared for your convenience so that you can
consider seven investment choices in one document.
As a money market fund, each fund is subject to maturity, quality and
diversification requirements designed to help it maintain a stable share price.
Generally, each fund is required to invest at least 95% of its assets in the
securities of issuers with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent
as determined by Dreyfus, with the remainder invested in securities with the
second-highest credit rating.
An investment in a fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although each fund seeks
to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to
lose money by investing in a fund.
Concepts to understand
MONEY MARKET FUND: a specific type of fund that seeks to maintain a $1.00 price
per share. Money market funds are subject to strict federal requirements and
must:
* maintain an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity of 90 days or less
* buy individual securities that have remaining maturities of 13 months or
less
* invest only in high quality, dollar-denominated obligations
CREDIT RATING: a measure of the issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. An issuer with the highest
credit rating has a very strong degree of certainty (or safety) with respect to
making all payments. An issuer with the second-highest credit rating has a
strong capacity to make all payments, but the degree of safety is somewhat less.
The Funds 1
<PAGE 1>
General Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of high quality, short-term debt securities, including the following:
* securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
* certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other
short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or their
subsidiaries or branches
* repurchase agreements
* asset-backed securities
* domestic and dollar-denominated foreign commercial paper, and other
short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable
rates of interest
* dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign
governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its net assets in domestic or
dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* the risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the
banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk and regulatory
developments relating to the banking industry
* the risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments,
such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of
deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on the payment of
principal and interest
2
<PAGE 2>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund' s performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.68 4.84 4.73
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.22%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.09%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.16%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.73% 4.84%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.25%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Money Market Fund 3
<PAGE 3>
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GSBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements
in respect of these securities.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
4
<PAGE 4>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund' s performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.60 4.69 4.61
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.18%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.06%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.06%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.61% 4.72%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.08%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.02%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$104 $325 $563 $1,248
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.02% to 0.97%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Government Securities Money Market Fund 5
<PAGE 5>
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
------------------
Ticker Symbol: N/A
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund only invests in securities issued or guaranteed as
to principal and interest by the U.S. government.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
6
<PAGE 6>
PAST PERFORMANCE
As a new fund, past performance information is not available for the fund as of
the date of this prospectus.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$107 $334
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund 7
<PAGE 7>
General Municipal Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GBMXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal personal income
tax, as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of
liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal personal
income tax. The fund also may invest in high quality, short-term structured
notes, which are derivative instruments whose value is tied to underlying
municipal obligations. Structured notes typically are purchased in privately
negotiated transactions from financial institutions. When the portfolio manager
believes that acceptable municipal obligations are unavailable for investment,
the fund may invest temporarily in high quality, taxable money market
instruments. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal income
tax, interest from some of its holdings may be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may invest in
taxable money market instruments.
8
<PAGE 8>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund' s performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.66 2.86 2.60
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.76%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.61%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.68%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.60% 2.77%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.83%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
<TABLE>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$107 $334 $579 $1,283
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.05% to 0.96%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Municipal Money Market Fund 9
<PAGE 9>
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GENXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and California
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
California state personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable California municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to California state income tax, but are free from federal
income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* California's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
California state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
10
<PAGE 10>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund' s performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund' s performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.48 2.62 2.34
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.71%
WORST QUARTER: Q3 '98 +0.53%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.48%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (8/1/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.34% 2.52%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.59%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
<TABLE>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$109 $340 $590 $1,306
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.07% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund 11
<PAGE 11>
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMNXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and Minnesota
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
Minnesota state personal income taxes. When the portfolio manager believes that
acceptable Minnesota municipal obligations are unavailable for investment, the
fund may invest in securities that may be subject to Minnesota state income tax,
but are free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two
types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* Minnesota's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
Minnesota state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
12
<PAGE 12>
PAST PERFORMANCE
Since the fund has less than one calendar year of performance, past performance
information is not included. For performance information as of the end of the
fund's first fiscal period, please refer to the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.72%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$170 $526
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus waived its fee and assumed certain other fund
expenses pursuant to an undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.67% to
0.80%. This undertaking was voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund 13
<PAGE 13>
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GNYXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York state
and New York city personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation
of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal, New York
state and New York city personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable New York municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to New York state and New York city income taxes, but are
free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* New York's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal, New
York state and New York city income taxes, interest from some of its holdings
may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund
occasionally may invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt
only from federal personal income tax.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
14
<PAGE 14>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.51 2.70 2.42
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.70%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.55%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.52%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (9/8/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.42% 2.57%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.61%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
<TABLE>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 0.98%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund 15
<PAGE 15>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for each fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages more than
$118 billion in over 160 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, each
operational fund (other than General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund) paid
Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily
net assets. For General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, no management fee
was paid to Dreyfus for that period. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business
of Mellon Financial Corporation, a global financial services company with
approximately $2.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or
custody, including approximately $450 billion under management. Mellon provides
wealth management, global investment services and a comprehensive array of
banking services for individuals, businesses and institutions. Mellon is
headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Dreyfus has a personal securities trading policy (the "Policy") which restricts
the personal securities transactions of its employees. Its primary purpose is to
ensure that personal trading by Dreyfus employees does not disadvantage any
Dreyfus-managed fund. Dreyfus portfolio managers and other investment personnel
who comply with the Policy's preclearance and disclosure procedures may be
permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may
be or are held in the fund(s) they advise.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: these funds could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by Dreyfus and the funds' other service providers do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which these funds invest may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of a fund's investments and its share price.
16
<PAGE 16>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of the Class B shares of each fund
(except General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund) for the periods indicated. As
a new fund, financial highlights information is not available for General
Treasury Prime Money Market Fund as of the date of this prospectus. "Total
return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or
decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and
distributions. These figures have been independently audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial
statements, is included in the annual report.
