FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
N-30D, 1999-03-01
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<PAGE>   1
                                                             [FREEDOM FUND LOGO]
FREEDOM CASH MANAGEMENT FUND                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     A money market fund investing in a diversified portfolio of high-grade
money market instruments.

 
FREEDOM GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     A money market fund investing exclusively in U.S. Government securities.

 
FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     A money market fund investing in a diversified portfolio of high quality
short-term municipal securities, the income of which generally is exempt from
federal income tax. 

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

 
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.



 

                                   
                                ANNUAL REPORTS
                                      
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
                              BEGIN ON PAGE 17.
<PAGE>   2
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders and Trustees of
   FREEDOM CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
   FREEDOM GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
   FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities,
including the schedules of investments, and the related statements of operations
and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights appearing on page 15
of the Prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Freedom Cash Management Fund and Freedom Government Securities Fund,
(each a series of Freedom Mutual Fund) and Freedom Tax Exempt Money Fund (a
series of Freedom Group of Tax Exempt Funds) (the "Funds") at December 31, 1998
and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and the
financial highlights for the periods indicated, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. These financial statements and financial
highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the
responsibility of the Funds' management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 1998 by
correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion
expressed above.
 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 17, 1999
 
                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT


                                      17
<PAGE>   3
 
                             FREEDOM MUTUAL FUND
                      FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
                     STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                              DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 FREEDOM          FREEDOM         FREEDOM
                                                                   CASH          GOVERNMENT      TAX EXEMPT
                                                                MANAGEMENT       SECURITIES        MONEY
                                                                   FUND             FUND            FUND
                                                              --------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>             <C>
ASSETS
   Investments, at amortized cost...........................  $2,281,313,128    $438,602,706    $347,795,132
   Cash.....................................................       1,172,426         510,389         451,037
   Receivable for Fund shares sold..........................      61,401,025       6,260,613       7,013,724
   Interest receivable......................................         404,253          89,667       1,938,685
   Prepaid expenses.........................................          70,295          13,484          11,804
   Other assets.............................................          65,871          18,473          21,495
                                                              --------------    ------------    ------------
   TOTAL ASSETS.............................................   2,344,426,998     445,495,332     357,231,877
                                                              --------------    ------------    ------------
LIABILITIES
   Payable for Fund shares redeemed.........................      12,591,316       1,678,044       1,549,370
   Dividends payable........................................         305,355          54,141          44,667
   Accrued expenses:
       Investment adviser's fee.............................         889,318         187,399         162,936
       Transfer agent and shareholder servicing fee.........         237,447          19,948          12,529
       Trustees' fee........................................           2,338             833           1,883
       Other................................................         106,281          38,002          67,478
                                                              --------------    ------------    ------------
   TOTAL LIABILITIES........................................      14,132,055       1,978,367       1,838,863
                                                              --------------    ------------    ------------
NET ASSETS..................................................  $2,330,294,943    $443,516,965    $355,393,014
                                                              ==============    ============    ============
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
   Capital paid in..........................................  $2,330,437,074    $443,547,320    $355,375,645
   Accumulated net realized gain (loss).....................        (142,131)        (30,355)         17,369
                                                              --------------    ------------    ------------
                                                              $2,330,294,943    $443,516,965    $355,393,014
                                                              ==============    ============    ============
   SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING
     (UNLIMITED SHARES AUTHORIZED)..........................   2,330,439,336     443,511,767     355,375,645
                                                              --------------    ------------    ------------
   NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................  $         1.00    $       1.00    $       1.00
                                                              ==============    ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
                      See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                                      18
<PAGE>   4
 
          FREEDOM MUTUAL FUND
   FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FREEDOM         FREEDOM        FREEDOM
                                                                  CASH        GOVERNMENT     TAX EXEMPT
                                                               MANAGEMENT     SECURITIES        MONEY
                                                                  FUND           FUND           FUND
                                                               ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>            <C>
INTEREST INCOME.............................................  $111,185,853    $21,117,078    $11,386,160
                                                              ------------    -----------    -----------
EXPENSES
   Investment adviser's fee.................................     9,245,499      1,946,255      1,648,108
   Transfer agent & shareholder services....................     2,944,859        238,218        156,797
   Custodian................................................       326,423         65,447         75,920
   Compensation of Trustees.................................        60,160         15,420         16,835
   Audit....................................................        61,310         13,120         39,050
   Legal....................................................        50,050         10,950         33,690
   Printing, postage and stationery.........................       133,730         19,550         23,845
   Membership dues..........................................        48,939          9,345          8,086
   Registration expense.....................................       102,950         53,215         49,745
   Insurance expense........................................        60,785         11,378         10,165
   Other....................................................         1,800          1,825          3,186
                                                              ------------    -----------    -----------
   TOTAL EXPENSES...........................................    13,036,505      2,384,723      2,065,427
                                                              ------------    -----------    -----------
   LESS EXPENSE REDUCTIONS..................................            --             --        (17,645)
                                                              ------------    -----------    -----------
   NET EXPENSES.............................................    13,036,505      2,384,723      2,047,782
                                                              ------------    -----------    -----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME.......................................    98,149,348     18,732,355      9,338,378
                                                              ------------    -----------    -----------
NET REALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS............................        11,489          4,289        --
                                                              ------------    -----------    -----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........  $ 98,160,837    $18,736,644    $ 9,338,378
                                                              ============    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.          ANNUAL REPORT
                                       19
<PAGE>   5
 
          FREEDOM MUTUAL FUND
 FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FREEDOM                             FREEDOM
                                                 CASH MANAGEMENT FUND             GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
                                           ---------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                             YEAR ENDED        YEAR ENDED        YEAR ENDED        YEAR ENDED
                                            DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                1998              1997              1998              1997
                                           ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM:
OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income.................  $    98,149,348   $    82,035,689   $    18,732,355   $    15,576,097
   Net realized gain (loss) from
    investments..........................           11,489            (4,832)            4,289            (5,428)
                                           ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
   Net increase in net assets resulting
    from operations......................       98,160,837        82,030,857        18,736,644        15,570,669
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS:                     (98,149,348)      (82,035,689)      (18,732,355)      (15,576,097)
                                           ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
                                                    11,489            (4,832)            4,289            (5,428)
                                           ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
 (At Net Asset Value of $1 per share)
   Proceeds from sale of shares..........    7,790,266,223     6,067,062,337     1,166,074,812     1,063,295,849
   Net asset value of shares issued to
    shareholders in reinvestment of
    dividends............................       95,982,643        79,934,035        18,427,472        15,263,922
   Cost of shares redeemed...............   (7,302,802,116)   (6,037,440,505)   (1,111,347,812)   (1,018,134,261)
                                           ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
    Net increase from capital share
      transactions.......................      583,446,750       109,555,867        73,154,472        60,425,510
                                           ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
   Net increase in net assets............      583,458,239       109,551,035        73,158,761        60,420,082
NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of period...................    1,746,836,704     1,637,285,669       370,358,204       309,938,122
                                           ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
   End of period.........................  $ 2,330,294,943   $ 1,746,836,704   $   443,516,965   $   370,358,204
                                           ===============   ===============   ===============   ===============
 
