FIRST INVESTORS GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
FIRST INVESTORS INVESTMENT GRADE FUND
a series of First Investors Series Fund
FIRST INVESTORS FUND FOR INCOME, INC.
FIRST INVESTORS HIGH YIELD FUND, INC.
Supplement dated April 30, 1999
TO STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
dated February 19, 1999
The attached Shareholder Manual dated April 22, 1999 replaces the Shareholder
Manual dated February 19, 1999 beginning on page 84:
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER MANUAL
A Guide to Your (FIRST INVESTORS LOGO)
First Investors
Mutual Fund Account
- -------------------
as of April 22, 1999
<PAGE>
INTRODUCTION
Investing in mutual funds doesn't have to be complicated. Your registered
representative is available to answer your questions and help you process your
transactions. First Investors offers personalized service and a wide variety of
mutual funds. In the event you wish to process a transaction directly, the
material provided in this easy-to-follow guide tells you how to contact us and
explains our policies and procedures. Please note that there are special rules
for money market funds.
Please read this manual completely to gain a better understanding of how shares
are bought, sold, exchanged, and transferred. In addition, the manual provides
you with a description of the services we offer to simplify investing. The
services, privileges and fees referenced in this manual are subject to change.
You should call our Shareholder Services Department at 1 (800) 423-4026 before
initiating any transaction.
This manual must be preceded or accompanied by a First Investors mutual fund
prospectus. For more complete information on any First Investors Fund, including
charges and expenses, refer to the prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully
before you invest or send money.
(FIRST INVESTORS LOGO)
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER TRANSFER AGENT
First Investors Corporation Administrative Data Management Corp.
95 Wall Street 581 Main Street
New York, NY 10005 Woodbridge, NJ 07095
1-212-858-8000 1-800-423-4026
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW TO BUY SHARES
To Open an Account.......................................................... 1
To Open a Retirement Account................................................ 2
Minimum Initial Investment.................................................. 2
Additional Investments...................................................... 2
Acceptable Forms of Payment................................................. 2
Share Classes............................................................... 2
Share Class Specification................................................... 3
Class A Shares.............................................................. 3
Class B Shares.............................................................. 5
How to Pay.................................................................. 6
HOW TO SELL SHARES
Written Redemptions......................................................... 9
Telephone Redemptions....................................................... 9
Electronic Funds Transfer................................................... 9
Systematic Withdrawal Plans................................................ 10
Expedited Wire Redemptions................................................. 10
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
Exchange Methods........................................................... 11
Exchange Conditions........................................................ 12
Exchanging Funds with Automatic Investments or
Systematic Withdrawals..................................................... 12
WHEN AND HOW
FUND SHARES ARE PRICED..................................................... 13
HOW PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE ORDERS
ARE PROCESSED AND PRICED................................................... 13
SPECIAL RULES FOR MONEY MARKET FUNDS....................................... 14
RIGHT TO REJECT PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE ORDERS................................ 15
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE POLICY................................................. 15
TELEPHONE SERVICES
Telephone Exchanges and Redemptions........................................ 16
Shareholder Services....................................................... 17
OTHER SERVICES............................................................. 18
ACCOUNT STATEMENTS
Transaction Confirmation Statements........................................ 20
Master Account Statements.................................................. 20
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports............................................. 20
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends and Distributions................................................ 21
Buying a Dividend.......................................................... 21
TAX FORMS.................................................................. 22
THE OUTLOOK................................................................ 22
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
<PAGE>
HOW TO BUY SHARES
First Investors offers a wide variety of mutual funds to meet your financial
needs ("FI Funds"). Your registered representative will review your financial
objectives and risk tolerance, explain our product line and services, and help
you select the right investments. Call our Shareholder Services Department at 1
(800) 423-4026 or visit us on-line at www.firstinvestors.com for more
information.
o TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
Before investing, you must establish an account with your broker-dealer. At
First Investors Corporation ("FI") you do this by completing and signing a
Master Account Agreement ("MAA"). After you determine the fund(s) you want to
purchase, deliver your completed MAA and your check, made payable to First
Investors Corporation, to your registered representative. New client accounts
must be established through your registered representative.
You need to tell us how you want your shares registered when you open a new Fund
account. Please keep the following information in mind:
JOINT ACCOUNTS. For any account with two or more owners, all owners must sign
requests to process transactions. Telephone privileges allow any one of the
owners to process transactions independently.
GIFTS AND TRANSFERS TO MINORS. Custodial accounts for a minor may be established
under your state's Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act. Custodial accounts are
registered under the minor's social security number.
TRUSTS. A trust account may be opened only if you have a valid written trust
document.
TRANSFER ON DEATH (TOD). TOD registrations, available on all FI Funds in all
states, allow individual and joint account owners to name one or more
beneficiaries. The ownership of the account passes to the named beneficiaries in
the event of the death of all account owners.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS. Fund distributions will be automatically reinvested
in your account unless you request otherwise.
SOME REGISTRATIONS REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPE OF ACCOUNT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporations First Investors Certificate of Authority
Partnership
& Trusts
Transfer On Death First Investors TOD Registration Request Form
(TOD)
Estates Original or Certified Copy of Death Certificate
Certified Copy of Letters Testamentary/Administration
First Investors Executor's Certification & Indemnification
Form
Conservatorships Certified copy of court document appointing Conservator/
& Guardianships Guardian
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1
<PAGE>
o TO OPEN A RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
Before opening a retirement account, you must establish an account with your
broker-dealer. Fund shares may be purchased for your retirement account by
completing the appropriate retirement plan application. First Investors offers
retirement plans for both individuals and employers as follows:
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS including Roth, Traditional, and Rollover IRAs.
SIMPLE IRAS offered by employers.
SEP-IRAS (SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS) for small business owners or people
with income from self-employment, including SARSEP-IRAs.
403(b)(7) accounts for employees of eligible tax-exempt organizations such as
schools, hospitals and charitable organizations.
401(k) plans for employers.
MONEY PURCHASE PENSION & PROFIT SHARING plans for sole proprietors and
partnerships.
For more information about these plans call your registered representative or
our Shareholder Services Department at
1 (800) 423-4026.
o MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENT
You can open a non-retirement account with a check made payable to First
Investors Corporation for as little as $1,000. The minimum is waived if you open
an account through one of our Automatic Investment Programs (see How to Pay) or
through a full exchange from another FI Fund. You can open a First Investors
Traditional IRA or Roth IRA with as little as $500. Other retirement accounts
may have lower initial investment requirements at the Fund's discretion.
o ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
Once you have established an account, you can add to it through your registered
representative or by sending us a check directly. There is no minimum
requirement on additional purchases into existing fund accounts. Remember to
include your FI Fund account number on your check made payable to First
Investors Corporation.
Mail checks to:
First Investors Corporation
Attn: Dept. CP
581 Main Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095-1198
o ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PAYMENT
The following forms of payment are acceptable:
- -checks made payable to First Investors Corporation.
