Investment Fees and 401(k) Plans Nationwide

It is very important for Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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 unique benefits provided by the Nationwide Retirement Plan that differentiate it from other retirement plans? How does Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company ensure the plan meets the regulatory requirements while still addressing the needs of its employees?

Unique Benefits of Nationwide Retirement Plan: Nationwide’s Retirement Plan provides both a Final Average Pay (FAP) Benefit and an Account Balance Benefit, which allows flexibility for employees hired at different times. The plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring compliance with federal tax laws. Nationwide ensures regulatory compliance while addressing employee needs through ongoing contributions, actuarial evaluations, and options like lifetime income for retirees and survivors.

How can employee participation in the Nationwide Retirement Plan impact their overall retirement savings strategy? What role does the defined benefit pension plan play in conjunction with Social Security and personal savings for employees of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company?

Employee Participation Impact: Participation in the Nationwide Retirement Plan enhances employees' overall retirement savings strategy by integrating Social Security, personal savings, and the defined benefit plan. The FAP benefit, based on final average compensation, works alongside Social Security to offer a stable income, while the Account Balance Benefit adds flexibility in retirement income options.

What options do employees of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company have when they retire before the age of 55, and how do these options compare to those available for employees who retire after reaching that age? What factors influence the choices employees make regarding timing and type of benefit commencement?

Retirement Options Before and After Age 55: Employees retiring before age 55 can start receiving their benefits immediately, but they face early retirement reductions. Those retiring after age 55 may choose from more benefit options like annuities and receive higher, less-reduced payments. The choice to retire before or after age 55 depends on factors like financial need and health, and affects the timing and size of the benefit commencement(Nationwide Mutual Insur…).

In what ways does the structure of the benefit formulasâ€”Final Average Pay (FAP) Benefit and Account Balance Benefitâ€”affect the retirement income of employees at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company? What are the implications for employees considering different retirement timings?

Effect of Benefit Formulas on Income: The FAP Benefit is based on Final Average Pay and Social Security coordination, offering a larger benefit for those with higher incomes, while the Account Balance Benefit is based on accumulated contributions and interest. The timing of retirement plays a crucial role in determining income, as early retirement results in reduced benefits, while late retirement allows for continued service accrual and potentially higher payouts.

How does the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company address spousal benefits under the retirement plan, particularly regarding the Qualified Preretirement Survivor Annuity (QPSA)? What are the actions that employees need to take to ensure their spouses receive these benefits?

Spousal Benefits and QPSA: Nationwide offers a Qualified Preretirement Survivor Annuity (QPSA) to ensure that a spouse receives benefits if the participant dies before retirement. Employees must name their spouse as a beneficiary or obtain notarized consent if they wish to designate someone else. To ensure the spouse receives the QPSA, employees must take the appropriate legal steps outlined in the plan.

What steps must employees of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company take to successfully file a claim for retirement benefits, and what is the timeframe for processing these claims? How does the company ensure that employees understand their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)?

Steps to File a Claim for Retirement Benefits: To file a claim, employees must notify the Nationwide Retirement Center at Fidelity and submit the required paperwork. Claims are typically processed within 60 days, and Nationwide ensures that employees understand their rights under ERISA through detailed communications and support from Fidelity Investments.

What are the situations that might cause delays or loss of benefits for employees retiring from Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company? How can employees proactively manage these risks to ensure they receive their entitled benefits?

Situations Leading to Delays or Loss of Benefits: Delays can occur if employees fail to submit necessary paperwork, keep their contact information updated, or if they are not vested at the time of severance. Employees should proactively manage these risks by completing forms timely and maintaining communication with the Plan Administrator to avoid disruptions in benefits.

Can employees at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company alter their distribution choices after commencing their retirement benefits? What regulatory frameworks influence their ability to change benefit elections, and under what circumstances might these changes be permitted?

Changing Distribution Choices After Retirement: Once retirement benefits commence, changes to distribution elections are limited. For example, lump-sum payments and annuity selections are typically irrevocable after commencement, and spousal consent is required for certain changes. Federal regulations, such as IRS rules, further restrict post-retirement changes in benefit elections(Nationwide Mutual Insur…).

How does the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company plan for automatic post-retirement benefit increases, and what factors determine the percentage increase? How do these increases impact the long-term financial security of retirees?

Post-Retirement Benefit Increases: Nationwide offers automatic post-retirement benefit increases for participants with service before 1996, with annual increases between 0% and 3% based on fund performance. These increases help to protect retirees’ long-term financial security by adjusting their pension income for inflation.

How can employees contact NDPERS for more information regarding their retirement options, and what specific resources are available for personalized assistance? Clear communication channels and support services are essential for helping employees navigate their retirement planning effectively with NDPERS.

Contacting the Nationwide Retirement Center: Employees can reach the Nationwide Retirement Center at Fidelity by calling 1-800-238-4015 for inquiries about their retirement plan. Fidelity provides detailed support, including benefit estimates, plan information, and assistance with filing claims and selecting benefit distribution options(Nationwide Mutual Insur…).