<CAPTION>
                                                        FREEDOM
                                                 TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
                                           ---------------------------------
                                             YEAR ENDED        YEAR ENDED
                                            DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                1998              1997
                                           ---------------   ---------------
<S>                                        <C>               <C>
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM:
OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income.................  $     9,338,378   $     8,500,693
   Net realized gain (loss) from
    investments..........................               --             9,609
                                           ---------------   ---------------
   Net increase in net assets resulting
    from operations......................        9,338,378         8,510,302
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS:                      (9,338,378)       (8,500,693)
                                           ---------------   ---------------
                                                        --             9,609
                                           ---------------   ---------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
 (At Net Asset Value of $1 per share)
   Proceeds from sale of shares..........    1,381,810,924     1,124,077,515
   Net asset value of shares issued to
    shareholders in reinvestment of
    dividends............................        9,099,347         8,269,139
   Cost of shares redeemed...............   (1,325,421,739)   (1,105,540,880)
                                           ---------------   ---------------
    Net increase from capital share
      transactions.......................       65,488,532        26,805,774
                                           ---------------   ---------------
   Net increase in net assets............       65,488,532        26,815,383
NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of period...................      289,904,482       263,089,099
                                           ---------------   ---------------
   End of period.........................  $   355,393,014   $   289,904,482
                                           ===============   ===============
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.          ANNUAL REPORT
                                       20
<PAGE>   6

 
                         FREEDOM CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
                                      
                     INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

PRINCIPAL                         MATURITY
 AMOUNT              RATE           DATE               VALUE
- ---------            ----         --------             -----
<S>                 <C>          <C>                <C>

COMMERCIAL PAPER -- 78.6%
ABBEY NATIONAL BANK
$ 4,800,000         5.150%       01/06/1999        $ 4,796,567
 25,000,000         5.200%       01/13/1999         24,956,667
 25,000,000         5.200%       01/14/1999         24,953,056
 15,000,000         4.920%       02/16/1999         14,905,700
 30,000,000         4.900%       03/04/1999         29,746,833
                                 
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORP.
 15,000,000         5.050%       01/04/1999         14,993,688
 18,000,000         5.110%       01/04/1999         17,992,335
  7,500,000         6.000%       01/04/1999          7,496,250
 25,000,000         5.110%       01/05/1999         24,985,806
 10,000,000         6.100%       01/05/1999          9,993,222
 11,000,000         5.200%       01/11/1999         10,984,111

AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCE CORP.
 25,000,000         5.300%       01/20/1999         24,930,069
 18,000,000         5.320%       01/22/1999         17,944,140
 22,000,000         5.330%       01/22/1999         21,931,598
 14,000,000         5.120%       02/11/1999         13,918,364
 14,000,000         5.140%       02/19/1999         13,902,054
 11,000,000         5.070%       03/23/1999         10,874,518

AMERICAN HOME PRODUCTS CORP.
 12,000,000         5.100%       02/08/1999         11,935,400
 25,000,000         5.100%       02/19/1999         24,826,458
  9,000,000         5.150%       03/12/1999          8,909,875
  2,220,000         5.130%       03/19/1999          2,195,641

ASSOCIATES CORP. OF NORTH AMERICA
 10,000,000         4.900%       01/04/1999          9,999,959
 25,000,000         5.230%       01/15/1999         24,949,153
 25,000,000         5.300%       01/15/1999         24,948,472
  4,000,000         5.150%       01/27/1999          3,985,122
 25,000,000         5.180%       02/01/1999         24,888,486
 14,000,000         5.140%       02/10/1999         13,920,044
  4,000,000         5.000%       03/23/1999          3,955,000

BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 25,000,000         5.480%       01/04/1999         24,988,583
 25,000,000         5.180%       01/25/1999         24,913,667
 20,000,000         5.120%       02/08/1999         19,891,911

BELLSOUTH CAPITAL FUNDING CORP.
$31,000,000         4.800%       03/12/1999        $30,710,667
 15,700,000         4.800%       03/15/1999         15,547,187

CAPITAL ONE CORP.
 40,113,000         5.570%       01/07/1999         40,113,000

CHEVRON TRANSPORT CORP.
 30,000,000         5.340%       01/20/1999         29,915,450
 20,000,000         5.330%       01/21/1999         19,940,778
 24,000,000         5.060%       01/22/1999         23,929,160
 20,000,000         5.140%       02/17/1999         19,865,789

E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS & CO.
 25,000,000         5.140%       02/04/1999         24,878,639

FORD MOTOR CREDIT CORP.
 25,000,000         5.200%       01/08/1999         24,974,722
 15,000,000         5.310%       01/12/1999         14,975,663
 25,000,000         5.100%       01/20/1999         24,932,708
 19,000,000         5.040%       01/26/1999         18,933,500
 12,000,000         5.150%       02/03/1999         11,943,350

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORP.
 12,000,000         5.140%       01/12/1999         11,981,153
 22,500,000         5.140%       01/19/1999         22,442,175
 13,500,000         5.320%       01/19/1999         13,464,090
  9,000,000         5.030%       01/21/1999          8,974,850
 25,000,000         5.160%       01/28/1999         24,903,250
 11,900,000         5.040%       02/05/1999         11,841,690
  6,500,000         5.150%       02/12/1999          6,460,946
 13,000,000         5.000%       03/22/1999         12,855,556

GLAXO WELLCOME PLC
 17,875,000         4.990%       01/21/1999         17,825,447
 25,000,000         5.050%       02/22/1999         24,817,639

GOLDEN PEANUT CO.
  6,000,000         5.150%        01/13/1999         5,989,700
 10,000,000         5.000%        03/02/1999         9,916,667
  9,000,000         5.000%        03/04/1999         8,922,500
 11,000,000         5.080%        03/12/1999        10,891,344
  8,600,000         5.080%        03/15/1999         8,511,410
  3,900,000         5.120%        03/17/1999         3,858,400
  9,200,000         4.980%        03/24/1999         9,095,641

</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.      

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                                      21
<PAGE>   7
                          FREEDOM CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
 
               INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 -- (CONTINUED)
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

PRINCIPAL                         MATURITY
 AMOUNT              RATE           DATE               VALUE
- ---------            ----         --------             -----
<S>                 <C>          <C>                <C>


COMMERCIAL PAPER -- (CONTINUED)
GOLDMAN SACHS & CO.
$ 9,000,000          5.400%        01/04/1999       $ 8,995,950
 10,000,000          5.300%        01/07/1999         9,991,167
 24,000,000          5.000%        01/19/1999        23,940,000
 10,000,000          5.180%        02/02/1999         9,953,956
 25,000,000          5.080%        02/24/1999        24,809,500
 10,000,000          5.130%        02/26/1999         9,920,200
 25,000,000          5.020%        03/19/1999        24,731,569

HALIFAX PLC                                                    
 12,000,000          5.050%        02/10/1999        11,932,667

H.J. HEINZ CO.                                                 
 12,000,000          5.200%        01/11/1999        11,982,667
  6,000,000          5.070%        01/22/1999         5,982,255

J.P. MORGAN & CO., INC. 
  4,000,000          5.040%        01/19/1999         3,989,920
  8,000,000          5.070%        02/26/1999         7,936,907

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL DISTRICT
  6,000,000          5.150%        01/22/1999         5,981,975

LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
 25,000,000          5.300%        01/07/1999        24,977,917
 25,000,000          5.150%        01/29/1999        24,899,861
  5,000,000          5.100%        02/03/1999         4,976,625
 19,000,000          5.130%        02/03/1999        18,910,653
 25,000,000          5.120%        02/10/1999        24,857,778
                                                               