- -Money Line and Automatic Payroll Investment electronic funds transfers.
- -Federal Funds wire transfers.
For your protection, never give your registered representative cash or a check
made payable to your registered representative.
We DO NOT accept:
- -Third party checks.
- -Traveler's checks.
- -Checks drawn on non-US banks.
- -Money orders.
- -Cash.
o SHARE CLASSES
All FI Funds are available in Class A and Class B shares. Direct purchases into
Class B share money market accounts are not accepted. Class B money market fund
shares may only be acquired through an exchange from another Class B share
account or through Class B share dividend cross-reinvestment.
2
<PAGE>
Each class of shares has its own cost structure. As a result, different classes
of shares in the same fund generally have different prices. Class A shares have
a front-end sales charge. Class B shares may have a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC"). While both classes have a Rule 12b-1 fee, the fee on Class B
shares is generally higher. The principal advantages of Class A shares are that
they have lower overall expenses, the availability of quantity discounts on
sales charges, and certain account privileges that are not offered on Class B
shares. The principal advantage of Class B shares is that all your money is put
to work from the outset. Your registered representative can help you decide
which class of shares is best for you.
o SHARE CLASS SPECIFICATION
It's very important to specify which class of shares you wish to purchase when
you open a new account. All First Investors account applications have a place to
designate your preference. If you do not specify which class of shares you want
to purchase, Class A shares will automatically be purchased.
o CLASS A SHARES
When you buy Class A shares, you pay the offering price - the net asset value of
the fund plus a front-end sales charge. The front-end sales charge declines with
larger investments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SALES CHARGES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS A % OF AS A % OF YOUR
YOUR INVESTMENT OFFERING PRICE INVESTMENT
up to $24,999 6.25% 6.67%
$25,000 - $49,999 5.75% 6.10%
$50,000 - $99,999 5.50% 5.82%
$100,000 - $249,999 4.50% 4.71%
$250,000 - $499,999 3.50% 3.63%
$500,000 - $999,999 2.50% 2.56%
Investments of $1 million or more will only be made in Class A shares at
the Fund's net asset value.
Generally, you should consider purchasing Class A shares if you plan to
invest $250,000 or more either initially or over time.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS & REDUCTIONS ON CLASS A SHARES:
If you qualify for one of the sales charge reductions or waivers, it is very
important to let us know at the time you place your order. Include a written
statement with your check explaining which privilege applies. If you do not
include this statement we cannot guarantee that you will receive the reduction
or waiver.
CLASS A SHARES MAY BE PURCHASED WITHOUT A SALES CHARGE:
1: By an officer, trustee, director, or employee of the Fund, the Fund's adviser
or subadviser, First Investors Corporation, or any affiliates of First Investors
Corporation, or by his/her spouse, child (under age 21) or grandchild (under age
21).
2: By a former officer, trustee, director, or employee of the Fund, First
Investors Corporation, or their affiliates provided the person worked for the
company for at least 5 years and retired or terminated employment in good
standing.
3
<PAGE>
3: By a FI registered representative or an authorized dealer, or by his/her
spouse, child (under age 21) or grandchild (under age 21).
4: When fund distributions are reinvested in Class A shares.
5: When Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments are reinvested in Class A shares
(except for certain payments from money market accounts which may be subject to
a sales charge).
6: When qualified retirement plan loan repayments are reinvested in Class A
shares.
7: With the liquidation proceeds from a First Investors Life Variable Annuity
Fund A, C, or D contract within one year of the contract's maturity date.
8: When dividends (at least $50 a year) from a First Investors Life Insurance
Company policy are invested into an EXISTING account.
9: When a group qualified plan (401(k) plans, money purchase pension plans,
profit sharing plans and 403(b) plans that are subject to Title I of ERISA) is
reinvesting redemption proceeds from another fund on which a sales charge or
CDSC was paid.
10: With distribution proceeds from a First Investors group qualified plan
account into an IRA.
11: By participant directed group qualified plans with 100 or more eligible
employees or $1,000,000 or more in assets.
12: In amounts of $1 million or more.
13: By individuals under a Letter of Intent or Cumulative Purchase Privilege of
$1 million or more.
FOR ITEMS 9 THROUGH 13 ABOVE: A CDSC OF 1.00% WILL BE DEDUCTED IF SHARES ARE
REDEEMED WITHIN 2 YEARS OF PURCHASE.
SALES CHARGES ON CLASS A SHARES MAY BE REDUCED FOR:
1: Participant directed group qualified retirement plans with 99 or fewer
eligible employees. The initial sales charge is reduced to 3.00% of the offering
price.
2: Certain unit trust holders ("unitholders") who elect to invest the entire
amount of principal, interest, and/or capital gains distributions from their
unit investment trusts in Class A shares. Unitholders of various series of New
York Insured Municipals-Income Trust sponsored by Van Kampen Merrit, Inc.,
unitholders of various series of the Multistate Tax Exempt Trust sponsored by
Advest Inc., and unitholders of various series of the Insured Municipal Insured
National Trust, J.C. Bradford & Co. as agent, may buy Class A shares of a FI
Fund with unit trust distributions at the net asset value plus a sales charge of
1.5%. Unitholders of various tax-exempt trusts, other than the New York Trust,
sponsored by Van Kampen Merritt Inc. may buy Class A shares of a FI Fund at the
net asset value plus a sales charge of 1.0%.
Unitholders may make additional purchases, other than those made by unit trust
distributions, at the Fund's regular offering price.
+ CUMULATIVE PURCHASE PRIVILEGE
The Cumulative Purchase Privilege lets you add the value of all your existing FI
Fund accounts (Class A and Class B shares) to the amount of your next Class A
share investment to reach sales charge discount breakpoints. For example, if the
combined current value of your existing FI Fund accounts is $25,000 (measured by
offering price), your next purchase will be eligible for a sales charge discount
at the $25,000 level. Cumulative Purchase discounts are applied to purchases as
indicated in the first column of the Class A Sales Charge table.
All your accounts registered with the same social security number will be linked
together under the Cumulative Purchase Privilege. Your spouse's accounts and
custodial accounts held for minor children residing at your home can also be
linked to your accounts upon request.
4
<PAGE>
- -Conservator accounts are linked to the social security number of the ward, not
the conservator.
- -Sole proprietorship accounts are linked to personal/family accounts only if the
account is registered with a social security number, not an employer
identification number ("EIN").
- -Testamentary trusts and living trusts may be linked to other accounts
registered under the same trust EIN, but not to the personal accounts of the
trustee(s).
- -Estate accounts may only be linked to other accounts registered under the same
EIN of the estate or social security number of the decedent.
-Church and religious organizations may link accounts to others registered with
the same EIN but not to the personal accounts of any member.
