Cost of Being Good

By some ethical standards, you'reprobably better off not having money ina mutual fund that treats its shareholdersthe way that several funds tarred withallegations of wrongdoing have done.But even though dumping your sharesmay satisfy your conscience, it couldput a dent in your wallet. Before yousell shares in a beleaguered fund, checkwhether you'll be hit with a surrenderor distribution fee. A visit to the fundcompany's Web site or a quick phone callcan get you the answer to that question.You should also check if the sale wouldgenerate a big tax bill. Finally, reviewhow well the fund has done for you. Atop-performing fund may be a keeperdespite whatever borderline trading practicesthe fund has engaged in.