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. INC.
  2,235,000          5.520%        01/08/1999         2,232,601
 10,000,000          5.130%        01/19/1999         9,974,350
  2,500,000          5.330%        01/29/1999         2,489,636
 17,000,000          5.170%        02/05/1999        16,914,551
 10,000,000          5.000%        02/12/1999         9,941,667
 11,500,000          5.200%        02/23/1999        11,411,961
 25,000,000          5.200%        02/25/1999        24,801,389
 22,000,000          5.000%        03/12/1999        21,786,111
                                                               
METLIFE FUNDING INC. 
$ 3,500,000          5.250%        01/05/1999       $ 3,497,958
 26,373,000          5.300%        01/12/1999        26,330,290
 25,000,000          5.250%        01/14/1999        24,952,604
 19,000,000          5.130%        01/20/1999        18,948,558
 20,000,000          5.230%        01/26/1999        19,927,361
 15,000,000          5.240%        01/27/1999        14,943,233
  4,000,000          5.300%        01/27/1999         3,984,689
                                                               
MONSANTO CO.                                                   
 10,000,000          5.090%        02/04/1999         9,951,928
 12,650,000          5.020%        03/10/1999        12,530,050
                                                               
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST CO. N.Y 
 25,000,000          5.644%        11/29/1999        24,993,377
                                                               
PROCTER & GAMBLE CO.
 10,000,000          5.100%        01/29/1999         9,960,333
 24,000,000          5.280%        01/29/1999        23,901,440
 15,000,000          5.080%        02/01/1999        14,934,383
                                                               
PRUDENTIAL FUNDING CORP.
 12,000,000          5.190%        01/06/1999        11,991,350
  4,000,000          5.300%        01/14/1999         3,992,344
  5,000,000          5.050%        01/19/1999         4,987,375
 11,000,000          5.290%        01/20/1999        10,969,289
 25,000,000          5.310%        01/21/1999        24,926,250
 15,000,000          5.330%        01/21/1999        14,955,583
 12,000,000          5.030%        01/22/1999        11,964,790
 10,000,000          5.320%        01/22/1999         9,968,967
 15,000,000          5.050%        01/25/1999        14,949,500
                                                               
SHELL FINANCE(UK) PLC
  7,000,000          5.120%        02/04/1999         6,966,151
 12,000,000          5.120%        02/05/1999        11,940,267
 10,000,000          5.120%        02/22/1999         9,926,044
                                                               
TECO FINANCE INC.

  5,600,000          5.200%        02/11/1999         5,566,836
                                                               
USAA CAPITAL CORP.                                                          
 15,000,000          5.280%        01/08/1999        14,984,600
  5,000,000          5.130%        01/28/1999         4,980,763
 12,000,000          5.150%        02/01/1999        11,946,783
  5,167,000          5.000%        02/02/1999         5,144,036

</TABLE>                                                       
                                                             
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.    

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                                       22                    

                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                             
                                                            
<PAGE>   8
                          FREEDOM CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
 
               INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 -- (CONTINUED)
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PRINCIPAL                          MATURITY
  AMOUNT                RATE          DATE             VALUE
 ---------              ----        --------           -----
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>

COMMERCIAL PAPER -- (CONTINUED)
WALT DISNEY CO.
$ 6,000,000           4.990%       01/05/1999      $ 5,996,673
 13,480,000           5.080%       01/21/1999       13,441,956
 11,500,000           5.070%       02/02/1999       11,448,173

WARNER LAMBERT CO.
 25,000,000           5.380%       01/15/1999       24,947,694
                                                --------------
TOTAL COMMERCIAL PAPER.......................    1,830,201,281
                                                --------------
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 0.4%
MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS FINANCE CORP. TAXABLE
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS
 10,000,000           5.700%       01/06/1999       10,000,000
                                                --------------
TOTAL MUNICIPAL SECURITIES....................      10,000,000
                                                --------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER --
STRUCTURED FINANCE -- 18.9%
ASSET SECURITIZATION COOPERATIVE CORP.
  5,000,000           5.600%       01/11/1999        4,992,222
  2,600,000           5.450%       01/20/1999        2,592,521
 10,000,000           5.120%       01/27/1999        9,963,022
 25,000,000           5.230%       02/09/1999       24,858,354
 20,000,000           5.200%       02/11/1999       19,881,556
 10,000,000           5.330%       02/18/1999        9,928,933
 17,000,000           5.300%       02/19/1999       16,877,364
 12,000,000           5.050%       03/01/1999       11,900,683
 11,500,000           5.200%       03/11/1999       11,385,383

COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF TRACTOR DEALERS INC.
$ 3,100,000           5.400%       01/06/1999      $ 3,097,675
 10,599,000           5.370%       01/07/1999       10,589,514
  4,000,000           5.170%       01/08/1999        3,995,979
  2,000,000           5.620%       01/08/1999        1,997,814
  5,000,000           5.370%       01/11/1999        4,992,542
 11,000,000           5.550%       01/12/1999       10,981,346
  8,000,000           5.520%       01/15/1999        7,982,827
  3,000,000           5.500%       01/19/1999        2,991,675
  5,000,000           5.650%       01/19/1999        4,985,875
  9,500,000           5.410%       01/22/1999        9,470,020
  2,000,000           5.150%       01/27/1999        1,992,561
 11,800,000           5.370%       01/28/1999       11,752,476
  3,000,000           5.120%       01/29/1999        2,988,053
 10,000,000           5.020%       02/01/1999        9,956,772
  3,000,000           5.370%       02/09/1999        2,982,548
  5,100,000           5.220%       02/10/1999        5,070,420
  5,400,000           5.200%       03/08/1999        5,348,520
  4,900,000           5.320%       03/08/1999        4,852,209
  7,000,000           5.150%       03/17/1999        6,924,896
 
DELAWARE FUNDING CORP.
 15,108,000           5.350%       01/05/1999       15,099,019
 10,000,000           5.350%       01/13/1999        9,982,167
 20,421,000           5.500%       01/15/1999       20,377,322
 25,000,000           5.330%       02/16/1999       24,829,736
 15,210,000           5.330%       02/17/1999       15,104,160
 25,000,000           5.180%       02/18/1999       24,827,333
  3,267,000           5.150%       03/03/1999        3,238,491
 
SHEFFIELD RECEIVABLES CORP.
  8,000,000           5.350%       01/13/1999        7,985,733
 10,000,000           5.380%       01/19/1999        9,973,100
  8,000,000           5.300%       02/05/1999        7,958,776
 15,000,000           5.100%       02/12/1999       14,910,750
 12,000,000           5.110%       02/16/1999       11,921,648
 25,000,000           5.280%       02/17/1999       24,827,667
  1,000,000           5.380%       03/05/1999          990,585
 24,000,000           5.400%       03/11/1999       23,751,600
                                                --------------
TOTAL COMMERCIAL PAPER
  STRUCTURED FINANCE..........................     441,111,847
                                                --------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 97.9%....................   2,281,313,128(a)
Other Assets & Liabilities, Net -- 2.1%.......      48,981,815
                                                --------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS -- 100.0%....................  $2,330,294,943
                                                ==============
</TABLE>

- -----------
(a) COST FOR TAX PURPOSES IS THE SAME.

 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.       