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .021 .047 .039 .046 .043
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.021) (.047) (.039) (.046) (.043)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.17(3) 4.78 4.83(3) 4.65 5.18(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.14(3) 4.66 4.78(3) 4.56 5.00(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .04(3) .06 .05(3) .07 .07(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 2,679,456 2,427,332 1,231,132 369,205 50,446
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .020 .046 .038 .045 .042
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.020) (.046) (.038) (.045) (.042)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.05(3) 4.66 4.69(3) 4.58 5.01(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) .97 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.01(3) 4.55 4.60(3) 4.48 5.01(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .03(3) .05 .05(3) .08 .10(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 650,987 645,984 364,845 90,175 58
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
Financial Highlights 17
<PAGE 17>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .011 .026 .028 .027 .020
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.011) (.026) (.028) (.027) (.020)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.23(2) 2.64 2.86 2.70 3.01(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .96 .95 .85 1.10(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.22(2) 2.59 2.87 2.65 2.83(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .07(2) .09 .16 .29 .09(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 401,156 377,636 263,008 17,491 3,024
(1) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED FOUR MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .002 .024 .009 .026 .025
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.002) (.024) (.009) (.026) (.025)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(3) 2.39 2.57(3) 2.61 2.56
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.03(3) 2.34 2.62(3) 2.52 2.45
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .26(3) .07 .13(3) .07 .08
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 47,012 8,760 2,669 928 5,475
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JULY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM AUGUST 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JULY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE 18>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .012 .013
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.012) (.013)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.43 2.67(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .80 .80(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.39 2.63(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .50 .87(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 31,251 28,160
(1) FROM JUNE 1, 1998 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1998.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .010 .024 .027 .025 .006
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.010) (.024) (.027) (.025) (.006)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(2) 2.47 2.68 2.55 2.82(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .98 .95 .95 1.04(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.00(2) 2.44 2.64 2.47 3.64(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .09(2) .08 .08 .16 --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 43,146 46,997 42,169 36,199 --
(1) FROM SEPTEMBER 8, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
Financial Highlights 19
</TABLE>
<PAGE 19>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
Buying shares
GENERAL FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing through a
third party such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser. Third parties
with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and fees
which are different than those described here. To purchase fund shares, contact
your financial representative.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY
MARKET FUND AND GENERAL TREASURY PRIME MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., every day the New
York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be
priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's
transfer agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued
based on amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon,
you will receive the dividend declared that day. If your payments are received
in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon, you will begin to accrue
dividends on the following business day. Qualified institutions may telephone
orders to buy shares. If such an order is made by 5:00 p.m. and Federal Funds
are received by 6:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined at
5: 00 p.m. and will receive the dividend declared that day. If such an order is
made after 5:00 p.m. but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8: 00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MUNICIPAL
MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND GENERAL NEW
YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund' s net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m., for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund and three times a day, at 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and
8: 00 p.m., for each other municipal money market fund, every day the New York
Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be priced
at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer
agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued based on
amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or by 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will receive the dividend declared that day. If
your payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or after 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will begin to accrue dividends on the following
business day. Qualified institutions may telephone orders to buy shares. If such
an order is made by 12:00 noon for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or
by 2: 00 p.m. for each other municipal money market fund, and Federal Funds are
received by 4:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined after
the telephone order is accepted and will receive the dividend
20
<PAGE 20>
declared that day. If such an order is made after 12:00 noon for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund or after 2:00 p.m. for any of the other municipal
money market funds, but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8: 00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
BECAUSE THE MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS seek tax-exempt income, they are not
recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified retirement plans.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL (REDEEM) SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative,
or you can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
authorized entity. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be
returned with your redemption request. Your order will be processed promptly and
you will generally receive the proceeds within a week.
BEFORE SELLING for recently purchased shares, please note that if the fund
has not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay
sending the proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has collected
payment.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): a mutual fund's share price on a given day. A fund's NAV
is calculated by dividing the value of its net assets by the number of existing
shares.
AMORTIZED COST: a method of valuing a money market fund's portfolio securities,
which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result,
portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time
based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. This
method of valuation is designed to permit a fund to maintain a stable NAV.
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES, you may be responsible for any
fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to
verify that the order is from a representative of your financial institution.
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
* refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who,
in the fund' s view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually
defined as more than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
* refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's total
assets
* change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend this
privilege during unusual market conditions
* change its minimum investment amounts
* delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or
during unusual market conditions)
Each fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
Your Investment 21
<PAGE 21>
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
EACH FUND USUALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment income
once a month, and distributes any net realized securities gains once a year.
Your dividends and distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you
instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments
or withdrawals.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID by the taxable money market funds are taxable
to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income (unless your investment is in an IRA or
other tax-advantaged account).
EACH MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND anticipates that, under normal market
conditions, virtually all of its income dividends will be exempt from federal
and, as to California Municipal Money Market Fund, California, as to Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund, Minnesota, and as to New York Municipal Money
Market Fund, New York state and New York city, personal income taxes. However,
any dividends and distributions from taxable investments are taxable as ordinary
income.
Concepts to understand
DIVIDENDS: income or interest paid by the investments in a fund's portfolio, net
of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders.
DISTRIBUTIONS: income, net of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders. These
are calculated on a per-share basis: each share earns the same rate of return,
so the more fund shares you own, the higher your distribution.
SECURITIES GAINS: distributions derived from the profits the fund earns when it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them.
The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you have
been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in
cash.
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Retirement plans
A variety of retirement plans are offered for the taxable money market funds,
including traditional, Roth and Education IRAs.
In addition, SEP-IRAs, Keogh accounts, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are also
available. Please call your financial representative for information.
22
<PAGE 22>
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
For More Information
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3207
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4871
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4870
More information on each fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance and lists portfolio holdings.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about each fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE
Call your Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Investment Executive or
1-800-679-5446
BY MAIL Write to:
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
501 North Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102
http://www.stifel.com
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can
be viewed online or downloaded from:
http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999 Dreyfus Service Corporation
GEN-P1299B-SN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Money Market Funds
General Money Market Fund
General Government Securities Money Market Fund
General Municipal Money Market Fund
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
Investing in high quality, short-term securities for current income, safety of
principal and liquidity
PROSPECTUS December 1, 1999
CLASS B SHARES
[GEORGE K. BAUM & COMPANY
SERVICE AGENT LOGO]
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TO BE USED ONLY BY CLIENTS OF GEORGE K. BAUM & COMPANY.
As with all mutual funds, 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 criminal offense.
The Funds
Contents
The Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction 1
General Money Market Fund 2
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund 4
General Municipal
Money Market Fund 6
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund 8
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund 10
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund 12
Management 14
Financial Highlights 15
Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Policies 18
Distributions and Taxes 20
For More Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFORMATION ON EACH FUND CAN BE FOUND IN THE Fund's CURRENT
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
Introduction
Each fund is a money market mutual fund with a separate investment portfolio.
The operations and results of a fund are unrelated to those of each other fund.
This combined prospectus has been prepared for your convenience so that you can
consider six investment choices in one document.
As a money market fund, each fund is subject to maturity, quality and
diversification requirements designed to help it maintain a stable share price.
Generally, each fund is required to invest at least 95% of its assets in the
securities of issuers with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent
as determined by Dreyfus, with the remainder invested in securities with the
second-highest credit rating.
An investment in a fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although each fund seeks
to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to
lose money by investing in a fund.
