INVESTING IT
A U.S. Warning, of Sorts,
About Fees and 401ks

by Abby Schultz

from The New York Times, Money and Business, Financial Desk, August 2, 1998
partial reprint; contact The New York Times for complete text

EXCERPT:

"The Labor Department (is releasing) a 17-page booklet describing the range of fees levied on 401k (plans). The booklet also discusses the higher cost of actively-managed funds, versus passive ones, and tells participants that "brand name" mutual funds that are sold to individual investors typically charge higher fees than accounts that are separately managed for an employer's plan."


OTHER POINTS:

-- DOL looking at whether 401k retirement savings are being eroded by excessive and/or undisclosed fees

-- DOL looking at whether companies are meeting their fiduciary responsibilities regarding "choosing and monitoring 401k service providers"

-- DOL looking at whether participants are being informed/educated as to the effects of management and other fees on their account balances

For complete text, contact The New York Times.