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT


                                      23
<PAGE>   9
 
                       FREEDOM GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND
 
                      INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PRINCIPAL                          MATURITY
  AMOUNT                RATE          DATE             VALUE
 ---------              ----        --------           -----
<S>                   <C>           <C>            <C>

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY   ISSUES -- 98.9%
FEDERAL FARM CREDIT BANK DISCOUNT NOTES -- 1.3%
$ 3,400,000           5.050%        01/07/99         $3,397,138
  2,490,000           5.030%        02/01/99          2,479,215
                                  ------------
TOTAL FEDERAL FARM CREDIT BANK
  DISCOUNT NOTES..................................    5,876,353
                                  ------------
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK DISCOUNT NOTES -- 91.9%
$25,000,000           5.030%        01/04/99       $ 24,989,521
 10,000,000           5.080%        01/04/99          9,995,767
  4,900,000           5.365%        01/06/99          4,896,349
 10,000,000           5.010%        01/13/99          9,983,300
  2,700,000           4.730%        01/19/99          2,693,615
 16,000,000           4.730%        01/19/99         15,962,160
 16,000,000           4.730%        01/20/99         15,960,058
 14,521,000           5.070%        01/20/99         14,482,144
  3,150,000           4.780%        01/22/99          3,141,217
  2,500,000           4.945%        01/22/99          2,492,789
 20,000,000           4.740%        01/26/99         19,934,167
 12,000,000           4.860%        01/29/99         11,954,640
 34,000,000           4.960%        02/03/99         33,845,413
  1,000,000           5.050%        02/03/99            995,371
 18,000,000           4.990%        02/05/99         17,912,675
 16,000,000           5.000%        02/05/99         15,922,222
  7,000,000           5.040%        02/05/99          6,965,700
  5,200,000           4.930%        02/10/99          5,171,516
 13,600,000           5.000%        02/10/99         13,524,444
  5,500,000           5.020%        02/10/99          5,469,322
  3,000,000           4.700%        02/12/99          2,983,550
  6,200,000           4.900%        02/12/99          6,164,557
 15,300,000           4.820%        02/17/99         15,203,721
$ 6,300,000           4.900%        02/19/99          6,257,983
 11,560,000           4.900%        02/19/99         11,482,901
  8,400,000           4.920%        02/19/99          8,343,748
 12,000,000           4.940%        02/24/99         11,911,080
  4,800,000           4.960%        02/26/99          4,762,965
 15,000,000           4.990%        02/26/99         14,883,567
  1,510,000           5.030%        02/26/99          1,498,185
 10,000,000           4.920%        03/03/99          9,916,633
  1,500,000           4.920%        03/03/99          1,487,495
  1,000,000           4.930%        03/12/99            990,414
  1,500,000           4.930%        03/12/99          1,485,618
 18,000,000           4.940%        03/12/99         17,827,100
  1,570,000           4.950%        03/12/99          1,554,889
 25,000,000           4.920%        03/17/99         24,743,750
 15,000,000           4.940%        03/17/99         14,845,625
 14,261,000           4.940%        03/19/99         14,110,317
  1,000,000           4.960%        03/26/99            988,427
                                                   ------------
                                                    407,734,915
                                                   ------------
                                                           
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK FLOATING RATE 
 NOTES -- 5.7%(b)
 25,000,000           5.380%        01/04/99         24,991,438
                                                   ------------
TOTAL FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK
  FLOATING RATE NOTES...........................     24,991,438
                                                   ------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY
  ISSUES -- 98.9%...............................    438,602,706(a)
Other Assets & Liabilities Net -- 1.1%..........      4,914,259
                                                   ------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS -- 100.0%......................    443,516,965
                                                   ============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(a) COST FOR TAX PURPOSES IS THE SAME.
 
(b) FLOATING RATE SECURITY RATE SHOWN IS AS OF 12/31/98.
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.        

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT
                                      
                                      24
<PAGE>   10
 
                         FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
 
                      INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PRINCIPAL
  AMOUNT                DESCRIPTION                      VALUE
 --------               -----------                      -----
<S>           <C>                                    <C>

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- 97.9%
ALABAMA -- 1.5%

$ 2,000,000   Birmingham-Carroway Special
                Care Finance Authority
                (AmSouth LOC) 4.00%
                1-06-99.............................  $  2,000,000
                                                    
  3,200,000   Daphne Villa Special Care             
                Facilities Authority                
                (AmSouth LOC) 4.00%                 
                1-06-99.............................     3,200,000
                                                      ------------
                                                         5,200,000
                                                      ------------
ARIZONA -- 5.1%                                     

 13,000,000   Apache County IDA (Barclays           
                Bank LOC) 4.00% 1-06-99.............    13,000,000
              Maricopa County PCR                   
                                                    
  2,550,000     (Barclays Bank LOC) 4.00%           
                1-06-99.............................     2,550,000
                                                    
  1,500,000     (Morgan Guaranty LOC) 5.10%         
                1-04-99.............................     1,500,000
                                                    
  1,000,000   Mesa Municipal Development            
                Corp. (West Deutsche                
                Landesbank LOC) 3.20%               
                2-12-99.............................     1,000,000
                                                      ------------
                                                        18,050,000
                                                      ------------
ARKANSAS -- 2.1%                                    

  7,600,000   Arkansas Development Finance          
                Authority (Citibank LOC)            
                3.90% 1-07-99.......................     7,600,000
                                                      ------------
CALIFORNIA -- 3.2%                                  

  2,000,000   California Higher Education           
                Loan Authority (National            
                Westminster LOC) 3.80%              
                5-01-99.............................     2,000,000
                                                    
  3,000,000   California Higher Education           
                Loan Authority (SLMA) 3.65%         
                7-01-99.............................     3,000,000
                                                    
  1,300,000   California Student Loan               
                Corporation (Dresdner LOC)          
                4.15% 1-07-99.......................     1,300,000
                                                    
  5,000,000   Los Angeles County TRANS              
                4.50% 6-30-99.......................     5,019,731
                                                      ------------
                                                        11,319,731
                                                      ------------
                                                    
COLORADO -- 1.0%                                    

$ 1,000,000   Colorado HFA (MBIA/Credit             
                Suisse) 3.95% 1-07-99...............  $  1,000,000
                                                    
  1,485,000   Colorado HFA (MBIA/ Rabobank)         
                3.90% 1-07-99.............. ........     1,485,000
                                                    
  1,200,000   Moffat County PCR (AMBAC/Bank         
                of New York) 5.15%                  
                1-04-99.............................     1,200,000
                                                      ------------
                                                         3,685,000
                                                      ------------
DELAWARE -- 0.6%                                    

  2,000,000   Delaware EDA (MBIA/Morgan             
                Stanley) 4.25% 1-06-99..............     2,000,000
                                                      ------------
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -- 2.5%                        

  8,800,000   District of Columbia                  
                (National Westminster LOC)          
                5.20% 1-04-99................... ...     8,800,000
                                                      ------------
FLORIDA -- 4.4%                                     

  5,000,000   Orange County Health                  
                Facilities Authority                
                (MBIA/Suntrust) 3.20%               
                1-19-99.............................     5,000,000
                                                    
  5,065,000   Putnam County PCR (NRUCFC)            
                2.85% 6-15-99.......................     5,065,000

              West Orange Memorial Hospital         
                Tax District (Rabobank LOC)         
                                                    
  3,600,000     3.00% 1-28-99.......................     3,600,000
                                                    
  2,000,000     3.00% 3-09-99.......................     2,000,000
                                                      ------------
                                                        15,665,000
                                                      ------------
GEORGIA -- 8.4%                                     
                                                    
  5,250,000   Burke County Development              
                Authority PCR                       
                (FGIC/Canadian Imperial             
                Bank of Commerce) 3.85%             
                1-06-99.............................     5,250,000
                                                    
  1,500,000   Downtown Savannah Authority           
                (Wachovia LOC) 3.95%                
                1-06-99.............................     1,500,000
                                                    
  5,000,000   Georgia Municipal Electric            
                Authority (ABN Amro LOC)            
                4.15% 1-06-99.......................     5,000,000

</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.    

