American Century Investments Launches Packaged Offering Geared to New Investors.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- American Century Investments today introduced "My [Whatever] Plan," a packaged offering designed specifically for people at the beginning stages of investing. The My [Whatever] Plan helps new investors develop a smart plan to achieve their unique goals, "whatever" they might be. This new service features multiple components that make getting started and staying on track simple and understandable. More specifically, it includes a no-load, low-cost asset allocation mutual fund, a lower minimum investment of $500, ongoing access to investing tips, education and a special new website to manage the investor's new plan - all online.

"We heard from many first-time investors - particularly younger people - that just getting started can be overwhelming," said Donna Byers, American Century's senior vice president of Direct Sales & Service. "We also know there can be many different goals people set for themselves throughout life. Most investment planning is geared toward 'retirement,' an extremely important goal, but not necessarily an immediate priority for someone who is a recent college graduate or just entering the workforce. This service allows investors - regardless of age or investment experience - to develop a plan for 'whatever' goal they have set, be it a new home, a wedding, or traveling the globe."

Defining a Goal

Would-be investors visiting www.MyWhateverPlan.com will experience an easy-to-navigate website that seeks to engage without being overwhelming or intimidating. The inviting homepage states: "We all have goals. What are yours?" Users can select from a series of different icons that best represents their particular goal. The icon serves as a reminder to investors that American Century is there to help them establish a plan to achieve it.

"For many people, the notion of 'investing' is an abstract concept," said Byers. "We believe making it more tangible and relevant reinforces the idea that an investment plan is a means to an end. It will actually motivate people to achieve their goal."

Once the goal is identified, new investors can use a simplified online calculator to get an idea of what it might take to reach their goal. Adjustments can be made to different factors like the amount of money the investor is willing to invest each month, the timeframe needed to reach the goal, the amount of the initial investment and the estimated annual return on the investment.

Investment Selection

Once users understand what it might take to achieve their goal, they can choose from two fund-of-fund asset allocation products: LIVESTRONG[TM] Portfolios from American Century and One Choice Portfolios. These products are well-suited for the My [Whatever] Plan service because they allow investors to choose from a series of diversified portfolios that match their particular investing style. Both products offer investors a low-cost, no-hassle approach to mutual fund investing.

Lower Minimums

For many aspiring investors, perhaps the biggest challenge to getting started is the price of entry. In recent years, the standard minimum initial investment for many mutual funds (outside a 401k plan) has ranged from $2,500 to $10,000. American Century has made investing more accessible by lowering the initial minimum investment level to only $500 (with an automatic monthly investment of $100 until their account balance reaches $2,500). American Century also offers a "Fast $500" tip sheet with suggested ways to quickly and easily save enough to get started.

"We've removed one of the biggest hurdles to cutting a path toward their goal: a significant lump sum," said Byers. "At the same time, the automatic investment feature helps the investor tuck away a manageable amount each month as part of their My [Whatever] plan."

To further encourage would-be investors to get started, American Century is offering a kick-start by giving away $500 to the winner of a special sweepstakes drawing scheduled for later this year. Would-be investors can enter to win by simply submitting their name, address, e-mail and phone number online at www.mywhateverplan.com.

Staying on Track

My [Whatever] Plan is online all the time. Investors can manage their plan and view their progress towards their goal 24 hours a day. Additionally, if investors need additional guidance with their plan, American Century provides a financial coach available by phone or online chat.

About American Century Investments

American Century Investments is a leading investment manager with nearly fifty years of experience helping investors achieve their financial goals. Serving investment professionals, institutions, corporations and individual investors, American Century offers a broad array of products across a variety of investment disciplines. Based in Kansas City, Mo., the company manages $100 billion in assets through mutual funds, institutional separate accounts, commingled trusts and subadvisory accounts. James E. Stowers Jr. founded the company in 1958. His son, James E. Stowers III, is chairman, and William M. Lyons is president and chief executive officer. For the past seven years, American Century, which employs 1,800 people, has been selected as one of FORTUNE Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work for in America. For more information about the company, visit www.americancentury.com.

You should consider the fund's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The fund's prospectus, which can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-2021, contains this and other information about the fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

Mutual fund investing is subject to market risks, and it is possible to lose money by investing. The performance of the LIVESTRONG and One Choice portfolios are dependent on the performance of their underlying funds and will assume the risks associated with them. Diversification cannot ensure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

American Century Investment Services, Inc., Distributor, has entered into an agreement with the LAF for rights to use the LIVESTRONG name.