Concepts to understand
MONEY MARKET FUND: a specific type of fund that seeks to maintain a $1.00 price
per share. Money market funds are subject to strict federal requirements and
must:
* maintain an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity of 90 days or less
* buy individual securities that have remaining maturities of 13 months or
less
* invest only in high quality, dollar-denominated obligations
CREDIT RATING: a measure of the issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. An issuer with the highest
credit rating has a very strong degree of certainty (or safety) with respect to
making all payments. An issuer with the second-highest credit rating has a
strong capacity to make all payments, but the degree of safety is somewhat less
The Funds 1
<PAGE 1>
General Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of high quality, short-term debt securities, including the following:
* securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
* certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other
short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or their
subsidiaries or branches
* repurchase agreements
* asset-backed securities
* domestic and dollar-denominated foreign commercial paper, and other
short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable
rates of interest
* dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign
governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its net assets in domestic or
dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* the risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the
banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk and regulatory
developments relating to the banking industry
* the risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments,
such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of
deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on the payment of
principal and interest
2
<PAGE 2>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the Fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.68 4.84 4.73
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.22%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.09%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.16%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.73% 4.84%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.25%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Money Market Fund 3
<PAGE 3>
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GSBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements
in respect of these securities.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
4
<PAGE 4>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the Fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.60 4.69 4.61
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.18%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.06%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.06%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.61% 4.72%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.08%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.02%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$104 $325 $563 $1,248
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.02% to 0.97%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Government Securities Money Market Fund 5
<PAGE 5>
General Municipal Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GBMXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal personal income
tax, as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of
liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal personal
income tax. The fund also may invest in high quality, short-term structured
notes, which are derivative instruments whose value is tied to underlying
municipal obligations. Structured notes typically are purchased in privately
negotiated transactions from financial institutions. When the portfolio manager
believes that acceptable municipal obligations are unavailable for investment,
the fund may invest temporarily in high quality, taxable money market
instruments. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal income
tax, interest from some of its holdings may be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may invest in
taxable money market instruments.
<PAGE 6>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.66 2.86 2.60
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.76%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.61%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.68%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.60% 2.77%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.83%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$107 $334 $579 $1,283
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.05% to 0.96%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Municipal Money Market Fund 7
<PAGE 7>
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GENXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and California
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
California state personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable California municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to California state income tax, but are free from federal
income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* California's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
California state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
8
<PAGE 8>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.48 2.62 2.34
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.71%
WORST QUARTER: Q3 '98 +0.53%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.48%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (8/1/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.34% 2.52%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.59%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$109 $340 $590 $1,306
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.07% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund 9
<PAGE 9>
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMNXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and Minnesota
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
Minnesota state personal income taxes. When the portfolio manager believes that
acceptable Minnesota municipal obligations are unavailable for investment, the
fund may invest in securities that may be subject to Minnesota state income tax,
but are free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two
types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* Minnesota's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Although the Fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
Minnesota state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
<PAGE 10>
PAST PERFORMANCE
Since the fund has less than one calendar year of performance, past performance
information is not included. For performance information as of the end of the
Fund's first fiscal period, please refer to the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.72%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$170 $526
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus waived its fee and assumed certain other fund
expenses pursuant to an undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.67% to
0.80%. This undertaking was voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund 11
<PAGE 11>
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GNYXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York state
and New York city personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation
of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal, New York
state and New York city personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable New York municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to New York state and New York city income taxes, but are
free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* New York' s economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the Fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal, New
York state and New York city income taxes, interest from some of its holdings
may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund
occasionally may invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt
only from federal personal income tax.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
<PAGE 12>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the Fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the Fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.51 2.70 2.42
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.70%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.55%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.52%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (9/8/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.42% 2.57%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.61%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 0.98%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund 13
<PAGE 13>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for each fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages more than
$118 billion in over 160 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, each
operational fund (other than General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund) paid
Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily
net assets. For General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, no management fee
was paid to Dreyfus for that period. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business
of Mellon Financial Corporation, a global financial services company with
approximately $2.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or
custody, including approximately $450 billion under management. Mellon provides
wealth management, global investment services and a comprehensive array of
banking services for individuals, businesses and institutions. Mellon is
headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Dreyfus has a personal securities trading policy (the "Policy") which restricts
the personal securities transactions of its employees. Its primary purpose is to
ensure that personal trading by Dreyfus employees does not disadvantage any
Dreyfus-managed fund. Dreyfus portfolio managers and other investment personnel
who comply with the Policy's preclearance and disclosure procedures may be
permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may
be or are held in the fund(s) they advise.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: these funds could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by Dreyfus and the funds' other service providers do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which these funds invest may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of a fund's investments and its share price.
14
<PAGE 14>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of the Class B shares of each fund
for the periods indicated. "Total return" shows how much your investment in the
fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had
reinvested all dividends and distributions. These figures have been
independently audited (except where noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report,
along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the annual report.
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .021 .047 .039 .046 .043
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.021) (.047) (.039) (.046) (.043)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.17(3) 4.78 4.83(3) 4.65 5.18(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets (%) 4.14(3) 4.66 4.78(3) 4.56 5.00(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .04(3) .06 .05(3) .07 .07(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 2,679,456 2,427,332 1,231,132 369,205 50,446
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .020 .046 .038 .045 .042
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.020) (.046) (.038) (.045) (.042)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.05(3) 4.66 4.69(3) 4.58 5.01(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) .97 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.01(3) 4.55 4.60(3) 4.48 5.01(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .03(3) .05 .05(3) .08 .10(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 650,987 645,984 364,845 90,175 58
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
Financial Highlights 15
<PAGE 15>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .011 .026 .028 .027 .020
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.011) (.026) (.028) (.027) (.020)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.23(2) 2.64 2.86 2.70 3.01(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .96 .95 .85 1.10(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.22(2) 2.59 2.87 2.65 2.83(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .07(2) .09 .16 .29 .09(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 401,156 377,636 263,008 17,491 3,024
(1) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED FOUR MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .002 .024 .009 .026 .025
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.002) (.024) (.009) (.026) (.025)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(3) 2.39 2.57(3) 2.61 2.56
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.03(3) 2.34 2.62(3) 2.52 2.45
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .26(3) .07 .13(3) .07 .08
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 47,012 8,760 2,669 928 5,475
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JULY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM AUGUST 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JULY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE 16>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .012 .013
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.012) (.013)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.43 2.67(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .80 .80(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.39 2.63(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .50 .87(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 31,251 28,160
(1) FROM JUNE 1, 1998 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1998.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .010 .024 .027 .025 .006
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.010) (.024) (.027) (.025) (.006)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(2) 2.47 2.68 2.55 2.82(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .98 .95 .95 1.04(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.00(2) 2.44 2.64 2.47 3.64(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .09(2) .08 .08 .16 --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 43,146 46,997 42,169 36,199 --
(1) FROM SEPTEMBER 8, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
Financial Highlights 17
</TABLE>
<PAGE 17>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
Buying shares
GENERAL FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing through a
third party such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser. Third parties
with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and fees
which are different than those described here. To purchase fund shares, contact
your financial representative.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY
MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the Fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., every day the New
York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be
priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's
transfer agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued
based on amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon,
you will receive the dividend declared that day. If your payments are received
in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon, you will begin to accrue
dividends on the following business day. Qualified institutions may telephone
orders to buy shares. If such an order is made by 5:00 p.m. and Federal Funds
are received by 6:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined at
5: 00 p.m. and will receive the dividend declared that day. If such an order is
made after 5:00 p.m. but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8: 00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MUNICIPAL
MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND GENERAL NEW
YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the Fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m., for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund and three times a day, at 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and
8: 00 p.m., for each other municipal money market fund, every day the New York
Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be priced
at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer
agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued based on
amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or by 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will receive the dividend declared that day. If
your payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or after 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will begin to accrue dividends on the following
business day. Qualified institutions may telephone orders to buy shares. If such
an order is made by 12:00 noon for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or
by 2: 00 p.m. for each other municipal money market fund, and Federal Funds are
received by 4:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined after
the telephone order is accepted and will receive the dividend
18
<PAGE 18>
declared that day. If such an order is made after 12:00 noon for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund or after 2:00 p.m. for any of the other municipal
money market funds, but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8: 00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
BECAUSE THE MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS seek tax-exempt income, they are not
recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified retirement plans.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL (REDEEM) SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative,
or you can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
authorized entity. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be
returned with your redemption request. Your order will be processed promptly and
you will generally receive the proceeds within a week.
