There is never a wrong time to invest in mutual funds for retirement. So, if you're still looking for the best mutual funds, the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank can be a great guide.

The easiest way to judge a mutual fund's quality over time is by analyzing its performance, diversification, and fees. Using the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of over 19,000 mutual funds, we've identified three outstanding mutual funds that are ideally suited to help long-term investors pursue and achieve their retirement investing goals.

Let's break down some of the mutual funds with the top Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and the lowest fees.

Buffalo Blue Chip Growth Investor (BUFEX Quick QuoteBUFEX - Free Report) : 0.9% expense ratio and 0.75% management fee. BUFEX 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. BUFEX has achieved five-year annual returns of an astounding 12.1%.

Calamos Growth & Income I (CGIIX): 0.8% expense ratio and 0.68% management fee. CGIIX is a part of the Allocation Balanced fund category; these funds like to invest in a variety of asset types, finding a balance between stocks, bonds, cash, and sometimes even precious metals and commodities; they are mostly categorized by their respective asset allocation. With yearly returns of 11.14% over the last five years, CGIIX is an effectively diversified fund with a long reputation of solidly positive performance.

T.Rowe Price Integrat US SMIDCore I (TQSIX). Expense ratio: 0.68%. Management fee: 0.63%. Five year annual return: 12.67%. TQSIX is a Small Cap Blend mutual fund, allowing investors a way to diversify their funds among various types of small-cap stocks.

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.