It is very important for CHS 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 CHS 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 CHS 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 CHS 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 CHS 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 CHS 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)
What are the specific criteria that determine eligibility for the various contributions within the CHS 401(k) plan, and how do these contributions affect an employee’s retirement savings over time at CHS? Understanding these criteria can help employees maximize their contributions to ensure they are making the most of the benefits offered by CHS.
Eligibility for 401(k) Contributions: CHS employees can contribute up to 75% of their eligible compensation to their 401(k), with an IRS limit of $18,000 (in 2017) plus an additional $6,000 for those aged 50 and older. CHS also provides a basic contribution of 2% and a performance-based contribution, which increases based on years of service(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Understanding these contributions can help maximize retirement savings.
How does the CHS Pension Plan work, particularly regarding the differences between the traditional account and the cash balance account? Employees might want to delve into how their choices and years of service will impact their retirement payout from either account.
CHS Pension Plan Structure: CHS offers a pension plan with both traditional and cash balance accounts. The traditional account is based on average pay and years of service, while the cash balance account accrues pay credits based on service. After December 31, 2017, pay credits ceased, but interest credits continue(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Employees should understand how these accounts affect their retirement benefits.
In what ways does the vesting schedule of CHS employer contributions influence an employee's retirement strategy? Employees at CHS need to understand how vesting affects their overall benefits and what steps they must take to ensure they are fully vested in time for retirement.
Vesting Schedule Impact: CHS has a three-year vesting schedule for its basic 401(k) contributions, while match and performance-based contributions are immediately vested(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Knowing the vesting rules is crucial for employees planning their retirement strategy, ensuring full benefits are realized.
Can you explain what "frozen" benefits mean for employees nearing retirement at CHS, and how this affects the calculations of future pension benefits? It's critical for employees to grasp the implications of a frozen pension account on their retirement plans.
Frozen Benefits: CHS employees with frozen benefits in the pension plan will not receive further pay credits after December 31, 2017, but interest credits will continue(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Understanding this freeze is essential for planning retirement payouts.
How can employees at CHS plan for their retirement withdrawals post-employment, particularly focusing on the pension distribution options that are available to them? Employees may find it beneficial to understand the long-term effects of these options on their financial health during retirement.
Retirement Withdrawals: CHS employees have the option to withdraw retirement savings via lump-sum payments or monthly annuities(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Choosing the right distribution option can significantly impact long-term financial health in retirement.
What actions should employees take if they want to change their contribution elections or investment strategies within CHS retirement plans? Knowledge of the processes for making changes can empower employees to take proactive steps in managing their retirement savings.
Changing Contribution Elections: Employees can change their contribution and investment elections online via the Empower Retirement portal or by calling Empower Retirement(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). This flexibility allows for proactive management of retirement savings.
How does the ability to access and review pension benefits online through the Empower Retirement website enhance the retirement planning process for employees at CHS? This question can lead to discussions about the importance of staying informed about one's financial future.
Access to Pension Benefits Online: Employees can access their pension benefits through Empower Retirement’s website(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Regularly reviewing these accounts is crucial for staying informed about retirement planning.
What are the implications for CHS employees who are not 100% vested in the Pension Plan before the freeze date, and what alternative options do they have for their retirement savings? Understanding this will help employees make informed choices regarding their benefits.
Not Fully Vested Before Freeze: If employees were not fully vested in the pension plan before the freeze date, they are still eligible to receive vested benefits(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Exploring alternative retirement savings options is important for those affected.
How do fluctuations in national interest rates impact the retirement plans of employees at CHS, particularly in the context of cash balance accounts? Employees should consider how external economic factors can affect their financial future.
Interest Rate Impact: The interest rate used to calculate cash balance account credits is the 10-year Treasury constant maturity rate plus 2%. These rates fluctuate annually(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Employees should be aware of how changes in interest rates affect their pension growth.
How should employees contact CHS for more information regarding their retirement benefits, and what resources are particularly useful for navigating the complexities of the pension and 401(k) plans? Contacting the right departments or utilizing specific resources can be crucial for maximizing retirement benefits at CHS. These questions are designed to provide depth and complexity, enabling employees to better understand their retirement benefits and the policies at CHS.
Contacting CHS for Retirement Information: Employees can contact Empower Retirement for pension and 401(k) inquiries via the Empower Retirement website or by phone(CHS_12_31_2017_Retireme…). Utilizing these resources can help navigate complex retirement options.