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT


                                       25
<PAGE>   11
                         FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
 
               INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 PRINCIPAL
  AMOUNT               DESCRIPTION              VALUE
  ------               -----------              -----
<C>           <S>                            <C>
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
GEORGIA -- (CONTINUED)

              Georgia Municipal Electric
                Authority (Morgan
                Guaranty/Bayerische
                Landesbank/West Deutsche
                Landesbank/Wachovia LOC's)

$ 2,000,000     3.00% 2-10-99........................   $ 2,000,000
                                                                   
  2,300,000     3.05% 3-11-99........................     2,300,000
                                                                   
 13,780,000   Georgia Municipal Gas                                
                Authority (Wachovia/ Morgan                        
                Guaranty/Bank of                                   
                America/Landesbank-                                
                Hessen/Bayerische                                  
                Landesbank LOC's) 3.90%                            
                1-06-99..............................    13,780,000
                                                        -----------
                                                         29,830,000
                                                        -----------
IDAHO -- 0.6%                                                      
                                                                   
  2,000,000   IDAHO TANS Series 96 4.50%                           
                6-30-99..............................     2,008,565
                                                        -----------
ILLINOIS -- 9.0%                                                   
                                                                   
  4,000,000   Chicago (Morgan Guaranty LOC)                        
                3.55% 2-04-99........................     4,000,000
                                                          
  1,300,000   Chicago O'Hare International                
                Airport Authority (Societe                
                Generale LOC) 4.00%                       
                1-06-99..............................     1,300,000
                                                          
              Illinois Development Finance                
                Authority                                 
                                                          
  1,000,000     (Canadian Imperial Bank of                
                Canada LOC) 4.25% 1-06-99............     1,000,000
                                                          
  3,000,000     (LaSalle National Bank LOC)               
                4.05% 1-06-99........................     3,000,000
                                                          
  5,300,000     (Northern Trust LOC) 4.05%                
                1-06-99..............................     5,300,000
                                                          
  3,200,000   Illinois Health Facilities                  
                Authority (AMBAC/FNB                      
                Chicago) 4.05% 1-06-99...............     3,200,000
                                                          
              Illinois Health Facilities                  
                Authority                                 
                                                          
$ 1,000,000     (MBIA/Bank of America)                    
                3.20% 2-09-99........................   $ 1,000,000
                                                          
  2,000,000     (MBIA/Morgan Guaranty)                    
                3.10% 2-10-99........................     2,000,000
                                                          
  1,000,000     (MBIA/Morgan Guaranty)                    
                3.00% 2-18-99........................     1,000,000
                                                          
  4,300,000   Illinois Toll Highway                       
                Authority (MBIA/Societe                   
                Generale) 3.85% 1-06-99..............     4,300,000
                                                          
  1,000,000   Joliet PCR 5.10% 1-04-99...............     1,000,000
                                                          
  5,000,000   Lisle Health Facilities                     
                Authority (FNMA) 4.25%                    
                1-06-99..............................     5,000,000
                                                        -----------
                                                         32,100,000
                                                        -----------
INDIANA -- 4.9%                                                    
  2,800,000   Indiana HEFA (FNB-Chicago                            
                LOC) 3.95% 1-06-99...................     2,800,000
                                                          
  3,300,000   Indiana Municipal Power                     
                Authority (Toronto Dominion               
                LOC) 3.95% 1-06-99...................     3,300,000
                                                          
  5,290,000   Mt. Vernon PCR 3.15%                        
                1-14-99..............................     5,290,000
                                                          
  4,035,000   Rockport PCR (AMBAC/Bank of                 
                New York) 5.15% 1-04-99..............     4,035,000
                                                          
  1,000,000   Sullivan (NRUCFC) 2.95%                     
                2-24-99..............................     1,000,000
                                                          
  1,000,000   Whiting Economic Development                
                Revenue 3.65% 2-15-99................     1,000,000
                                                        -----------
                                                         17,425,000
                                                        -----------
IOWA -- 0.6%                                                       
  2,000,000   Iowa School Corp. (FSA) 4.50%                        
                6-25-99..............................     2,007,863
                                                        -----------
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.         

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                                      26
<PAGE>   12
                         FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
 
               INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 -- (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PRINCIPAL
  AMOUNT               DESCRIPTION                             VALUE
  ------               -----------                             -----
<S>            <C>                                        <C>

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
LOUISIANA -- 3.8%

$ 5,900,000   Ascension Parish IDA (Credit
                Suisse LOC) 4.00%
                1-06-99................................... $ 5,900,000

    400,000   East Baton Rouge IDA                         
                (Wachovia LOC) 3.90%                       
                1-07-99...................................     400,000

  1,100,000   Lake Charles Harbor &                        
                Terminal District (Canadian                
                Imperial Bank of Commerce                  
                LOC) 4.00% 1-06-99........................   1,100,000

  1,200,000   Plaquemines Port Harbor &                    
                Terminal Authority (Morgan                 
                Guaranty LOC) 3.60%                        
                3-15-99...................................   1,200,000

  2,000,000   West Baton Rouge PCR 3.25%                   
                1-07-99...................................   2,000,000

  3,000,000   West Baton Rouge PCR 3.15%                   
                1-25-99...................................   3,000,000
                                                           -----------
                                                            13,600,000
                                                           -----------
MAINE -- 1.1%                                              

  3,935,000   Maine HEFA (State Street Bank                
                LOC) 4.00% 1-06-99........................   3,935,000
                                                           -----------
MARYLAND -- 0.6%                                           

  1,100,000   Maryland HEFA (FNB Chicago                   
                LOC) 3.95% 1-06-99........................   1,100,000

  1,000,000   Prince Georges County                        
                (Escrowed in U.S.                          
                Government Securities)                     
                7.20% 2-01-99.............................   1,012,972
                                                           -----------
                                                             2,112,972
                                                           -----------
MASSACHUSETTS -- 3.1%                                      

  5,800,000   Massachusetts Bay Transit                    
                Authority (State Street                    
                Bank LOC) 3.45% 3-01-99...................   5,800,000

  1,000,000   Massachusetts Bay Transit                    
                Authority (WestDeutsche                    
                Bank LOC) 3.05% 3-11-99...................   1,000,000

  4,460,000   Massachusetts Water Pollution                
                Authority Trust 4.25%                      
                8-01-99                                      4,491,698
                                                           -----------
                                                            11,291,698
                                                           -----------
MICHIGAN -- 0.6%                                           

$ 1,000,000   Ingham Economic Development                  
                Corp. (National Australia                  
                Bank LOC) 4.05% 1-06-99................... $ 1,000,000

  1,000,000   Michigan Public Power Agency                 
                (Escrowed in U.S.                          
                Government Securities)                     
                6.40% 1-01-99.............................   1,000,000
                                                           -----------
                                                             2,000,000
                                                           -----------
MINNESOTA -- 0.3%                                          