BEFORE SELLING RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES, please note that if the fund has not
yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the
proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has collected payment.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): a mutual fund's share price on a given day. A fund's NAV
is calculated by dividing the value of its net assets by the number of existing
shares.
AMORTIZED COST: a method of valuing a money market fund's portfolio securities,
which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result,
portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time
based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. This
method of valuation is designed to permit a fund to maintain a stable NAV.
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES, you may be responsible for any
fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to
verify that the order is from a representative of your financial institution
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
* refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who,
in the Fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually
defined as more than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
* refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's total
assets
* change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend this
privilege during unusual market conditions
* change its minimum investment amounts
* delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or
during unusual market conditions)
Each fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
Your Investment 19
<PAGE 19>
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
EACH FUND USUALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment income
once a month, and distributes any net realized securities gains once a year.
Your dividends and distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you
instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments
or withdrawals.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID by the taxable money market funds are taxable
to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income (unless your investment is in an IRA or
other tax-advantaged account).
EACH MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND anticipates that, under normal market
conditions, virtually all of its income dividends will be exempt from federal
and, as to California Municipal Money Market Fund, California, as to Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund, Minnesota, and as to New York Municipal Money
Market Fund, New York state and New York city, personal income taxes. However,
any dividends and distributions from taxable investments are taxable as ordinary
income.
Concepts to understand
DIVIDENDS: income or interest paid by the investments in a fund's portfolio, net
of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders.
DISTRIBUTIONS: income, net of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders. These
are calculated on a per-share basis: each share earns the same rate of return,
so the more fund shares you own, the higher your distribution.
SECURITIES GAINS: distributions derived from the profits the fund earns when it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them.
The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you have
been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in
cash.
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Retirement plans
A variety of retirement plans are offered for the taxable money market funds,
including traditional, Roth and Education IRAs.
In addition, SEP-IRAs, Keogh accounts, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are also
available. Please call your financial representative for information.
20
<PAGE 20>
NOTES
For More Information
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3207
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4871
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4870
More information on each fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance and lists portfolio holdings.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about each fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE Call your George K. Baum & Company Investment Executive or
1-800-821-7195
BY MAIL Write to:
George K. Baum & Company
120 West 12th Street, Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64105
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can
be viewed online or downloaded from:
http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999 Dreyfus Service Corporation
GEN-P1299B-GKB
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Money Market Funds
General Money Market Fund
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
General Municipal Money Market Fund
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
Investing in high quality, short-term securities for current income, safety of
principal and liquidity
PROSPECTUS December 1, 1999
CLASS B SHARES
[John G. Kinnard & Co. logo]
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TO BE USED ONLY BY CLIENTS OF JOHN G. KINNARD & CO.
As with all mutual funds, 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 criminal offense.
The Funds
Contents
The Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction 1
General Money Market Fund 2
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund 4
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund 6
General Municipal
Money Market Fund 8
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund 10
Management 12
Financial Highlights 13
Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Policies 15
Distributions and Taxes 17
For More Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFORMATION ON EACH FUND CAN BE FOUND IN THE FUND'S CURRENT
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
Introduction
Each fund is a money market mutual fund with a separate investment portfolio.
The operations and results of a fund are unrelated to those of each other fund.
This combined prospectus has been prepared for your convenience so that you can
consider five investment choices in one document.
As a money market fund, each fund is subject to maturity, quality and
diversification requirements designed to help it maintain a stable share price.
Generally, each fund is required to invest at least 95% of its assets in the
securities of issuers with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent
as determined by Dreyfus, with the remainder invested in securities with the
second-highest credit rating.
An investment in a fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although each fund seeks
to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to
lose money by investing in a fund.
Concepts to understand
MONEY MARKET FUND: a specific type of fund that seeks to maintain a $1.00 price
per share. Money market funds are subject to strict federal requirements and
must:
* maintain an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity of 90 days or less
* buy individual securities that have remaining maturities of 13 months or
less
* invest only in high quality, dollar-denominated obligations
CREDIT RATING: a measure of the issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. An issuer with the highest
credit rating has a very strong degree of certainty (or safety) with respect to
making all payments. An issuer with the second-highest credit rating has a
strong capacity to make all payments, but the degree of safety is somewhat less
The Funds 1
<PAGE 1>
General Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of high quality, short-term debt securities, including the following:
* securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
* certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other
short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or their
subsidiaries or branches
* repurchase agreements
* asset-backed securities
* domestic and dollar-denominated foreign commercial paper, and other
short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable
rates of interest
* dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign
governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its net assets in domestic or
dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* the risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the
banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk and regulatory
developments relating to the banking industry
* the risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign investments,
such as economic and political developments, seizure or nationalization of
deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on the payment of
principal and interest
<PAGE 2>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.68 4.84 4.73
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.22%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.09%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.16%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.73% 4.84%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.25%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Money Market Fund 3
<PAGE 3>
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GSBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements
in respect of these securities.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
4
<PAGE 4>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.60 4.69 4.61
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.18%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.06%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.06%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.61% 4.72%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.08%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.02%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$104 $325 $563 $1,248
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.02% to 0.97%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Government Securities Money Market Fund 5
<PAGE 5>
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
------------------
Ticker Symbol: N/A
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund only invests in securities issued or guaranteed as
to principal and interest by the U.S. government.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
6
<PAGE 6>
PAST PERFORMANCE
As a new fund, past performance information is not available for the fund as of
the date of this prospectus.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$107 $334
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund 7
<PAGE 7>
General Municipal Money Market Fund
-----------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GBMXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal personal income
tax, as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of
liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal personal
income tax. The fund also may invest in high quality, short-term structured
notes, which are derivative instruments whose value is tied to underlying
municipal obligations. Structured notes typically are purchased in privately
negotiated transactions from financial institutions. When the portfolio manager
believes that acceptable municipal obligations are unavailable for investment,
the fund may invest temporarily in high quality, taxable money market
instruments. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal income
tax, interest from some of its holdings may be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may invest in
taxable money market instruments.
