Are 401(k) Fees Falling?

A recent report notes that the average expense ratios that 401(k) plan participants pay have fallen for the seventh year in a row, while much of the controversy around the fiduciary regulation revolves around whether removing the conflicts of interest will raise or lower fees.  What’s your sense – are 401(k) fees falling?

OK, that report – from the Investment Company Institute – only dealt with one element of plan fees (mutual fund expenses), and even then we’re talking about averages.  This week, we’d like to know what you’re seeing among the plans you work with – and want to work with.

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* 1. Among the 401(k) plans that you work with, what has happened with plan fees over the past 5 years?

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* 2. If they’ve gone up, by how much?

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* 3. If they’ve gone down, by how much?

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* 4. Among the 401(k) plans that you have successfully bid on over the past 5 years, what role did fees play?

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* 5. Among the 401(k) plans that you have bid on (but not gotten) over the past 5 years, what role did fees play?

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* 6. What do you think will happen (on average) to 401(k) fees over the next five years?

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* 7. What do you think will happen (on average) to 401(k) fees for larger plans over the next five years?

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* 8. What do you think will happen (on average) to 401(k) fees for smaller plans over the next five years?

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* 9. Any other comments on fees, trends in fees, trends in average fees, or being asked for comments about trends in fees?

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* 10. What is your role working with retirement plans?

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* 11. What size plans do you PRIMARILY work with?

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* 12. Suggestions for future survey questions?

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* 13. All responses are anonymous and confidential, of course - but if you'd like me to know who you are, or allow for a response, you can leave your email below...

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