  1,000,000   Duluth PCR (Wachovia LOC)                    
                3.90% 1-07-99.............................   1,000,000
                                                           -----------
MISSISSIPPI -- 2.2%                                        

  7,700,000   Jackson County 5.10%                         
                1-04-99...................................   7,700,000
                                                           -----------
MISSOURI -- 2.2%                                           

  2,550,000   Columbia (Insurance Reserve                  
                Bonds) (Toronto Dominion                   
                LOC) 3.95% 1-06-99........................   2,550,000

              Missouri Environmental                       
                Improvement Bonds (United                  
                Bank of Switzerland LOC)                   

  1,200,000     3.15% 1-14-99.............................   1,200,000

  1,000,000     3.10% 2-11-99.............................   1,000,000

  3,045,000     3.00% 3-18-99.............................   3,045,000
                                                           -----------
                                                             7,795,000
                                                           -----------
NEVADA -- 2.2%                                             

              Las Vegas Valley Water                       
                District (United Bank of                   
                Switzerland/West Deutsche                  
                Landesbank LOC's)                          

  2,300,000     3.40% 1-11-99.............................   2,300,000

  5,700,000     2.95% 2-08-99.............................   5,700,000
                                                           -----------
                                                             8,000,000
                                                           -----------
</TABLE>                                                   
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.   

                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT

                                      27
<PAGE>   13
                         FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
 
               INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 -- (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PRINCIPAL
  AMOUNT               DESCRIPTION                                VALUE
  ------               -----------                                -----
<S>           <C>                                            <C>
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
NEW MEXICO -- 1.6%

$ 4,000,000   Farmington PCR (Barclays Bank
                LOC) 4.00% 1-06-99.......................... $ 4,000,000
                                                             
  1,700,000   Gasden ISD (FGIC) 4.25%                        
                8-15-99.....................................   1,705,317
                                                             -----------
                                                               5,705,317
                                                             -----------
NEW YORK -- 1.7%                                             
                                                             
  4,000,000   New York Energy Research &                     
                Development Authority                        
                (Morgan Guaranty LOC) 3.58%                  
                3-15-99.....................................   4,000,000
                                                             
  2,000,000   New York Energy Research &                     
                Development Authority                        
                (United Bank of Switzerland                  
                LOC) 3.00% 12-01-99.........................   2,000,000
                                                             -----------
                                                               6,000,000
                                                             -----------
NORTH CAROLINA -- 3.8%                                       
                                                             
  1,000,000   North Carolina Eastern                         
                Municipal Power (Morgan                      
                Guaranty/United Bank of                      
                Switzerland LOC's) 3.00%                     
                1-12-99.....................................   1,000,000
                                                             
  2,200,000   North Carolina Educational                     
                Facilities (Nationsbank                      
                LOC) 3.90% 1-06-99..........................   2,200,000
                                                             
  5,000,000   North Carolina Educational                     
                Facilities (Wachovia Bank                    
                LOC) 3.95% 1-07-99..........................   5,000,000
                                                             
  3,500,000   North Carolina Medical Care                    
                (Nationsbank LOC) 5.10%                      
                1-04-99.....................................   3,500,000
                                                             
  2,000,000   Wake County IFA (Wachovia                      
                LOC) 4.00% 1-06-99..........................   2,000,000
                                                             -----------
                                                              13,700,000
OHIO -- 3.7%                                                 
                                                             
  3,000,000   Clinton County Hospital                        
                Finance Program (Fifth                       
                Third Bank LOC) 4.00%                        
                1-06-99.....................................   3,000,000
                                                             
$ 2,000,000   Dublin City School District                    
                3.99% 4-14-99............................... $ 2,002,135
                                                             
  3,125,000   Franklin County Hospital                       
                Revenue (Morgan Guaranty                     
                LOC) 4.05% 1-07-99..........................   3,125,000
                                                             
  3,000,000   Ohio Air Quality Development                   
                Authority (Toronto Dominion                  
                LOC) 3.65% 2-01-99..........................   3,000,000
                                                             
  2,000,000   Toledo Special Assessment                      
                Revenue (Canadian Imperial                   
                Bank of Commerce LOC) 4.00%                  
                1-07-99.....................................   2,000,000
                                                             -----------
                                                              13,127,135
                                                             -----------
PENNSYLVANIA -- 4.1%                                         
                                                             
  6,435,000   Delaware Valley Finance                        
                Authority (Credit Suisse                     
                LOC) 3.90% 1-06-99..........................   6,435,000
                                                             
  5,200,000   Delaware Valley RFA (Credit                    
                Suisse LOC) 3.90%                            
                1-06-99.....................................   5,200,000
                                                             
  2,000,000   Philadelphia School District                   
                (First Union Bank LOC)                       
                4.25% 6-30-99...............................   2,005,901
                                                             
  1,000,000   Philadelphia School District                   
                (PNC Bank LOC) 4.25%                         
                6-30-99.....................................   1,002,950
                                                             -----------
                                                              14,643,851
                                                             -----------
PUERTO RICO -- 1.1%                                          
                                                             
  4,000,000   Puerto Rico Commonwealth                       
                TRANS 3.50% 7-30-99.........................   4,014,761
                                                             -----------
SOUTH CAROLINA -- 1.6%                                       
                                                             
  5,540,000   York County (NRUCFC) 3.55%                     
                2-15-99.....................................   5,540,000
                                                             -----------
SOUTH DAKOTA -- 0.3%                                         
                                                             
  1,000,000   Yankton IDR (Bank of America                   
                LOC) 4.00% 1-07-99..........................   1,000,000
                                                             -----------
</TABLE>                                                     
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.   

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                                      28
<PAGE>   14
                         FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
 
               INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 -- (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 PRINCIPAL
  AMOUNT               DESCRIPTION                           VALUE
  ------               -----------                           -----
<S>           <C>                                         <C>

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
TENNESSEE -- 0.9%

$ 1,100,000   Hamilton County (Nationsbank
                LOC) 4.05% 1-07-99...................... $ 1,100,000

  2,000,000   Nashville-Davidson Counties                
                HEFA (Nationsbank LOC)                   
                4.05% 1-07-99...........................   2,000,000
                                                         -----------
                                                           3,100,000
                                                         -----------
TEXAS -- 9.2%                                            

  3,650,000   Austin County IDA (Citibank                
                LOC) 3.95% 1-06-99......................   3,650,000

  4,000,000   Austin Utilities System                    
                (Morgan Guaranty LOC) 3.35%              
                1-07-99.................................   4,000,000

  5,000,000   Brazos River Navigational                  
                District 5.15% 1-04-99..................   5,000,000

  1,550,000   Brazos River Navigational                  
                District 3.05% 2-17-99..................   1,550,000

  1,000,000   Brazos River Navigational                  
                District 3.10% 2-17-99..................   1,000,000

  1,000,000   Brownsville Utilities System               
                (Toronto Dominion LOC)                   
                3.25% 1-21-99...........................   1,000,000

  1,000,000   Dallas 4.45% 2-15-99......................   1,001,010

              Dallas Area Rapid Transit                  
                District (WestDeutsche                   
                Landesbank/Bayerische                    
                Landesbank/United Bank of                
                Switzerland LOC's)                       

  2,000,000   3.00% 1-20-99.............................   2,000,000

  5,000,000   3.15% 2-01-99.............................   5,000,000

  1,915,000   Gulf Coast IDA 3.00%                       
                6-01-99.................................   1,915,000