8
<PAGE 8>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.66 2.86 2.60
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.76%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.61%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.68%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.60% 2.77%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.83%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$107 $334 $579 $1,283
</TABLE>
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.05% to 0.96%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Municipal Money Market Fund 9
<PAGE 9>
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
-----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMNXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and Minnesota
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
Minnesota state personal income taxes. When the portfolio manager believes that
acceptable Minnesota municipal obligations are unavailable for investment, the
fund may invest in securities that may be subject to Minnesota state income tax,
but are free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two
types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit of
the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a specific
revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or could
default
* Minnesota's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations may
decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
Minnesota state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
10
<PAGE 10>
PAST PERFORMANCE
Since the fund has less than one calendar year of performance, past performance
information is not included. For performance information as of the end of the
fund's first fiscal period, please refer to the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.72%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$170 $526
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus waived its fee and assumed certain other fund
expenses pursuant to an undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.67% to
0.80%. This undertaking was voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund 11
<PAGE 11>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for each fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages more than
$118 billion in over 160 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, each
operational fund (other than General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund) paid
Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily
net assets. For General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, no management fee
was paid to Dreyfus for that period. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business
of Mellon Financial Corporation, a global financial services company with
approximately $2.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or
custody, including approximately $450 billion under management. Mellon provides
wealth management, global investment services and a comprehensive array of
banking services for individuals, businesses and institutions. Mellon is
headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Dreyfus has a personal securities trading policy (the "Policy") which restricts
the personal securities transactions of its employees. Its primary purpose is to
ensure that personal trading by Dreyfus employees does not disadvantage any
Dreyfus-managed fund. Dreyfus portfolio managers and other investment personnel
who comply with the Policy's preclearance and disclosure procedures may be
permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may
be or are held in the fund(s) they advise.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: these funds could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by Dreyfus and the funds' other service providers do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which these funds invest may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of a fund's investments and its share price.
12
<PAGE 12>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of the Class B shares of each fund
(except General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund) for the periods indicated. As
a new fund, financial highlights information is not available for General
Treasury Prime Money Market Fund as of the date of this prospectus. "Total
return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or
decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and
distributions. These figures have been independently audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial
statements, is included in the annual report.
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .021 .047 .039 .046 .043
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.021) (.047) (.039) (.046) (.043)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.17(3) 4.78 4.83(3) 4.65 5.18(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets (%) 4.14(3) 4.66 4.78(3) 4.56 5.00(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .04(3) .06 .05(3) .07 .07(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 2,679,456 2,427,332 1,231,132 369,205 50,446
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .020 .046 .038 .045 .042
Distributions: Dividends from investment
Income -- net (.020) (.046) (.038) (.045) (.042)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.05(3) 4.66 4.69(3) 4.58 5.01(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) .97 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets (%) 4.01(3) 4.55 4.60(3) 4.48 5.01(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .03(3) .05 .05(3) .08 .10(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 650,987 645,984 364,845 90,175 58
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
Financial Highlights 13
<PAGE 13>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .011 .026 .028 .027 .020
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.011) (.026) (.028) (.027) (.020)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.23(2) 2.64 2.86 2.70 3.01(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .96 .95 .85 1.10(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.22(2) 2.59 2.87 2.65 2.83(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .07(2) .09 .16 .29 .09(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 401,156 377,636 263,008 17,491 3,024
(1) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .012 .013
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.012) (.013)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.43 2.67(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .80 .80(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.39 2.63(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .50 .87(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 31,251 28,160
(1) FROM JUNE 1, 1998 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1998.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE 14>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
Buying shares
GENERAL FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing through a
third party such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser. Third parties
with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and fees
which are different than those described here. To purchase fund shares, contact
your financial representative.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY
MARKET FUND AND GENERAL TREASURY PRIME MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., every day the New
York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be
priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's
transfer agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued
based on amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon,
you will receive the dividend declared that day. If your payments are received
in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon, you will begin to accrue
dividends on the following business day. Qualified institutions may telephone
orders to buy shares. If such an order is made by 5:00 p.m. and Federal Funds
are received by 6:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined at
5:00 p.m. and will receive the dividend declared that day. If such an order is
made after 5:00 p.m. but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8:00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND GENERAL MINNESOTA
MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m., for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund and three times a day, at 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and
8:00 p.m., for the Municipal Money Market Fund, every day the New York Stock
Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be priced at the
next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or
other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued based on amortized
cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or by 4:00 p.m. for the Municipal
Money Market Fund, you will receive the dividend declared that day. If your
payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon for
the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or after 4:00 p.m. for the Municipal
Money Market Fund, you will begin to accrue dividends on the following business
day. Qualified institutions may telephone orders to buy shares. If such an order
is made by 12:00 noon for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or by 2:00
p.m. for the Municipal Money Market Fund, and Federal Funds are received by 4:00
p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined after the telephone
order is accepted and will receive the dividend declared that day. If such an
order is made after 12:00 noon for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or
after 2:00 p.m. for the Municipal Money Market Fund, but by Your Investment
Your Investment 15
<PAGE 15>
ACCOUNT POLICIES (CONTINUED)
8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00 a.m. the next business day,
the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined at 8:00 p.m. and will begin
to accrue dividends on the next business day. All times are Eastern time.
BECAUSE THE MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS seek tax-exempt income, they are not
recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified retirement plans.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL (REDEEM) SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative,
or you can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
authorized entity. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be
returned with your redemption request. Your order will be processed promptly and
you will generally receive the proceeds within a week.
BEFORE SELLING RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES, please note that if the fund has not
yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the
proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has collected payment.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): a mutual fund's share price on a given day. A fund's NAV
is calculated by dividing the value of its net assets by the number of existing
shares.
AMORTIZED COST: a method of valuing a money market fund's portfolio securities,
which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result,
portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time
based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. This
method of valuation is designed to permit a fund to maintain a stable NAV.
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES, you may be responsible for any
fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to
verify that the order is from a representative of your financial institution.
