The Guardian 401(k) Advantage- Are You Paying Too Much for Your 401(k) Plan?
Apr 15 2026 02:51
Patrick Guinet

Evaluate your 401(k) costs

 

The Guardian 401(k) Advantage is a monthly newsletter that answers key questions and delivers practical ideas to help you make informed decisions, support your employees, and stay compliant.

 

Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions.

 

This Month’s Question:

 

Are we paying too much for our 401(k) plan?

 

Why It Matters

 

Plan fees directly impact both your business and your employees. Higher costs can erode long-term retirement savings, and as a plan sponsor, you have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure fees are reasonable for the services being provided.

 

The good news is that reviewing your plan doesn’t have to be complicated—and small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.

 

Practical Ideas to Consider

 

 Understand all-in costs
Look beyond the obvious fees. Total plan cost includes recordkeeping, investment expenses, and advisory support.

 Review investment expenses
Many plans still use higher-cost share classes when lower-cost options are available.

 Know how your provider is paid
Revenue sharing and indirect compensation can make fees less transparent than they appear.

 Benchmark your plan
Comparing your plan to others of similar size is one of the simplest ways to determine if costs are reasonable.

 

A Common Mistake We See

 

Many employers assume their plan is “fine” because no one has raised concerns. In reality, plans often go years without a formal review—leading to outdated pricing and missed opportunities to improve.

 

A Simple Takeaway

 

If you haven’t reviewed your plan’s fees in the past 12–18 months, it’s worth taking a closer look. Our team can provide you a complimentary review of your plan costs,  how your funds score, and more.

 

 

 

 

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