+ LETTER OF INTENT
A Letter of Intent ("LOI") lets you purchase at a discounted sales charge level
even though you do not yet have sufficient investments to qualify for that
discount level. An LOI is a commitment by you to invest a specified dollar
amount during a 13 month period. The amount you agree to invest determines the
sales charge you pay. Under an LOI, you can reduce the initial sales charge on
Class A share purchases based on the total amount you agree to invest in both
Class A and Class B shares during the 13 month period. Purchases made 90 days
before the date of the LOI may be included, in which case the 13 month period
begins on the date of the first purchase. Your LOI can be amended in two ways.
First, you may file an amended LOI to raise or lower the LOI amount during the
13 month period. Second, your LOI will be automatically amended if you invest
more than your LOI amount during the 13 month period and qualify for an
additional sales charge reduction.
By purchasing under an LOI, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- -You authorize First Investors to reserve 5% of your total intended investment
in shares held in escrow in your name until the LOI is completed.
- -First Investors is authorized to sell any or all of the escrow shares to
satisfy any additional sales charges owed in the event you do not fulfill the
LOI.
- -Although you may exchange all your shares, you may not sell the reserve shares
held in escrow until you fulfill the LOI or pay the higher sales charge.
o CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge, putting all your money
to work for you immediately. If you redeem Class B shares within 6 years of
purchase, a CDSC will be imposed. The CDSC declines from 4% to 0% over a 6-year
period, as shown in the chart below. Class B share money market fund shares are
not sold directly. They can only be acquired through an exchange from another
Class B fund account or through cross reinvestment of dividends from another
Class B share account. Class B shares, and the dividend and distribution shares
they earn, automatically convert to Class A shares after 8 years, reducing
future annual expenses.
Generally, you should consider purchasing Class B shares if you intend to invest
less than $250,000 and you would rather pay higher ongoing expenses than an
initial sales charge.
CLASS B SALES CHARGES
THE CDSC DECLINES OVER TIME AS SHOWN IN THE TABLE BELOW:
--------------------------------------------------------
Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7+
--------------------------------------------------------
CDSC 4% 4% 3% 3% 2% 1% 0%
--------------------------------------------------------
5
<PAGE>
If shares redeemed are subject to a CDSC, the CDSC will be based on the lesser
of the original purchase price or redemption price. There is no CDSC on shares
acquired through dividend and capital gains reinvestment. We call these "free
shares."
Anytime you sell shares, your shares will be redeemed in the following manner to
ensure that you pay the lowest possible CDSC:
FIRST-Class B shares representing dividends and capital gains that are not
subject to a CDSC.
SECOND-Class B shares held more than six years which are not subject to a CDSC.
THIRD-Class B shares held longest which will result in the lowest CDSC.
For purposes of calculating the CDSC, all purchases made during the calendar
month are deemed to have been made on the first business day of the month at the
average cost of the shares purchased during that period.
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS ON CLASS B SHARES:
The CDSC on Class B shares does not apply to:
1: Appreciation on redeemed shares above their original purchase price and
shares acquired through dividend or capital gains distributions.
2: Redemptions due to death or disability (as defined in section 72(m)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code) requested within one year of death. Additional
documentation is required.
3: Distributions from employee benefit plans due to plan termination.
4: Redemptions to remove an excess contribution from an IRA or qualified
retirement plan.
5: Distributions upon reaching required minimum age 70 1/2 provided you have
held the shares for at least three years.
6: Annual redemptions of up to 8% of your account's value redeemed by a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Free shares not subject to a CDSC will be redeemed
first and will count towards the 8% limit.
7: Shares redeemed from advisory accounts managed by or held by the Fund's
investment advisor or any of its affiliates.
8: Tax-free returns of excess contributions from employee benefit plans.
9: Redemptions of non-retirement shares purchased with proceeds from the sale of
shares of another fund group between April 29, 1996 and June 30, 1996 that did
not pay a sales charge (other than money market fund accounts or retirement plan
accounts).
10: Redemptions by the Fund when the account falls below the minimum.
11: Redemptions to pay account fees.
Include a written statement with your redemption request explaining which
exemption applies. If you do not include this statement we cannot guarantee that
you will receive the waiver.
o HOW TO PAY
You can invest using one or more of the following options:
+ CHECK:
You can buy shares by writing a check payable to First Investors Corporation. If
you are opening a new fund account, your check must meet the fund minimum. When
making purchases to an existing account, remember to include your fund account
number on your check.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENTS:
We offer several automatic investment programs to simplify investing.
+ MONEY LINE:
With our Money Line program, you can open an account with as little as $50 a
month or $600 each year in a FI Fund account by transferring funds
electronically from your bank account. You can invest up to $10,000 a month
through Money Line.
6
<PAGE>
Money Line allows you to select the payment amount and frequency that is best
for you. You can make automatic investments bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly,
quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
The date you select as your Money Line investment date is the date on which
shares will be purchased. THE PROCEEDS MUST BE AVAILABLE IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
TWO BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE INVESTMENT DATE.
HOW TO APPLY:
1: Complete the Electronic Funds Transfer ("EFT") section of the application to
provide complete bank information and authorize EFT fund share purchases. Attach
a voided check. A signature guarantee of all shareholders and bank account
owners is required. PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOR INITIAL
PROCESSING.
2: Complete the Money Line section of the application to specify the amount,
frequency and date of the investment.
3: Submit the paperwork to your registered representative or send it to:
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA MANAGEMENT CORP.
581 MAIN STREET
WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07095-1198.
HOW TO CHANGE:
Provided you have telephone privileges, you may call Shareholder Services at
1 (800) 423-4026 to:
- -Increase the payment up to $999.99.
- -Decrease the payment.
- -Discontinue the service.
To change investment amounts, reallocate or cancel Money Line, you must notify
us at least 3 business days prior to the investment date.
You must send a signature guaranteed written request to Administrative Data
Management Corp. to:
- -Increase the payment to $1,000 or more.
- -Change bank information (a new Money Line Application and voided check is
required).
A medallion signature guarantee (see Signature Guarantee Policy) is required to
increase a Money Line payment to $2,500 or more. Changing banks or bank account
numbers requires 10 days notice. Money Line service will be suspended upon
notification that all account owners are deceased.
+ AUTOMATIC PAYROLL INVESTMENT:
With our Automatic Payroll Investment service ("API") you can systematically
purchase shares by salary reduction. To participate, your employer must offer
direct deposit and permit you to electronically transfer a portion of your
salary. Contact your company payroll department to authorize the salary
reductions. If not available, you may consider our Money Line program.
Shares purchased through API are purchased on the day the electronic transfer is
received by the Fund.
HOW TO APPLY:
1: Complete an API Application. If you are receiving a government payment and
wish to participate in the API Program you must also complete the government's
Direct Deposit Sign-up Form. Call Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026 for
more information.
2: Complete an API Authorization Form.
3: Submit the paperwork to your registered representative or send it to:
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA MANAGEMENT CORP.