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
* refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who,
in the fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually
defined as more than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
* refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's total
assets
* change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend this
privilege during unusual market conditions
* change its minimum investment amounts
* delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or
during unusual market conditions)
Each fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
16
<PAGE 16>
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
EACH FUND USUALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment income
once a month, and distributes any net realized securities gains once a year.
Your dividends and distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you
instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments
or withdrawals.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID by the taxable money market funds are taxable
to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income (unless your investment is in an IRA or
other tax-advantaged account).
EACH MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND anticipates that, under normal market
conditions, virtually all of its income dividends will be exempt from federal
and, as to Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, Minnesota personal income
taxes. However, any dividends and distributions from taxable investments are
taxable as ordinary income.
Concepts to understand
DIVIDENDS: income or interest paid by the investments in a fund's portfolio, net
of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders.
DISTRIBUTIONS: income, net of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders. These
are calculated on a per-share basis: each share earns the same rate of return,
so the more fund shares you own, the higher your distribution.
SECURITIES GAINS: distributions derived from the profits the fund earns when it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them.
The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you have
been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in
cash.
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Retirement plans
A variety of retirement plans are offered for the taxable money market funds,
including traditional, Roth and Education IRAs.
In addition, SEP-IRAs, Keogh accounts, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are also
available. Please call your financial representative for information.
Your Investment 17
<PAGE 17>
For More Information
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3207
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
More information on each fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance and lists portfolio holdings.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about each fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE
Call your John G. Kinnard Investment Executive or
1-800-444-7884 or 612-370-2559
BY MAIL Write to:
John G. Kinnard & Co. Incorporated
920 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55402
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can
be viewed online or downloaded from:
http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999 Dreyfus Service Corporation
GEN-P1299B-JGK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
General Money Market Funds
General Money Market Fund
General Government Securities Money Market Fund
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund
General Municipal Money Market Fund
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
Investing in high quality, short-term securities for current income, safety of
principal and liquidity
PROSPECTUS December 1, 1999
CLASS B SHARES
[Baird logo]
THIS PROSPECTUS IS TO BE USED ONLY BY CLIENTS OF BAIRD.
As with all mutual funds, 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 criminal offense.
<PAGE>
The Funds
Contents
The Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction 1
General Money Market Fund 2
General Government Securities
Money Market Fund 4
General Treasury Prime
Money Market Fund 6
General Municipal
Money Market Fund 8
General California Municipal
Money Market Fund 10
General Minnesota Municipal
Money Market Fund 12
General New York Municipal
Money Market Fund 14
Management 16
Financial Highlights 17
Your Investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Policies 20
Distributions and Taxes 22
For More Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE INFORMATION ON EACH FUND CAN BE FOUND IN THE FUND'S CURRENT
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
Introduction
Each fund is a money market mutual fund with a separate investment portfolio.
The operations and results of a fund are unrelated to those of each other fund.
This combined prospectus has been prepared for your convenience so that you can
consider seven investment choices in one document.
As a money market fund, each fund is subject to maturity, quality and
diversification requirements designed to help it maintain a stable share price.
Generally, each fund is required to invest at least 95% of its assets in the
securities of issuers with the highest credit rating or the unrated equivalent
as determined by Dreyfus, with the remainder invested in securities with the
second-highest credit rating.
An investment in a fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although each fund seeks
to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to
lose money by investing in a fund.
Concepts to understand
MONEY MARKET FUND: a specific type of fund that seeks to maintain a $1.00 price
per share. Money market funds are subject to strict federal requirements and
must:
* maintain an average dollar-weighted portfolio maturity of 90 days or
less
* buy individual securities that have remaining maturities of 13 months or
less
* invest only in high quality, dollar-denominated obligations
CREDIT RATING: a measure of the issuer's expected ability to make all required
interest and principal payments in a timely manner. An issuer with the highest
credit rating has a very strong degree of certainty (or safety) with respect to
making all payments. An issuer with the second-highest credit rating has a
strong capacity to make all payments, but the degree of safety is somewhat less
The Funds
<PAGE 1>
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of high quality, short-term debt securities, including the following:
* securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
* certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances and other
short-term securities issued by domestic or foreign banks or their
subsidiaries or branches
* repurchase agreements
* asset-backed securities
* domestic and dollar-denominated foreign commercial paper, and other
short-term corporate obligations, including those with floating or variable
rates of interest
* dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more
foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions or agencies
Normally, the fund invests at least 25% of its net assets in domestic or
dollar-denominated foreign bank obligations.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to
drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or
could default
* the risks generally associated with concentrating investments in the
banking industry, such as interest rate risk, credit risk and regulatory
developments relating to the banking industry
* the risks generally associated with dollar-denominated foreign
investments, such as economic and political developments, seizure or
nationalization of deposits, imposition of taxes or other restrictions on the
payment of principal and interest
<PAGE 2>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.68 4.84 4.73
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.22%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.09%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.16%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.73% 4.84%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.25%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Money Market Fund 3
<PAGE 3>
General Government Securities Money Market Fund
-----------------------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GSBXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements
in respect of these securities.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
<PAGE 4>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
4.60 4.69 4.61
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
BEST QUARTER: Q4 '97 +1.18%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +1.06%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 3.06%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.61% 4.72%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 4.08%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.02%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$104 $325 $563 $1,248
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.02% to 0.97%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Government Securities Money Market Fund 5
<PAGE 5>
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund
----------------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: N/A
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks as high a level of current income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund only invests in securities issued or guaranteed as
to principal and interest by the U.S. government.
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the
United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and
principal when held to maturity. The current market prices for such securities
are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The fund is subject to the risk that
interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to drop.
<PAGE 6>
PAST PERFORMANCE
As a new fund, past performance information is not available for the fund as of
the date of this prospectus.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$107 $334
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund 7
<PAGE 7>
General Municipal Money Market Fund
-----------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GBMXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal personal income
tax, as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of
liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal personal
income tax. The fund also may invest in high quality, short-term structured
notes, which are derivative instruments whose value is tied to underlying
municipal obligations. Structured notes typically are purchased in privately
negotiated transactions from financial institutions. When the portfolio manager
believes that acceptable municipal obligations are unavailable for investment,
the fund may invest temporarily in high quality, taxable money market
instruments. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and
credit of the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or
highway tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to
drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or
could default
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal income
tax, interest from some of its holdings may be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may invest in
taxable money market instruments.
