Investment Fees and 401(k) Plans American Water Works

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It is very important for American Water Works employees to know all the fees that are linked to their 401(k) plans to make sure they are not losing their retirement funds,” suggests Michael Corgiat of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. “The decision on the fees is as significant as the decision on the investments themselves.”

'Brent Wolf from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, points out that knowing all the fees that are associated with 401(k) plans is a great way to protect the retirement assets of American Water Works employees. He advises employees to find out more about the fees in order to better control their investments.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Different Types of 401(k) Plan Fees: Note the three types of fees that are most common in 401(k) plans for American Water Works employees – Sales Charges, Management Fees, and Other Fees.

2. Impact of Management Fees on Investments: Learn how management fees can change and how they can affect the potential for your retirement investments to grow.

3. Analogies to Enhance Understanding: A metaphor can be used to explain the idea of 401(k) investment fees which means the expenses incurred in the maintenance of a classic car in order to be able to grasp the notion of these fees in the management of your retirement plan.

Aside from fees charged for administration of the plan, there are three basic types of fees that American Water Works employees may have to pay in connection with their 401(k) plan investment options. These fees, which have a variety of names, include Sales Charge, Management Fees, and Other Fees. 'Highly actively managed investment products will have higher fees because they require substantial management, research, and monitoring.'

Sales Charges Also referred to as commissions or load fees. These are the transaction fees that apply to American Water Works employees in the course of buying and selling shares. Depending on the particular investment product, they may be computed in a variety of methods. Management Fees Popular names include investment advisory fees, account service fees, or similar names. These are continuous expenses for managing the investment fund's assets.

They are typically expressed as a percentage of the fund's invested assets. Sometimes, management fees are used to cover administrative costs. The levels of management fees can vary depending on the investment manager and investment product. Higher-level management, research, and monitoring requirements usually lead to higher fees on investment products. Other Fees This category includes services involved in the day-to-day administration of investment products, such as recordkeeping, statement distribution, toll-free telephone numbers, and investment advice.

They may be expressed either as a fixed fee or as a percentage of the fund's total assets. It is crucial for a American Water Works employee to know the different fees that are incurred and how they are charged to avoid paying more than is necessary and being charged more than is necessary. For more information about this topic, view our e-book here: https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/the-401k-plan-fees-e-brochure.

Added Fact:

New data reveals that for 60-year-old individuals, it is important to take fees into account when planning for retirement for their 401(k) plans. According to a study conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, even an apparently small amount of fee can have a major impact on the retirement assets. Specifically, the study found that a 1% difference in annual fees could lead to a 28% decline in the value of the retirement assets over a 35-year period. This is important because it highlights the need to understand and compare investment fees in order to achieve the maximum growth of a 401(k) plan.

Added Analogy:

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401(k) plan investment fees can be compared to the cost of maintaining a classic car. Just like a classic automobile, your retirement savings are something that you want to care for and protect. The sales charges are the price that you pay to purchase the vehicle just like the transaction costs incurs in the buying and selling of investment shares. The management fees, which are the costs of servicing and tuning a car, guarantee that your investment funds are well handled and watched over to enhance their performance. Meanwhile, the other fees, such as recordkeeping and administrative costs, are something that can be compared to the normal wear and tear and repair costs that come with owning a classic car. You will be able to consider yourself as an expert car enthusiast who knows how to look after their vehicle and make sure that it lasts and has the best value. As with any classic car, there are costs associated with your 401(k) investments and fees are something that should not be taken lightly in order to reach your retirement goals.

Sources:

1. 'Understanding Your Retirement Plan Fees.'  U.S. Department of Labor ,  www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/publications/a-look-at-401k-plan-fees . Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

2. '401(k) Fees: Everything You Need to Know.'  Investopedia , edited by Caleb Silver, Investopedia,  www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061913/understand-your-401k-fees.asp . Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

3. Boswell, Brian. 'Understanding Your 401(k) Fees: What’s Normal and Ways to Minimize.'  Savvywealth , 13 Jan. 2025,  www.savvywealth.com/understanding-your-401k-fees . Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

4. 'How to Understand and Analyze 401(k) Fees.'  GoBankingRates , GoBankingRates.com,  www.gobankingrates.com/retirement/401k/common-401k-fees-chipping-away-retirement-savings/ . Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

5. 'Understanding the Fees in Your 401(k) Plan.'  AARP , AARP, assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/money/employerpensions/401k_fees.pdf. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

6. Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, 'The Impact of Expense Ratios on Retirement Wealth,' April 2022)