Turn the lesson into action. Run these against your own numbers — that is where it becomes real.
$227,000What a 1% difference in fees costs on $100,000 invested for 30 years at 8%. Same market, same fund, one variable.
The fee looks like1%Quoted on the gross figure
On $250,000 that is$2,500Every year, up or down
As a share of take-home1.39%You live on $180,000, not $250,000
Low-cost fund, 0.05%Keeps almost all growth
Advised fund, 1.00%Loses $227,000 of it
Fees compound against you exactly the way returns compound for you. It is the one variable you fully control.
- Are you capturing your full employer 401(k) match? If not, what is the gap?
- What expense ratio are your funds charging? Go find the actual number.
- Write your one-line plan: low-cost index funds, automated, left alone.
Put it into practiceRun your own numbers with the Basis Points Investment Growth Calculator, then come back and finish your plan above.