Mutual funds pool money from investors and invest it in stocks, bonds, and other securities. The money earned through investments and any capital appreciation is shared by unit holders proportionate to how many units they own. The document discusses the history of mutual funds in India from 1964 to present. It describes open-ended and closed-ended funds, as well as growth, income, balanced, and money market funds. The advantages of mutual funds include diversification, professional management, convenience, and tax benefits, while the disadvantages include costs and lack of control. Systematic investment plans allow regular investing of small amounts to achieve long-term goals through rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.