(Well that is until real reform comes around and outlaws the federal income tax and quits punishing people for being successful.) More disclosure on the sweetheart deals and kickbacks , charges on qualified plans is long over due. I'm willing to bet that as a new hire when I asked my HR dept what the fees were they didn't know because "nothing" sounds fishy to me if not in writing and yep you got it there assurances are all verbal. With ongoing contributions I think the real costs might be exceptionally hard to determine. http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/retirement/2010-06-15-401k-fees-disclosure_N.htm