401(k) fees decline again in 2022

401(k) fees decline again in 2022
The average decrease in total investment costs last year was 0.3%, according to the latest 401(k) Averages Book.
FEB 23, 2023

Fees for 401(k) plans declined again last year, with the investment costs paid by retirement plan participants down an average of 0.3%, according to the latest 401(k) Averages Book.

“Lower investment fees will pay significant dividends to participant balances in the long run,” Joseph W. Valletta, author of the 401k Averages Book, said in a statement.

Participants in smaller plans tend to pay higher fees than those in larger plans. Last year, small retirement plans — those with 50 participants and $5 million in assets — saw fees decline to 1.09%, which compares to 1.12% in 2021 and 1.17% in 2018.

In contrast, participants in large plans — those with 1,000 participants and $50 million in assets — saw fees decrease to 0.85% last year, which is down from 0.88% in 2021 and from 0.95% in 2017.

Costs for plans vary the most in the small-plan market, where a 401(k) with $1 million in assets and 100 participants could have fees ranging anywhere from 0.69% to 2.67%.

Shape up! How to improve the financial wellness of your employees

Latest News

IRA assets swell to $19.2 trillion as 401(k) rollovers drive growth
IRA assets swell to $19.2 trillion as 401(k) rollovers drive growth

IRAs now hold nearly twice the assets of 401(k) plans — and most of that money didn't arrive through annual contributions.

Women feel confident about saving, but many still keep cash in low-yield accounts
Women feel confident about saving, but many still keep cash in low-yield accounts

A new survey finds that many women prioritize financial security but continue to leave savings in accounts that may not keep pace with inflation.

SEC seeks comment on prediction-market ETFs after May pause
SEC seeks comment on prediction-market ETFs after May pause

Roundhill, Bitwise and GraniteShares funds remain on hold while the agency weighs how novel ETFs should be regulated.

Dump investment banks, buy alternative asset managers, says Oppenheimer
Dump investment banks, buy alternative asset managers, says Oppenheimer

"Shares of alternative assets managers have lagged this year as investors grow wary of private-credit exposure."

TaxStatus rolls out rules-based tool to flag advice gaps
TaxStatus rolls out rules-based tool to flag advice gaps

The fintech platform is touting a new AI-free Planning Observations feature, which draws on IRS tax records to uncover opportunities for advisors.

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.