581 MAIN STREET
WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07095-1198.
+ WIRE TRANSFERS:
You may purchase shares via a Federal Funds wire transfer from your bank account
into your EXISTING First Investors account. Federal Fund wire transfer proceeds
are not subject to a holding period and are available to you immediately upon
receipt, as long as we have been notified properly.
7
<PAGE>
If we receive a wire transfer for a purchase prior to 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time
("ET") and you have previously notified us that the wire is on the way (by
calling 1 (800) 423-4026) the funds for the purchase will be deemed to have been
received on that same day. Your notification must include the Federal Funds wire
transfer confirmation number, the amount of the wire, and the fund account
number to receive same day credit. There are special rules for money market fund
accounts.
To wire Federal Funds to an existing First Investors account (other than money
markets), instruct your bank to wire your investment to:
FIRST FINANCIAL SAVINGS BANK, S.L.A.
ABA # 221272604
ACCOUNT # 0306142
YOUR NAME
YOUR FIRST INVESTORS FUND ACCOUNT #
+ DISTRIBUTION CROSS-INVESTMENT:
You can invest the dividends and capital gains from one fund account, excluding
the money market funds, into another fund account in the same class of shares.
The shares will be purchased at the net asset value on the day after the record
date of the distribution.
- -You must invest at least $50 a month or $600 a year into a NEW account.
- -A signature guarantee is required if the ownership on both accounts is not
identical.
You may establish a Distribution Cross-Investment service by contacting your
registered representative or calling Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026.
+ SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN PAYMENT INVESTMENTS:
You can invest Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments (see How to Sell Shares) from
one fund account in shares of another fund account.
- -Payments are invested without a sales charge.
- -A signature guarantee is required if the ownership on both accounts is not
identical.
- -Both accounts must be in the same class of shares.
- -You must invest at least $600 a year if into a new account.
- -You can invest on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.
Redemptions are suspended upon notification that all account owners are
deceased. Service will recommence upon receipt of written alternative payment
instructions and other required documents from the decedent's legal
representative.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can sell your shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open
for regular trading. In the mutual fund industry, a sale is referred to as a
"redemption." Payment of redemption proceeds generally will be made within seven
days. If the shares being redeemed were recently purchased by check or
electronic funds transfer, payment may be delayed to verify that the check or
electronic funds transfer has been honored, which may take up to 15 days from
the date of purchase. Shareholders may not redeem shares by telephone or
electronic funds transfer unless the shares have been owned for at least 15
days.
Redemptions of shares are not subject to the 15 day verification period if the
shares were purchased via:
- -Automatic Payroll Investment.
- -FIC registered representative payroll checks.
- -First Investors Life Insurance Company checks.
- -Federal funds wire payments.
For trusts, estates, attorneys-in-fact, corporations, partnerships, and other
entities, additional documents are required to redeem shares. Call Shareholder
Services at 1 (800) 423-4026 for more information.
8
<PAGE>
o WRITTEN REDEMPTIONS
You can write a letter of instruction or contact your registered representative
for a liquidation request form. A written liquidation request in good order must
include:
1: The name of the fund;
2: Your account number;
3: The dollar amount, number of shares or percentage of the account you want to
redeem;
4: Share certificates (if they were issued to you);
5: Original signatures of all owners exactly as your account is registered; and
6: Signature guarantees, if required (see Signature Guarantee Policy).
For your protection, the Fund reserves the right to require additional
supporting legal documentation.
Written redemption requests should be mailed to:
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA MANAGEMENT CORP.
581 MAIN STREET
WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07095-1198.
If your redemption request is not in good order or information is missing, the
Transfer Agent will seek additional information and process the redemption on
the day it receives such information.
o TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
You, or any person we believe is authorized to act on your behalf, may redeem
non-retirement shares which have been owned for at least 15 days by calling our
Special Services Department at 1 (800) 342-6221 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET,
provided:
- -Telephone privileges are available for your account registration and you have
not declined telephone privileges (see Telephone Privileges);
- -You do not hold share certificates (issued shares);
- -The redemption check is made payable to the registered owner(s) or
pre-designated bank;
- -The redemption check is mailed to your address of record or predesignated bank
account;
- -Your address of record has not changed within the past 60 days;
- -The redemption amount is $50,000 or less; AND
- -The redemption amount, combined with the amount of all telephone redemptions
made within the previous 30 days does not exceed $100,000.
o ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER
The Electronic Funds Transfer ("EFT") service allows you to redeem shares and
electronically transfer proceeds to your bank account.
YOU MUST ENROLL IN THE ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICE AND PROVIDE COMPLETE
BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION BEFORE USING THE PRIVILEGE. Signature guarantees of all
shareholders and all bank account owners are required. Please allow at least 10
business days for initial processing. We will send any proceeds during the
processing period to your address of record. Call your registered representative
or Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026 for an application.
You may call Shareholder Services or send written instructions to Administrative
Data Management Corp. to request an EFT redemption of shares which have been
held at least 15 days. Each EFT redemption:
1: Must be electronically transferred to your pre-designated bank account;
2: Must be at least $500;
3: Cannot exceed $50,000; and
4: Cannot exceed $100,000 when added to the total amount of all EFT redemptions
made within the previous 30 days.
If your redemption does not qualify for an EFT redemption, your redemption
proceeds will be mailed to your address of record.
9
<PAGE>
The Electronic Funds Transfer service may also be used to purchase shares (see
Money Line) and transfer systematic withdrawal payments (see Systematic
Withdrawal Plans) and dividend distributions (see Other Services) to your bank
account.
o SYSTEMATIC WITDRAWAL PLANS
Our Systematic Withdrawal Plan allows you to redeem a specific dollar amount,
number of shares, or percentage from your account on a regular basis. Your
payments can be mailed to you or a pre-authorized payee by check, transferred to
your bank account electronically (if you have enrolled in the EFT service) or
invested in shares of another FI fund in the same class of shares through our
Systematic Withdrawal Plan Payment investment service (see How to Buy Shares).
You can receive payments on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.
Your account must have a value of at least $5,000 in non-certificated shares
("unissued shares"). The $5,000 minimum account balance is waived for required
minimum distributions from retirement plan accounts, payments to First Investors
Life Insurance Company, and systematic investments into another eligible fund
account. The minimum Systematic Withdrawal Plan payment is $25 (waived for
Required Minimum Distributions on retirement accounts or FIL premium payments).
Once you establish the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, you should not make
additional investments into this account (except money market funds). Buying
shares during the same period as you are selling shares is not advantageous to
you because of sales charges.
If you own Class B shares, you may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and
redeem up to 8% of the value of your account annually without a CDSC.
If you own Class B shares of a retirement account and you are receiving your
Required Minimum Distribution through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, up to 8% of
the value of your account may be redeemed annually without a CDSC. However, if
your Required Minimum Distribution exceeds the 8% limit, the applicable CDSC
will be charged if the additional shares were held less than 3 years and you
have not reached age 701/2.
To establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, complete the appropriate section of
the account application or contact your registered representative or call
Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026.
o EXPEDITED WIRE REDEMPTIONS (MONEY MARKET FUNDS ONLY)
Enroll in our Expedited Redemption service to wire proceeds from your FI money
market account to your bank account. Call Shareholder Services at 1 (800)
423-4026 for an application or to discuss specific requirements.
Requests for redemptions by wire out of money market funds must be received in
writing or by phone prior to 12:00 p.m., ET on a day the NYSE is open for
trading. These days are referred to as "Trading Days" in this manual. Wire
Redemption orders received after 12:00 p.m., ET but before the close of regular
trading on the NYSE, will be processed on the following day.
- -Each wire under $5,000 is subject to a $15 fee.
- -Two wires of $5,000 or more are permitted without charge each month. Each
additional wire is $15.00.
- -Wires must be directed to your pre-designated bank account.
10
<PAGE>
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
The exchange privilege gives you the flexibility to change investments as your
goals change without incurring a sales charge. Since an exchange of
non-retirement fund shares is a redemption and a purchase, it creates a gain or
loss which is reportable for tax purposes. You should consult your tax advisor
before requesting an exchange. Read the prospectus of the FI Fund you are
purchasing carefully. Review the differences in objectives, policies, risk,
privileges and restrictions.
o EXCHANGE METHODS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
METHOD STEPS TO FOLLOW
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Through Your
Registered Representative Call your registered representative.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Phone Call Special Services from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET
1(800) 342-6221 Orders received after the close of the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m., ET,
are processed the following business day.
1. You must have telephone privileges.
(see Telephone Transactions.)
2. Certificate shares cannot be exchanged by phone.
3. For trusts, estates, attorneys-in-fact,
corporations, partnerships, and other entities,
additional documents are required and must be
on file.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Mail to: 1. Send us written instructions signed by all account owners
A D M exactly as the account is registered.
581 MAIN STREET
WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07095-1198 2. Include the name and account number of your fund.
3. Indicate either the dollar amount, number of shares or
percent of the source account you want to exchange.
4. Specify the existing account number or the name of the
new Fund you want to exchange into.
5. Include any outstanding share certificates for shares you
want to exchange. A signature guarantee is required.
6. For trusts, estates, attorneys-in-fact, corporations,
partnerships, and other entities, additional documents
are required. Call Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
o EXCHANGE CONDITIONS
1: You may only exchange shares within the same class.
2: Exchanges can only be made into identically owned accounts.
3: Partial exchanges into a new fund account must meet the new fund's minimum
initial investment.
4: The fund you are exchanging into must be eligible for sale in your state.
5: If your request does not clearly indicate the amount to be exchanged or the
accounts involved, no shares will be exchanged.
6: Amounts exchanged from a non-money market fund to a money market fund may be
exchanged back at net asset value. Dividends earned from money market fund
shares will be subject to a sales charge.
7: If you are exchanging from a money market fund to a fund with a sales charge,
there will be a sales charge on any shares that were not previously subject to a
sales charge. Your request must be in writing and include a statement
acknowledging that a sales charge will be paid.
8: If you exchange Class B shares of a fund for shares of a Class B money market
fund, the CDSC will not be imposed but the CDSC and the holding period used to
calculate the CDSC will carry over to the acquired shares.
9: FI Funds reserve the right to reject any exchange order which in the opinion
of the Fund is part of a market timing strategy. In the event that an exchange
is rejected, neither the redemption nor the purchase side of the exchange will
be processed.
10: If your exchange request is not in good order or information is missing, the
Transfer Agent will seek additional information and process the exchange on the
day it receives such information.
o EXCHANGING FUNDS WITH AUTOMATIC INVESTMENTS OR SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
Let us know if you want to continue automatic investments into the original fund
or the fund you are exchanging into ("receiving fund") or if you want to change
the amount or allocation. Also inform us if you wish to continue, terminate, or
change a preauthorized systematic withdrawal. Without specific instructions, we
will amend account privileges as outlined below:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCHANGE A
EXCHANGE EXCHANGE PORTION OF
ALL SHARES TO ALL SHARES TO SHARES TO ONE
ONE FUND MULTIPLE FUNDS OR MULTIPLE FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONEY LINE ML moves to ML stays with ML stays with
(ML) Receiving Fund Original Fund Original Fund
AUTOMATIC PAYROLL API moves to API Stays with API stays with
INVESTMENT (API) Receiving Fund Original Fund Original Fund
SYSTEMATIC SWP moves to SWP SWP stays
WITHDRAWALS Receiving Fund Canceled with Original Fund
(SWP)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
<PAGE>
WHEN AND HOW FUND SHARES ARE PRICED
Each FI Fund prices its shares each day that the NYSE is open for trading. The
share price is calculated as of the close of trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00
p.m., ET).
Each Fund calculates the net asset value of each class of its shares separately
by taking the total value of class assets, subtracting class expenses, and
dividing the difference by the total number of shares in the class. The price
that you will pay for a share is the NAV plus any applicable front-end sales
charge. You receive the NAV price if you redeem or exchange your shares, less
any applicable CDSC.
Fund prices are on our website (www.firstinvestors.com) the next day. The prices
for our larger funds are also reported in many newspapers, including The Wall
Street Journal and The New York Times. Special pricing procedures are employed
during emergencies. For a description of these procedures you can request, free
of charge, a copy of a Statement of Additional Information.
HOW PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE ORDERS ARE PROCESSED AND PRICED
The processing and price for a purchase, redemption or exchange depends upon how
your order is placed. As indicated below, in certain instances, special rules
apply to money market transactions. Special rules also apply for emergency
conditions. These are described in the Statement of Additional Information.
+ PURCHASES:
Purchases that are made by written application or order are processed when they
are received in "good order" by our Woodbridge, NJ office. To be in good order,
all required paperwork must be completed and payment received. If your order is
received prior to the close of trading on the NYSE, it will receive that day's
price (except in the case of money market funds which are discussed in the
section below called Special Rules for Money Market Funds). This procedure
applies whether your purchase order is given to your registered representative
or mailed directly by you to our Woodbridge, NJ office.
As described previously in "How to Buy Shares", certain types of purchases can
only be placed by written application. For example, purchases in connection with
the opening of retirement accounts may only be made by written application.
Furthermore, rollovers of retirement accounts will be processed only when we
have received both written application and the proceeds of the rollover. Thus,
for example, if it takes 30 days for another fund group to send us the proceeds
of a retirement account, your purchase of First Investors funds will not occur
until we receive the proceeds.
Some types of purchases may be phoned or electronically transmitted to us via
Fund/SERV by your broker-dealer. If you give your order to a registered
representative before the close of trading on the NYSE and the order is phoned
13
<PAGE>
to our Woodbridge, NJ office prior to 5:00 p.m., ET, your shares will be
purchased at that day's price (except in the case of money market funds which
are discussed in the section below called Special Rules for Money Market Funds).
