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

Exclusive: Osaic in talks with Anthropic as AI reshapes advisor workforce
Exclusive: Osaic in talks with Anthropic as AI reshapes advisor workforce

The Independent broker-dealer giant has had “active conversations” with the Claude maker, which is days away from its expected IPO

The retirement milestone advisors aren't tracking
The retirement milestone advisors aren't tracking

For Gen X clients entering life after work, answering the financial question isn't enough to solve the entire retirement equation.

Wealthtech firms target stock pay, pensions and heirs for advisors
Wealthtech firms target stock pay, pensions and heirs for advisors

Tools from Grantd, Income Lab and Healthspan Wealth aim to keep RIAs involved in clients’ biggest money decisions

CFP Board, coalition press Senate on fraud victim tax relief
CFP Board, coalition press Senate on fraud victim tax relief

With elder scam losses near $3 billion, 52 groups urge senators to pass H.R. 9500 before a new Congress resets the clock

Trump nominates Johnson, Levine to fill SEC’s empty commission seats
Trump nominates Johnson, Levine to fill SEC’s empty commission seats

White House also sends two CFTC commissioner picks to the Senate, marking the first Democrats tapped for either Wall Street regulator under Trump's second term

SPONSORED Best Practices for Engaging Women Around Alternatives

Growing wealth, evolving priorities, and untapped opportunities are reshaping how women approach long-term investing.

SPONSORED Built on insurance experience to deliver on long-term promises

Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.