<PAGE 8>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.66 2.86 2.60
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.76%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.61%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.68%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (3/31/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.60% 2.77%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.83%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.05%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$107 $334 $579 $1,283
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.05% to 0.96%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General Municipal Money Market Fund 9
<PAGE 9>
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
----------------------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GENXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and California
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
California state personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable California municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to California state income tax, but are free from federal
income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and
credit of the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or
highway tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to
drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or
could default
* California's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations
may decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
California state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
<PAGE 10>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.48 2.62 2.34
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.71%
WORST QUARTER: Q3 '98 +0.53%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.48%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (8/1/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.34% 2.52%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.59%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$109 $340 $590 $1,306
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.07% to 1.00%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
<PAGE 11>
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund
---------------------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GMNXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal and Minnesota
state personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital
and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal and
Minnesota state personal income taxes. When the portfolio manager believes that
acceptable Minnesota municipal obligations are unavailable for investment, the
fund may invest in securities that may be subject to Minnesota state income tax,
but are free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two
types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and
credit of the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or
highway tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to
drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or
could default
* Minnesota's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations
may decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal and
Minnesota state income taxes, interest from some of its holdings may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund occasionally may
invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt only from federal
personal income taxes.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
<PAGE 12>
PAST PERFORMANCE
Since the fund has less than one calendar year of performance, past performance
information is not included. For performance information as of the end of the
fund's first fiscal period, please refer to the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI).
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.72%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$170 $526
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal period ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus waived its fee and assumed certain other fund
expenses pursuant to an undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.67% to
0.80%. This undertaking was voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and estimated fees to be paid by the fund for
miscellaneous items such as transfer agency, custody, professional and
registration fees.
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund 13
<PAGE 13>
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
--------------------------------------------
Ticker Symbol: GNYXX
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York state
and New York city personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation
of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all net assets in
municipal obligations, the interest from which is exempt from federal, New York
state and New York city personal income taxes. The fund also may invest in high
quality, short-term structured notes, which are derivative instruments whose
value is tied to underlying municipal obligations. Structured notes typically
are purchased in privately negotiated transactions from financial institutions.
When the portfolio manager believes that acceptable New York municipal
obligations are unavailable for investment, the fund may invest in securities
that may be subject to New York state and New York city income taxes, but are
free from federal income tax. Municipal obligations are typically of two types:
* GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and
credit of the issuer and its taxing power
* REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenues derived from a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or
highway tolls
MAIN RISKS
The fund's yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature
and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates.
While the fund has maintained a constant share price since inception, and will
continue to try to do so, the following factors could reduce the fund's income
level and/or share price:
* interest rates could rise sharply, causing the fund's share price to
drop
* any of the fund's holdings could have its credit rating downgraded or
could default
* New York's economy and revenues underlying its municipal obligations
may decline
* the fund's portfolio securities may be more sensitive to risks that are
specific to investing primarily in a single state
Derivative securities, such as structured notes, can be highly volatile, and the
possibility of default by the financial institution or counterparty may be
greater for these securities than for other types of money market instruments.
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal, New
York state and New York city income taxes, interest from some of its holdings
may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund
occasionally may invest in taxable bonds and/or municipal bonds that are exempt
only from federal personal income tax.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or a group of issuers.
<PAGE 14>
PAST PERFORMANCE
The tables below show some of the risks of investing in Class B. The first table
shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year. The second table
averages the fund's performance over time. Both tables assume reinvestment of
dividends and distributions. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of
future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
2.51 2.70 2.42
89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '97 +0.70%
WORST QUARTER: Q4 '98 +0.55%
THE FUND'S YEAR-TO-DATE TOTAL RETURN AS OF 9/30/99 WAS 1.52%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
inception
1 Year (9/8/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.42% 2.57%
The fund's 7-day yield on 12/31/98 was 2.61%. For the fund's current yield, call
toll-free 1-800-645-6561.
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described for Class B in the table below. Annual fund operating
expenses are paid out of fund assets, so their effect is included in the share
price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee table
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees 0.50%
Rule 12b-1 fee 0.20%
Shareholder services fee 0.25%
Other expenses 0.11%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 1.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$108 $337 $585 $1,294
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. The figures
shown would be the same whether you sold your shares at the end of a period or
kept them. Because actual return and expenses will be different, the example is
for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of the fund's operations. For the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, Dreyfus assumed certain fund expenses pursuant to an
undertaking, reducing total expenses from 1.06% to 0.98%. This undertaking was
voluntary.
RULE 12B-1 FEE: a fee of up to 0.20% to reimburse the fund's distributor for
distributing Class B shares. Because this fee is paid out of the fund's assets
on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase the cost of your investment and
may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: a fee of 0.05% paid by the fund for sub-accounting services
provided by third parties and fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such
as transfer agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund 15
<PAGE 15>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for each fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages more than
$118 billion in over 160 mutual fund portfolios. For the past fiscal year, each
operational fund (other than General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund) paid
Dreyfus a management fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund's average daily
net assets. For General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, no management fee
was paid to Dreyfus for that period. Dreyfus is the primary mutual fund business
of Mellon Financial Corporation, a global financial services company with
approximately $2.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or
custody, including approximately $450 billion under management. Mellon provides
wealth management, global investment services and a comprehensive array of
banking services for individuals, businesses and institutions. Mellon is
headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, Dreyfus
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Dreyfus has a personal securities trading policy (the "Policy") which restricts
the personal securities transactions of its employees. Its primary purpose is to
ensure that personal trading by Dreyfus employees does not disadvantage any
Dreyfus-managed fund. Dreyfus portfolio managers and other investment personnel
who comply with the Policy's preclearance and disclosure procedures may be
permitted to purchase, sell or hold certain types of securities which also may
be or are held in the fund(s) they advise.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: these funds could be adversely affected if the computer
systems used by Dreyfus and the funds' other service providers do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which these funds invest may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of a fund's investments and its share price.
<PAGE 16>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of the Class B shares of each fund
(except General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund) for the periods indicated. As
a new fund, financial highlights information is not available for General
Treasury Prime Money Market Fund as of the date of this prospectus. "Total
return" shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or
decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and
distributions. These figures have been independently audited (except where
noted) by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's financial
statements, is included in the annual report.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .021 .047 .039 .046 .043
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.021) (.047) (.039) (.046) (.043)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.17(3) 4.78 4.83(3) 4.65 5.18(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.14(3) 4.66 4.78(3) 4.56 5.00(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .04(3) .06 .05(3) .07 .07(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 2,679,456 2,427,332 1,231,132 369,205 50,446
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED TEN MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .020 .046 .038 .045 .042
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.020) (.046) (.038) (.045) (.042)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 4.05(3) 4.66 4.69(3) 4.58 5.01(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) .97 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.01(3) 4.55 4.60(3) 4.48 5.01(3)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .03(3) .05 .05(3) .08 .10(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 650,987 645,984 364,845 90,175 58
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JANUARY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JANUARY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
Financial Highlights
<PAGE 17>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .011 .026 .028 .027 .020
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.011) (.026) (.028) (.027) (.020)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.23(2) 2.64 2.86 2.70 3.01(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .96 .95 .85 1.10(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.22(2) 2.59 2.87 2.65 2.83(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .07(2) .09 .16 .29 .09(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 401,156 377,636 263,008 17,491 3,024
(1) FROM MARCH 31, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED FOUR MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED JULY 31,
GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997(1) 1997 1996(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .002 .024 .009 .026 .025
Distributions: Dividends from investment
income -- net (.002) (.024) (.009) (.026) (.025)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(3) 2.39 2.57(3) 2.61 2.56
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00(3) 1.00 1.00
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.03(3) 2.34 2.62(3) 2.52 2.45
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .26(3) .07 .13(3) .07 .08
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 47,012 8,760 2,669 928 5,475
(1) THE FUND CHANGED ITS FISCAL YEAR END FROM JULY 31 TO NOVEMBER 30.
