Apart from fees charged for administration of the plan itself, The Southern Company employees must consider how there are three basic types of fees that may be charged in connection with investment options in a 401(k) plan. These fees, which can be referred to by different terms, including: Sales Charge, Management Fees, and Other Fees.

'Investment products that require significant management, research and monitoring services generally will have higher fees.'

Sales Charges

Also known as loads or commissions. For The Southern Company employees, These are transaction costs for buying and selling of shares. They may be computed in different ways, depending upon the particular investment product.

Management Fees

Also known as investment advisory fees or account maintenance fees. These are ongoing charges for managing the assets of the investment fund. They are generally stated as a percentage of the amount of assets invested in the fund. Sometimes management fees may be used to cover administrative expenses. Those employed in The Southern Company should know that the level of management fees can vary widely, depending on the investment manager and the nature of the investment product. Investment products that require significant management, research and monitoring services generally will have higher fees.

Other Fees

This category covers services, such as record keeping, furnishing statements, toll-free telephone numbers and investment advice, involved in the day-to-day management of investment products. They may be stated either as a flat fee or as a percentage of the amount of assets invested in the fund. As a The Southern Company employee, understanding the different types of fees and how they are applied is imperative when looking to avoid overpaying and being taken by surprise.

Before rolling over your 401(k), take stock of the broader benefit structure The Southern Company has in place for you. According to publicly available information, The Southern Company maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, which provides retirement income based on factors such as years of service and compensation history. The Southern Company also offers retiree healthcare benefits to eligible employees, which can provide meaningful coverage for those who retire before reaching Medicare eligibility at age 65. Putting your The Southern Company benefits into the framework of a holistic retirement income plan reveals how each piece supports the others.