If you are buying a First Investors Fund through a broker-dealer other than
First Investors, other requirements may apply. Consult with your broker-dealer
about its requirements. Payment is due within three business days of placing an
order by phone or electronic means or the trade may be cancelled. (In such
event, you will be liable for any loss resulting from the cancellation.) To
avoid cancellation of your orders, you may arrange to open a money market
account and use it to pay for subsequent purchases.
Purchases made pursuant to our Automatic Investment Programs are processed as
follows:
- -Money Line purchases are processed on the date you select on your application.
- -Automatic Payroll Investment Service purchases are processed on the date that
we receive funds from your employer.
+ REDEMPTIONS:
As described previously in "How To Sell Shares", certain redemption orders may
only be made by written instructions or application. Unless you have declined
Telephone Privileges, most non-retirement account redemptions can be made by
phone by you or your registered representative.
Written redemption orders will be processed when received in good order in our
Woodbridge, NJ office. Phone redemption orders will be processed when received
in good order in our Woodbridge, NJ office prior to 4:00 p.m., ET.
If your redemption order is received prior to the close of trading on the NYSE,
you will receive that day's price. If you redeem through a broker-dealer other
than First Investors, other requirements may apply. Consult with your
broker-dealer about its requirements.
+ EXCHANGES:
Unless you have declined telephone privileges, you or your representative may
exchange shares by phone. Exchanges can also be made by written instructions.
Exchange orders are processed when we receive them in good order in our
Woodbridge, NJ office.
Exchange orders received in good order prior to the close of trading on the NYSE
will be processed at that day's prices.
+ ORDERS PLACED VIA FIRST INVESTORS REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVES:
All orders placed through a First Investors registered representative must be
reviewed and approved by a principal officer of the branch office before being
mailed or transmitted to the Woodbridge, NJ office.
+ ORDERS PLACED VIA DEALERS:
It is the responsibility of the Dealer to forward or transmit orders to the Fund
promptly and accurately. A fund will not be liable for any change in the price
per share due to the failure of the Dealer to place or pay for the order in a
timely fashion. Any such disputes must be settled between you and the Dealer.
SPECIAL RULES FOR MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Money market fund shares will not be purchased until the Fund receives Federal
Funds for the purchase. Federal Funds for a purchase will generally not be
received until the morning of the next Trading Day following the Trading Day on
which your purchase check or other form of payment is received in our
Woodbridge, NJ office. If a check is received in our Woodbridge, NJ office after
the close of regular trading on the NYSE, the Federal Funds for the purchase
will generally not be received until the morning of the second following Trading
Day.
14
<PAGE>
If we receive a wire transfer for a purchase prior to 12:00 p.m., ET and you
have previously notified us that the wire is on the way (by calling 1 (800)
423-4026) the funds for the purchase will be deemed to have been received on
that same day. Your notification must include the Federal Funds wire transfer
confirmation number, the amount of the wire, and the money market fund account
number to receive same day credit. If we fail to receive such advance
notification, the funds for your purchase will not be deemed to have been
received until the morning of the next Trading Day following receipt of the
Federal Wire and your account information.
To wire funds to an existing First Investors money market account, instruct your
bank to wire your investment, as applicable, to:
CASH MANAGEMENT FUND
BANK OF NEW YORK
ABA #021000018
ACCOUNT 8900005696
YOUR NAME
YOUR FIRST INVESTORS ACCOUNT #
TAX-EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND
BANK OF NEW YORK
ABA #021000018
ACCOUNT 8900023198
YOUR NAME
YOUR FIRST INVESTORS ACCOUNT #
Requests for redemptions by wire out of the money market funds must be received
in writing or by phone prior to 12:00 p.m., ET, on a Trading Day, to be
processed the same day. Wire redemption requests received after 12:00 p.m., ET,
but before the close of regular trading on the NYSE, will be processed the
following Trading Day.
There is no sales charge on Class A share money market fund purchases. However,
anytime you make a redemption from a Class A share money market account and
subsequently invest the proceeds in another eligible Class A share fund, the
purchase will incur a sales charge unless one has already been paid.
RIGHT TO REJECT PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE ORDERS
A fund reserves the right to reject or restrict any specific purchase or
exchange request if the fund determines that doing so is in the best interest of
the fund and its shareholders. Investments in a fund are designed for long-term
purposes and are not intended to provide a vehicle for short-term market timing.
The funds also reserve the right to reject any exchange that in the funds'
opinion is part of a market timing strategy. In the event that a fund rejects an
exchange request, neither the redemption nor the purchase side of the exchange
will be processed.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE POLICY
A signature guarantee protects you from the risk of a fraudulent signature and
is generally required for non-standard and large dollar transactions. A
signature guarantee may be obtained from eligible guarantor institutions
including banks, savings associations, credit unions and brokerage firms which
are members of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP"), the
New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program ("MSP"), or the Stock
Exchanges Medallion Program ("SEMP"). Please note that a notary public stamp or
seal is not acceptable.
+ SIGNATURE GUARANTEES ARE REQUIRED:
1: For redemptions over $50,000.
2: For redemption checks made payable to any person(s) other than the registered
shareholder(s) or any entity other than a major financial institution for the
benefit of the registered shareholder(s).
3: For redemption checks mailed to an address other than the address of record,
pre-authorized bank account, or a major financial institution on your behalf.
15
<PAGE>
4: For redemptions when the address of record has changed within 60 days of the
request.
5: When a stock certificate is mailed to an address other than the address of
record or the dealer on the account.
6: When shares are transferred to a new registration.
7: When certificated (issued) shares are redeemed or exchanged.
8: To establish any EFT service.
9: For requests to change the address of record to a P.O. box or a "c/o" street
address.
10: If multiple account owners of one account give inconsistent instructions.
11: When a transaction requires additional legal documentation.
12: When the authority of a representative of a corporation, partnership, trust,
or other entity has not been satisfactorily established.
13: When an address is updated on an account which has been coded "Do Not Mail"
because mail has been returned as undeliverable.
14: Any other instance whereby a fund or its transfer agent deems it necessary
as a matter of prudence.
TELEPHONE SERVICES
o TELEPHONE EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
1 (800) 342-6221
You automatically receive telephone privileges when you open a First Investors
individual, joint, or custodial account unless you decline the option on your
account application or send the Fund written instructions. For trusts, estates,
attorneys-in-fact, corporations, partnerships, and other entities, telephone
privileges are not automatically granted. You must complete additional
documentation. Call Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026 for assistance.
Telephone privileges allow you to exchange or redeem shares and authorize other
transactions with a simple phone call. Your registered representative may also
use telephone privileges to execute your transactions.
+ SECURITY MEASURES:
For your protection, the following security measures are taken:
1: Telephone requests are recorded to verify accuracy.
