It is never too late to invest in mutual funds for retirement. As such, if you plan to invest in some of the best funds, the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank can provide you with valuable guidance.

The easiest, most reliable way to judge a mutual fund's quality over time is by analyzing its performance, diversification, and fees. The Zacks Mutual Fund Rank, which covers over 19,000 mutual funds, has helped us identify three outstanding options that are perfect for any long-term investors' portfolios that is retirement-focused.

Here are the funds that have achieved the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and have low fees.

Harbor Small Cap Value Admiral (HSVRX): 1.13% expense ratio and 0.75% management fee. HSVRX is a Small Cap Value fund, and these funds are known for investing in companies with market caps under $2 billion. HSVRX has achieved five-year annual returns of an astounding 10.32%.

NYLI Epoch Global Equity Yield Inv (EPSIX Quick QuoteEPSIX - Free Report) : 1.15% expense ratio and 0.7% management fee. EPSIX is a Global - Equity mutual fund, which invests their assets in large markets, leveraging the global economy. With yearly returns of 12.91% over the last five years, EPSIX is an effectively diversified fund with a long reputation of solidly positive performance.

Lord Abbett Growth Leaders I (LGLIX) is an attractive large-cap allocation. LGLIX is a Large Cap Growth option; these mutual funds purchase stakes in numerous large U.S. companies that are expected to develop and grow at a faster rate than other large-cap stocks. LGLIX has an expense ratio of 0.64%, management fee of 0.51%, and annual returns of 10.25% over the past five years.

There you have it. If your financial advisor had you put your money into any of our top-ranked funds, then they've got you covered. If not, you may need to talk.