  3,500,000   Lower Neches Valley Authority              
                PCR 4.00% 1-06-99.......................   3,500,000

  1,000,000   Richardson ISD (Texas                      
                Permanent School Fund                    
                Guaranty) (United Bank of                
                Switzerland) 4.00%                       
                1-07-99.................................   1,000,000

  2,000,000   Sabine River PCA (AMBAC/Bank               
                of New York) 5.15%                       
                1-04-99.................................   2,000,000
                                                         -----------
                                                          32,616,010
                                                         -----------
UTAH -- 5.0%                                             

$ 4,000,000   Intermountain Power Agency                 
                (Bank of America LOC) 2.95%              
                2-22-99................................. $ 4,000,000

  6,100,000   State Board of Regents                     
                Student Loan Revenue                     
                (AMBAC/Dresdner) 3.95%                   
                1-06-99.................................   6,100,000

  3,500,000   State of Utah (Toronto                     
                Dominion LOC) 3.35%                      
                1-13-99.................................   3,500,000

  1,000,000   Utah County Environmental                  
                Improvement Revenue                      
                (Wachovia LOC) 3.00%                     
                6-01-99.................................   1,000,000

  3,100,000   Utah Transit Authority                     
                (Bayerische Landesbank LOC)              
                3.90% 1-07-99...........................   3,100,000
                                                         -----------
                                                          17,700,000
                                                         -----------
VIRGINIA -- 1.5%                                         

  2,000,000   Harrisonburg Virginia                      
                Redevelopment and Housing                
                Revenue Bonds (Bank One                  
                LOC) 4.00% 1-07-99......................   2,000,000

  3,400,000   Louisa County IDA                          
                (Nationsbank LOC) 4.05%                  
                1-07-99.................................   3,400,000
                                                         -----------
                                                           5,400,000
                                                         -----------
</TABLE>                                                 
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements. 

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                                       29
<PAGE>   15
                         FREEDOM TAX EXEMPT MONEY FUND
 
               INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998 -- (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

PRINCIPAL
 AMOUNT               DESCRIPTION                              VALUE
- ---------             -----------                              -----
<S>           <C>                                          <C>

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)
WASHINGTON -- 1.3%

$ 3,100,000   Seattle Water System Revenue
                Bonds (Bayerische
                Landesbank LOC) 4.00%
                1-06-99..................................  $  3,100,000

  1,465,000   Washington Public Power
                Supply System (Escrowed in
                U.S. Government Securities)
                7.50% 7-01-99............................     1,522,229
                                                           ------------
                                                              4,622,229
                                                           ------------
WISCONSIN -- 1.0%

  3,500,000   Wisconsin Health and
                Education Facilities
                (Toronto Dominion LOC)
                4.00% 1-06-99............................     3,500,000
                                                           ------------
 
WYOMING -- 1.1%

  4,000,000   Uinta County PCR 5.10%
                1-04-99..................................     4,000,000
                                                           ------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 97.9%...............................   347,795,132(a)

Other Assets & Liabilities, Net -- 2.1%..................     7,597,882
                                                           ------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS -- 100.00%..............................  $355,393,014
                                                           ============
</TABLE>

Legend:
EDA -- Economic Development Authority
HEFA -- Health Education Finance Authority
HFA -- Housing Finance Authority
IDA -- Industrial Development Authority
IFA -- Industrial Finance Agency
ISD -- Independent School District
LOC -- Letter of Credit
NRUCFC -- National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.
PCA -- Pollution Control Authority
PCR -- Pollution Control Revenue
RFA -- Regional Finance Authority
TANS -- Tax Anticipation Notes
TRANS -- Tax & Revenue Anticipation Notes
 
Insurance Abbreviations:
AMBAC -- American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation
FGIC -- Financial Guaranty Insurance Corporation
FNMA -- Federal National Mortgage Association
FSA -- Financial Security Assurance Inc.
MBIA -- Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
SLMA -- Student Loan Marketing Association
 
Maturity dates for many bonds and notes represent the next scheduled date at
which the interest rate may be adjusted or a "demand" or "put" feature may be
exercised.
 
- ------------
(a) Cost for tax purposes is the same.
 
                      See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                                                  ANNUAL REPORT

                                      30
<PAGE>   16
 
                              FREEDOM MUTUAL FUND
 
                       FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     NOTE 1.  ACCOUNTING POLICIES.  Freedom Mutual Fund and Freedom Group of Tax
Exempt Funds (the "Trusts") are Massachusetts business trusts registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as open-end management
companies. The Agreements and Declarations of Trust permit the issuance of an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with
shares of each series representing interests in a separate portfolio of assets
and operating as a separate distinct fund (a "Fund"). The Freedom Mutual Fund
consists of the Freedom Cash Management Fund and the Freedom Government
Securities Fund. The Freedom Group of Tax Exempt Funds consists of the Freedom
Tax Exempt Money Fund and the Freedom California Tax Exempt Money Fund. The
financial statements of the Freedom California Tax Exempt Money Fund are
included in a separate annual report for that Fund.
 
     The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
the Trusts in the preparation of their financial statements. The policies are in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
 
     Security Valuation and Transactions.  Each Trust values its portfolio
securities utilizing the amortized cost valuation method. This method involves
valuing a portfolio security at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant
amortization to maturity of any discount or premium. Cost is determined and
gains and losses are based upon the specific identification method for both
financial statement and federal income tax purposes. Investment securities
transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold.
 
     Expenses.  The majority of the expenses of each Trust are directly
identifiable to an individual Fund. Expenses which are not readily identifiable
as belonging to a specific Fund are allocated in such a manner as deemed
equitable by the Trustees, taking into consideration, among other things, the
nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the Funds.
 
     Trustees' fees of $6,000 per Trust, per year, plus $250 per meeting of the
Board of Trustees and $350 per meeting of any committee thereof, are paid to
each Trustee who is not an interested person of the Trusts. No remuneration is
paid by either Trust to any Trustee or officer of that Trust who is affiliated
with Freedom Capital Management Corporation, the Trusts' advisor.
 
     The Trusts have entered into an insurance agreement with ICI Mutual
Insurance Company under which each Trust pays both an annual insurance premium
and a one-time reserve premium, and is committed to provide additional funds of
up to 300% of its initial annual premium if and when called upon.
 
                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT

                                      31
<PAGE>   17
                              FREEDOM MUTUAL FUND
 
                       FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The Freedom Tax Exempt Money Fund has an agreement with the custodian bank
under which $17,645 of custodian fees have been reduced by balance credits
applied during the year ended December 31, 1998. If the Fund had not entered
into this agreement, the assets not invested, on which these balance credits
were earned, could have produced taxable income.
 
     Federal Income Tax.  It is each Fund's policy to comply with the provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute all of its income to its shareholders. It is also the intention of
the Funds to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid imposition
of excise tax on undistributed amounts under the Internal Revenue Code.
Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is required.
 
     As of December 31, 1998, the Freedom Cash Management Fund had $142,131 of
capital loss carry-forwards of which $38,142, $95,472 and $8,517 expire on
December 31, 1999, December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2005, respectively. As of
December 31, 1998 the Freedom Government Securities Fund had $30,355 of capital
loss carry-forwards of which $20,095 and $10,260 expire on December 31, 2002 and
December 31, 2005, respectively.
 
     Interest Income and Dividends to Shareholders.  Interest income is accrued
as earned. Dividends to shareholders are declared daily from net investment
income, which consists of interest accrued or discount earned (including
original issue and market discount) less amortization of premium and the
estimated expenses of the Fund applicable to the dividend period.
 
