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

JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data
JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data

The move to charge data aggregators fees totaling hundreds of millions of dollars threatens to upend business models across the industry.

FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states
FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states

The latest snapshot report reveals large firms overwhelmingly account for branches and registrants as trend of net exits from FINRA continues.

Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay
Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay

Siding with the primary contact in a marriage might make sense at first, but having both parties' interests at heart could open a better way forward.

SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives
SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives

With more than $13 billion in assets, American Portfolios Advisors closed last October.

William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business
William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business

Robert D. Kendall brings decades of experience, including roles at DWS Americas and a former investment unit within Morgan Stanley, as he steps into a global leadership position.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.