Hidden 401(k) Fee Calculator
Many 401(k) costs are buried in expense ratios and revenue-sharing. This calculator compares the fee you think you pay with the estimated all-in cost, then shows what the hidden portion may have cost your retirement savings.
Is your 401(k) quietly costing you money?
Most people have no idea what their workplace retirement plan charges them — or how much it quietly adds up to over the years. These free tools spell it out in plain English. No jargon, no cost, and nothing you need to look up.
Hidden 401(k) Fee Calculator
Most 401(k) costs aren't on any bill you'll see — they're tucked inside the funds and in deals between your plan and its provider. So the fee you think you pay is often far lower than what you're really paying. This shows the difference, and what those hidden costs may add up to. No homework required — typical numbers are pre-filled.
These are real costs — they just aren't shown to you clearly. If the gap looks large, a free review can dig into exactly what your plan is charging and whether it's reasonable.
Worried by what you see? Talk to an attorney — free.
You don't have to understand any of this. If these numbers look off, a free, confidential review will tell you in plain English whether your employer's plan may owe you money. You pay nothing unless money is recovered, and your employer is never contacted without your okay.
A quick note. These tools give rough, illustrative estimates based only on what you enter and on simple assumptions (steady yearly growth, no taxes). They are not financial or legal advice, not a prediction of any outcome, and they don't prove that anyone did anything wrong or that any money can be recovered. Any actual recovery is decided by a court and depends on facts these tools can't capture. Using this tool doesn't make us your lawyers, and prior results don't guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.
How to read your result
- The gap between your 'visible' and 'all-in' fee is your hidden cost.
- Hidden costs include revenue-sharing, sub-TA fees, and bundled recordkeeping built into fund expenses.
- A meaningful hidden share is a common reason plans get reviewed.
- Disclosure failures are themselves a fiduciary issue, separate from the fee level.
Common reasons plans get reviewed
If your result looks concerning, these are the practice areas that most often line up with what this tool measures.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool cost anything?
No. It's free, anonymous, and there's no obligation. You don't have to share your contact info to use it.
Is this a guarantee of how much I can recover?
No. It's an illustrative estimate, not legal advice or a prediction of any individual outcome. Actual results in ERISA cases depend on the facts of the plan and the court.
What should I do if my result looks concerning?
Request a free, confidential case review. An ERISA attorney will tell you honestly whether your situation looks like a case.
How are the figures calculated?
Using transparent, illustrative formulas — compounding projections, published fee benchmarks, or weighted self-assessment scoring. The component shows its assumptions inline.
What counts as a hidden 401(k) fee?
Any cost not stated as a clear line item — revenue-sharing, 12b-1 fees, sub-TA payments, wrap fees, and recordkeeping fees folded into fund expense ratios.
Related calculators
All calculators →Was your 401K plan named in a lawsuit?
A licensed ERISA attorney from ERLG will respond within one business day. Confidential. No cost to consult.
- Speak directly with an ERISA attorney.
- Contingency representation — no fee unless we recover.
- Confidential. Your employer is never contacted without your consent.
A few quick questions — no legal or financial know-how needed. We'll give you an honest read on whether your situation is worth a closer look.
What kind of retirement plan do you have through work?
Don't worry if you're not sure — just pick the closest one.