     Other.  The custodian takes possession through the federal book-entry
system of securities collateralizing repurchase agreements. Collateral is
marked-to-market daily to ensure that the market value of the underlying assets
remains sufficient to protect the Funds in the event of default by the seller.
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, if the seller defaults
and the collateral declines, or if the seller enters an insolvency proceeding,
realization of the collateral by the Fund may be limited or delayed.
 
     The Funds may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued basis. Payment
and delivery may take place more than a week after the date of the transaction.
The price that will be paid for the underlying securities is fixed at the time
the transaction is negotiated.
 
     NOTE 2.  INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.  Freedom
Capital Management Corporation ("FCMC") is the parent of Freedom Distributors
Corporation as well as an affiliate of Sutro & Co., Inc. ("Sutro"), Tucker
Anthony Incorporated ("Tucker Anthony") and Freedom Services Corp. All are
wholly owned subsidiaries of Freedom Securities Corporation ("Freedom
Securities").
 
     FCMC, the investment advisor of the Funds, furnishes the Funds with
administration and other services and office facilities in Boston. For these
services and facilities, each Fund pays a monthly fee,
 


                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT


                                      32
<PAGE>   18
                              FREEDOM MUTUAL FUND
 
                       FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
computed separately for each Fund, based upon the average daily net asset value
of each Fund, at the annual rate of one half of one percent (.50%) on the first
$500 million of average daily net assets and forty-five hundredths of one
percent (.45%) for average daily net assets in excess of that amount. The Funds
themselves pay no salaries or compensation to any of their officers.
 
     Tucker Anthony, Sutro and Freedom Distributors Corporation act as
distributors of the Trusts' shares and receive no compensation for such
services. As sub-transfer agent from January 1st through June 15th, Freedom
Services Corp. received reimbursements from the Funds for maintaining and
servicing certain shareholder accounts for the year ended December 31, 1998 as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CASH      GOVERNMENT       TAX
                         MANAGEMENT   SECURITIES   EXEMPT MONEY
                            FUND         FUND          FUND
                         ----------   ----------   ------------
                        <S>            <C>          <C>    

                         $ 693,567     $ 56,734      $36,206
                         =========     ========      =======
</TABLE>
 
     John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. ("JHSS") was transfer agent for the
Funds through June 15, 1998. JHSS received the following from the Funds for the
period ended June 15, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CASH      GOVERNMENT       TAX
                         MANAGEMENT   SECURITIES   EXEMPT MONEY
                            FUND         FUND          FUND
                         ----------   ----------   ------------
                        <S>            <C>          <C> 

                         $ 694,823     $ 57,296      $45,954
                         =========     ========      =======
</TABLE>
 
     Effective as of June 16, 1998, Freedom Services Corporation succeeded John
Hancock Signature Services, Inc. as transfer and shareholder services agent for
the Funds. As transfer agent, Freedom Services Corporation received the
following from the Funds for the period ended December 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CASH      GOVERNMENT       TAX
                         MANAGEMENT   SECURITIES   EXEMPT MONEY
                            FUND         FUND          FUND
                         ----------   ----------   ------------
                         <S>           <C>          <C>  

                         $1,556,469    $124,188      $74,637
                         ==========    ========      =======
</TABLE>
 

                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT


                                      33
<PAGE>   19
                              FREEDOM MUTUAL FUND
 
                       FREEDOM GROUP OF TAX EXEMPT FUNDS
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     NOTE 3.  Purchases and sales (including maturities) of investments
(excluding repurchase agreements) for the year ended December 31, 1998 were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      TAX
                                                   CASH           GOVERNMENT         EXEMPT
                                                MANAGEMENT        SECURITIES         MONEY
                                                   FUND              FUND             FUND
                                              --------------    --------------    ------------
<S>                                           <C>               <C>               <C>
Purchases
  U.S. Government...........................              --    $2,172,501,146              --
  Other.....................................  $9,553,404,240                --    $993,972,227
Sales
  U.S. Government...........................              --     2,112,706,020              --
  Other.....................................   9,084,997,952                --     932,335,865
</TABLE>
 
     NOTE 4.  SHAREHOLDER MEETING RESULTS. -- UNAUDITED.  A Special Meeting of
the shareholders of the Freedom Group of Money Funds was held on May 20, 1998.
On March 30, 1998, the record date for shareholders voting at the meeting, there
were 2,727,659,905.77 total outstanding shares. The following items were
considered and approved by shareholders and the results of their voting were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   ABSTENTIONS
                                                                                       AND
                                                                                      BROKER
                AGENDA ITEM                        FOR             AGAINST          NON-VOTES
- -------------------------------------------  ---------------    --------------    --------------
<S>   <C>                                    <C>                <C>               <C>
1.    Approve Master Investment Advisory
      Contract between Freedom Group of
      Money Funds and Freedom Capital
      Management Corporation...............
      Freedom Cash Management Fund.........  881,860,681.282    16,628,657.980    46,676,748.850
      Freedom Government Securities Fund...  187,081,271.710     2,547,507.800    12,001,801.490
      Freedom Tax Exempt Money Fund........  152,662,425.050     5,509,389.510    10,842,432.230

2.    Ratify PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
      Independent Accountants..............
      Freedom Cash Management Fund.........  908,734,662.402     8,337,851.090    28,093,614.620
      Freedom Government Securities Fund...  192,871,058.460     2,003,042.550     6,756,479.990
      Freedom Tax Exempt Money Fund........  162,123,348.970     2,754,035.110     4,136,862.710
</TABLE>
 
                                                                   ANNUAL REPORT
                                       34
<PAGE>   20

                        NO SALES OR REDEMPTION CHARGES
                                      
                                      
                                 DISTRIBUTORS
                                      
                                      
                         Tucker Anthony Incorporated
                              One Beacon Street
                         Boston, Massachusetts 02108
                                      
                             Telephone Toll Free
                                 800-453-8206
                                      
                           Sutro & Co. Incorporated
                            201 California Street
                       San Francisco, California 94111
                                      
                              INVESTMENT ADVISER
                                      
                    Freedom Capital Management Corporation
                              One Beacon Street
                       Boston, Massachusetts 02108-3105
                                      
                          TRANSFER AND SHAREHOLDER
                               SERVICES AGENT
                                      
                         Freedom Services Corporation
                         cOne World Financial Center
                              200 Liberty Street
                           New York, New York 10281
                                      
                             Telephone Toll Free
                                 800-453-8206
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      
                     [FREEDOM GROUP OF MONEY FUNDS LOGO]


No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations not contained in this Prospectus in connection with the
offering made by this Prospectus and, if given or made, such information, or
representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund or
its Distributor. This Prospectus does not constitute an offering by the Fund or
by the Distributor in any jurisdiction in which such offering may not lawfully
be made.

                                                                    F01APD 0299



                     [FREEDOM GROUP OF MONEY FUNDS LOGO]



                                   FREEDOM
                               CASH MANAGEMENT
                                     FUND
                                      
                                      
                                      *
                                      
                                      
                                   FREEDOM
                                  GOVERNMENT
                               SECURITIES FUND
                                      
                                      
                                      *
                                      
                                      
                                   FREEDON
                                  TAX EXEMPT
                                  MONEY FUND



                      ---------------------------------
                      ANNUAL REPORT - December 31, 1998
                      ---------------------------------



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