(2) FROM AUGUST 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO JULY 31, 1996.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<PAGE 18>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .012 .013
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.012) (.013)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.43 2.67(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .80 .80(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.39 2.63(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .50 .87(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 31,251 28,160
(1) FROM JUNE 1, 1998 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1998.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER-SHARE DATA ($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .010 .024 .027 .025 .006
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.010) (.024) (.027) (.025) (.006)
Net asset value, end of period 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total return (%) 2.01(2) 2.47 2.68 2.55 2.82(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .98(2) .98 .95 .95 1.04(2)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 2.00(2) 2.44 2.64 2.47 3.64(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to actions by Dreyfus (%) .09(2) .08 .08 .16 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 43,146 46,997 42,169 36,199 --
(1) FROM SEPTEMBER 8, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
Financial Highlights
<PAGE 19>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
Buying shares
GENERAL FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing through a
third party such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser. Third parties
with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and fees
which are different than those described here. To purchase fund shares, contact
your financial representative.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES MONEY
MARKET FUND AND GENERAL TREASURY PRIME MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., every day the New
York Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be
priced at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's
transfer agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued
based on amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon,
you will receive the dividend declared that day. If your payments are received
in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon, you will begin to accrue
dividends on the following business day. Qualified institutions may telephone
orders to buy shares. If such an order is made by 5:00 p.m. and Federal Funds
are received by 6:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined at
5:00 p.m. and will receive the dividend declared that day. If such an order is
made after 5:00 p.m. but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8:00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
APPLICABLE TO GENERAL CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MUNICIPAL
MONEY MARKET FUND, GENERAL MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND AND GENERAL NEW
YORK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND ONLY:
YOUR PRICE FOR FUND SHARES is the fund's net asset value (NAV), which is
generally calculated twice a day, at 12:00 noon and 8:00 p.m., for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund and three times a day, at 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and
8:00 p.m., for each other municipal money market fund, every day the New York
Stock Exchange or the fund's transfer agent is open. Your order will be priced
at the next NAV calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer
agent or other authorized entity. Each fund's investments are valued based on
amortized cost.
IF YOUR PAYMENTS ARE RECEIVED in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or by 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will receive the dividend declared that day. If
your payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds after 12:00 noon
for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or after 4:00 p.m. for each other
municipal money market fund, you will begin to accrue dividends on the following
business day. Qualified institutions may telephone orders to buy shares. If such
an order is made by 12:00 noon for the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund or
by 2:00 p.m. for each other municipal money market fund, and Federal Funds are
received by 4:00 p.m., the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined after
the telephone order is accepted and will receive the dividend
<PAGE 20>
declared that day. If such an order is made after 12:00 noon for the Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund or after 2:00 p.m. for any of the other municipal
money market funds, but by 8:00 p.m., and Federal Funds are received by 11:00
a.m. the next business day, the shares will be purchased at the NAV determined
at 8:00 p.m. and will begin to accrue dividends on the next business day. All
times are Eastern time.
BECAUSE THE MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS seek tax-exempt income, they are not
recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified retirement plans.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL (REDEEM) SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative,
or you can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
authorized entity. Any certificates representing fund shares being sold must be
returned with your redemption request. Your order will be processed promptly and
you will generally receive the proceeds within a week.
BEFORE SELLING RECENTLY PURCHASED SHARES, please note that if the fund has not
yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the
proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has collected payment.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): a mutual fund's share price on a given day. A fund's NAV
is calculated by dividing the value of its net assets by the number of existing
shares.
AMORTIZED COST: a method of valuing a money market fund's portfolio securities,
which does not take into account unrealized gains or losses. As a result,
portfolio securities are valued at their acquisition cost, adjusted over time
based on the discounts or premiums reflected in their purchase price. This
method of valuation is designed to permit a fund to maintain a stable NAV.
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES, you may be responsible for any
fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes reasonable measures to
verify that the order is from a representative of your financial institution.
EACH FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
* refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who, in
the fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually defined as
more than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
* refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's
total assets
* change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend
this privilege during unusual market conditions
* change its minimum investment amounts
* delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or during
unusual market conditions)
Each fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
Your Investment 21
<PAGE 21>
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
EACH FUND USUALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment income
once a month, and distributes any net realized securities gains once a year.
Your dividends and distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless you
instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on reinvestments
or withdrawals.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAID by the taxable money market funds are taxable
to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income (unless your investment is in an IRA or
other tax-advantaged account).
EACH MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND anticipates that, under normal market
conditions, virtually all of its income dividends will be exempt from federal
and, as to California Municipal Money Market Fund, California, as to Minnesota
Municipal Money Market Fund, Minnesota, and as to New York Municipal Money
Market Fund, New York state and New York city, personal income taxes. However,
any dividends and distributions from taxable investments are taxable as ordinary
income.
Concepts to understand
DIVIDENDS: income or interest paid by the investments in a fund's portfolio, net
of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders.
DISTRIBUTIONS: income, net of expenses, passed on to fund shareholders. These
are calculated on a per-share basis: each share earns the same rate of return,
so the more fund shares you own, the higher your distribution.
SECURITIES GAINS: distributions derived from the profits the fund earns when it
sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them.
The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you have
been in the fund and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in
cash.
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Retirement plans
A variety of retirement plans are offered for the taxable money market funds,
including traditional, Roth and Education IRAs.
In addition, SEP-IRAs, Keogh accounts, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are also
available. Please call your financial representative for information.
<PAGE 22>
NOTES
<PAGE>
NOTES
For More Information
General Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3207
General Government Securities Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Treasury Prime Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3456
General Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4871
General Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-3481
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
- -----------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4870
More information on each fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance and lists portfolio holdings.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about each fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE Call your Baird Representative or 1-800-RW-BAIRD.
BY MAIL Write to: Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated Attn: Client Services 777
East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202
http://www.rwbaird.com
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can be viewed online or
downloaded from: http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999 Dreyfus Service Corporation
GEN-P1299B-RWB