2: Some or all of the following information is obtained:
- -Account number.
- -Address.
- -Social security number.
- -Other information as deemed necessary.
3: A written confirmation of each transaction is mailed to you.
We will not be liable for following instructions if we reasonably believe the
instructions are genuine based on our verification procedures.
+ ELIGIBILITY:
NON-RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS:
You can exchange or redeem shares of any non-retirement account by phone. Shares
must be owned for 15 days for telephone redemption. See "How To Sell Shares" for
additional information.
Telephone exchanges and redemptions are not available on guardianship and
conservatorship accounts.
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS:
You can exchange between shares of any participant directed IRA, 403(b) or
401(k) Simplifier Plan where First Financial Savings Bank, S.L.A. is Custodian.
You may also exchange shares from an individually registered non-retirement
16
<PAGE>
account to an IRA account registered to the same owner (provided an IRA
application is on file). Telephone exchanges are permitted on 401(k) Flexible
plans, money purchase pension plans and profit sharing plans if a First
Investors Qualified Retirement Plan Application is on file with the fund.
Contact your registered representative or call Shareholder Services at 1 (800)
423-4026 to obtain a Qualified Retirement Plan Application. Telephone
redemptions are not permitted on First Investors retirement accounts.
During times of drastic economic or market changes, telephone redemptions or
exchanges may be difficult to implement. If you experience difficulty in making
a telephone exchange or redemption, you may send us a written request by regular
or express mail. The written request will be processed at the next determined
net asset value, less any applicable CDSC, when received in good order.
________________________________________________________________________________
o SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
1 (800) 423-4026
PROVIDED YOU HAVE NOT DECLINED TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES, CALL US TO UPDATE OR
CORRECT:
- -Your address or phone number. For security purposes, the Fund will not honor
telephone requests to change an address to a P.O. Box or "c/o" street address.
- -Your birth date (important for retirement distributions).
- -Your distribution option to reinvest or pay in cash or initiate cross
reinvestment of dividends (non-retirement accounts only).
- -The amount of your Money Line up to $999.99 per payment.
- -The allocation of your Money Line or Automatic Payroll Investment payment.
- -The amount of your Systematic Withdrawal payment on non-retirement accounts.
TO REQUEST:
- -A history of your account (the fee can be debited from your non-retirement
account).
- -A share certificate to be mailed to your address of record (non-retirement
accounts only).
- -Cancellation of your Systematic Withdrawal Plan (non-retirement accounts only).
- -Money market fund draft checks (non-retirement accounts only). Additional
written documentation may be required for certain registrations.
- -A stop payment on a dividend, redemption or money market draft check.
- -Reactivation of your Money Line (provided an application and voided check is on
file).
- -Suspension (up to six months) or cancellation of Money Line.
- -A duplicate copy of a statement or tax form.
- -Cancellation of cross-reinvestment of dividends.
17
<PAGE>
OTHER SERVICES
+ REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE:
If you sell some or all of your Class A or Class B shares, you may be entitled
to invest all or a portion of the proceeds in the same class of shares of a FI
fund within six months of the redemption without a sales charge.
If you invest proceeds into a new fund account, you must meet the fund's minimum
initial investment requirement.
If you invest all the proceeds from a Class B share redemption, you will be
credited, in additional shares, for the full amount of the CDSC. If you invest a
portion of a Class B share redemption, you will be credited with a pro-rated
percentage of the CDSC.
The reinstatement privilege does not apply to automated purchases, automated
redemptions, or reinstatements in Class B shares of less than $1,000.
Please notify us if you qualify for this privilege. For more information, call
Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026.
+ CERTIFICATE SHARES:
Every time you make a purchase of Class A shares, we will credit shares to your
fund account. We do not issue share certificates unless you specifically request
them. Certificates are not issued on any Class B shares, Class A money market
shares, or any shares in retirement accounts.
Having us credit shares on your behalf eliminates the expense of replacing lost,
stolen, or destroyed certificates. If a certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged,
you may be charged a replacement fee of the greater of 2% of the current value
of the certificated shares or $25.
In addition, certificated shares cannot be redeemed, exchanged, or transferred
until they are returned with your transaction request. The share certificate
must be properly endorsed and signature guaranteed.
+ MONEY MARKET FUND DRAFT CHECKS:
Free draft check writing privileges are available when you open a First
Investors Cash Management Fund or a First Investors Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
account. Checks may be written for a minimum of $500. Draft checks are not
available for Class B share accounts, retirement accounts, guardianships and
conservatorships. Complete the Money Market Fund Check Redemption section of the
account application to apply for draft checks. To order additional checks, call
Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026.
Additional documentation is required to establish check writing privileges for
trusts, corporations, partnerships and other entities. Call Shareholder Services
at 1 (800) 423-4026 for further information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ FEE TABLE:
Call Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026 or send your request to FIC, Attn:
Correspondence Dept., 581 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095-1198 to request a
copy of the following records:
ACCOUNT HISTORY STATEMENTS: CANCELLED CHECKS:
1974 - 1982* .... $10 per year fee There is a $10 fee for a copy of
a cancelled dividend, liquidation,
1983 - present .... $5 total fee for or investment check requested.
all years There is a $15 fee for a copy of
a cancelled money market draft
Current & check.
Two Prior Years .... Free
DUPLICATE TAX FORMS:
*ACCOUNT HISTORIES ARE NOT
AVAILABLE PRIOR TO 1974.
Current Year .... Free
Prior Year(s) .... $7.50 per
tax form per year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18
<PAGE>
+ RETURN MAIL:
If mail is returned to the fund marked undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service
after two consecutive mailings, and the fund is unable to obtain a current
shareholder address, the account status will be changed to "Do Not Mail" to
discontinue future mailings and prevent unauthorized persons from obtaining
account information.
You can remove the "Do Not Mail" status on your account by submitting written
instructions including your current address signed by all shareholders with a
signature guarantee (see Signature Guarantee Policy). Additional requirements
may apply for certain accounts. Call Shareholder Services at 1 (800) 423-4026
for more information.
Returned dividend checks and other distributions will be reinvested in the fund
when an account's status has been changed to "Do Not Mail". No interest will be
paid on outstanding checks prior to reinvestment. All future dividends and other
distributions will be reinvested in additional shares until new instructions are
provided. If you cannot be located within a period of time mandated by your
state of residence your fund shares may be escheated to your state (in other
words turned over) in accordance with state laws governing abandoned property.
Prior to turning over assets to your state, the fund will seek to obtain a
current shareholder address in accordance with Securities and Exchange
Commission rules. A search company may be employed to locate a current address.
The fund may deduct the costs associated with the search from your account.
+ TRANSFERRING SHARES:
A transfer is a change of share ownership from one customer to another. Unlike
an exchange, transfers occur within the same fund. You can transfer your shares
at any time. Partial transfers must meet the minimum initial investment
requirement of the new fund.
To transfer shares, submit a letter of instruction including:
- -Your account number.
- -Dollar amount, percentage, or number of shares to be transferred.
- -Existing account number receiving the shares (if any).
- -The name(S), registration, and taxpayer identification number of the customer
receiving the shares.
- -The signature of each account owner requesting the transfer with signature
guarantee(S).
If First Investors is your broker-dealer, we will request that the transferee
complete a Master Account Agreement to establish a brokerage account with First
Investors Corporation and validate his or her social security number to avoid
back-up withholding. If the transferee declines to complete a MAA, all
transactions in the account must be on an unsolicited basis and the account will
be so coded.
Depending upon your account registration, additional documentation may be
required to transfer shares. Transfers due to the death of a shareholder require
additional documentation. Please call our Shareholder Services Department at
1(800)423-4026 for specific transfer requirements before initiating a request.
A transfer is a change of ownership and may trigger a taxable event. You should
consult your tax advisor before initiating a transfer.
19
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT STATEMENTS
o TRANSACTION CONFIRMATION STATEMENTS
You will receive a confirmation statement immediately after most transactions.
These include:
- -dealer purchases.
- -check investments.
- -Federal Funds wire purchases.
- -redemptions.
- -exchanges.
- -transfers.
- -systematic withdrawals.
Money Line and Automatic Payroll Investment purchases are not confirmed for each
transaction. They will appear on your next regularly scheduled monthly or
quarterly statement (see Dividend Schedule under "Dividends and Distributions").
A separate confirmation statement is generated for each fund account you own. It
provides:
- -Your fund account number.
- -The date of the transaction.
- -A description of the transaction (PURCHASE, REDEMPTION, ETC.).
- -The number of shares bought or sold for the transaction.
- -The dollar amount of the transaction.
- -The dollar amount of the dividend payment (IF APPLICABLE).
- -The total share balance in the account.
- -The dollar amount of any dividends or capital gains paid.
- -The number of shares held by you, held for you (INCLUDING ESCROW SHARES), and
the total number of shares you own.
The confirmation statement also may provide a perforated Investment Stub with
your preprinted name, registration, and fund account number for future
investments.
o MASTER ACCOUNT STATEMENTS
If First Investors Corporation is your broker, you will receive a Master Account
Statement for all your identically owned First Investors fund accounts on at
least a quarterly basis. The Master Account Statement will also include a recap
of any First Investors Life Insurance and Executive Investors Trust accounts you
may own. Joint accounts registered under your taxpayer identification number
will appear on a separate Master Account Statement but may be mailed in the same
envelope upon request.
The Master Account Statement provides the following information for each First
Investors fund you own:
- -fund name.
- -fund's current market value.
- -total distributions paid year-to-date.
- -total number of shares owned.
o ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS
You will also receive an Annual and a Semi-Annual Report. These financial
reports show the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and earnings of the
fund as well as a detailed accounting of all portfolio holdings. You will
receive one report per household.
20
<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
o DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
For funds that declare daily dividends, except money market funds, you start
earning dividends on the day your purchase is made. For FI money market fund
purchases, including Money Line and API purchases, you start earning dividends
on the day Federal Funds are credited to your fund account. For exchanges into
the money market funds, you start earning dividends on the day following the
Trading Day on which an exchange is processed. No dividends are earned on
exchanges out of the money market funds on the Trading Day on which an exchange
is processed. The funds declare dividends from net investment income and
distribute the accrued earnings to shareholders as noted below:
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
DIVIDEND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTHLY: QUARTERLY: ANNUALLY (IF ANY):
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Management Fund Blue Chip Fund Focused Equity Fund
Fund for Income Growth & Income Fund Global Fund
Government Fund Total Return Fund Mid-Cap Opportunity Fund
High Yield Fund Utilities Income Fund Special Situations Fund
Insured Intermediate Tax-Exempt
Insured Tax Exempt Fund
Investment Grade Fund
Multi-State Insured Tax Free Fund
New York Insured Tax Free Fund
Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Capital gains distributions, if any, are paid annually, usually near the end of
the fund's fiscal year. On occasion, more than one capital gains distribution
may be paid during one year.
Dividend and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested to
purchase additional fund shares unless otherwise instructed. Dividend payments
of less than $5.00 are automatically reinvested to purchase additional fund
shares.
o BUYING A DIVIDEND
If you buy shares shortly before the record date of the dividend, the entire
dividend you receive may be taxable even though a part of the distribution is
actually a return of your purchase price. This is called "buying a dividend."
There is no advantage to buying a dividend because a fund's net asset value per
share is reduced by the amount of the dividend.
21
<PAGE>
TAX FORMS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TAX FORM DESCRIPTION MAILED BY
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1099-DIV Consolidated report lists all taxable dividend and January 31
capital gains distributions for all of the
shareholder's accounts. Also includes foreign
taxes paid and any federal income tax withheld due
to backup withholding.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1099-B Lists proceeds from all redemptions including January 31
systematic withdrawals and exchanges. A separate
form is issued for each fund account. Includes
amount of federal income tax withheld due to
backup withholding.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1099-R Lists taxable distributions from a retirement January 31
account. A separate form is issued for each fund
account. Includes federal income tax withheld due
to IRS withholding requirements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5498 Provided to shareholders who made an annual IRA May 31
contribution or rollover purchase. Also provides
the account's fair market value as of the last
business day of the previous year. A separate form
is issued for each fund account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1042-S Provided to non-resident alien shareholders March 15
to report the amount of fund dividends paid
and the amount of federal taxes withheld.
A separate form is issued for each fund account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost Basis Uses the "average cost-single category" method January 31
Statement to show the cost basis of any shares sold or
exchanged. Information is provided to assist
shareholders in calculating capital gains or losses.
A separate statement, included with Form 1099-B,
is issued for each fund account. This statement is
not reported to the IRS and does not include money
market funds or retirement accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Savings Consolidated report lists all amounts not subject to January 31
Report for federal, state and local income tax for all the
Non-Taxable shareholder's accounts. Also includes any amounts
Income subject to alternative minimum tax.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Savings Provides the percentage of income paid by each fund January 31
Summary that may be exempt from state income tax.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
THE OUTLOOK
Today's strategies for tomorrow's goals are brought into focus in the OUTLOOK,
the quarterly newsletter for clients of First Investors Corporation. This
informative tool discusses the products and services we offer to help you take
advantage of current market conditions and tax law changes. The OUTLOOK'S
straight forward approach and timely articles make it a valuable resource. As
always, your registered representative is available to provide you with
additional information and assistance. Material contained in this publication
should not be considered legal, financial, or other professional advice.
22
<PAGE>
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
<PAGE>
(FIRST INVESTORS LOGO)
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER TRANSFER AGENT
First Investors Corporation Administrative Data Management Corp.
95 Wall Street 581 Main Street
New York, NY 10005 Woodbridge, NJ 07095
1-212-858-8000 1-800-423-4026
