Long-Term Impact of Investment Expenses
A hypothetical mathematical illustration of how different expense ratios can affect portfolio values over time.
Educational resource from Atlas Benefits Advisor
Growth is shown without annual taxes. Taxes may apply when withdrawals are taken.
Employer match: $0
Total annual contribution: $18,000
Illustrated Results
Relative Ending Values
Approximate total of fees:
| Year | Scenario A | Scenario B | Difference |
|---|
Hypothetical Asset Allocation
This is a moderate allocation with a balanced mix of growth-oriented and stability-oriented assets.
Example Allocations by Risk Level
Click any card to apply that allocation. These are educational examples only.
Conservative
Emphasis on stability with limited equity exposure.
Income
Focus on current income with higher fixed income allocation.
Moderate
Mix of growth-oriented and stability-oriented assets.
Balanced
Modern balanced approach with moderate growth tilt.
Growth
Higher allocation to equities.
Aggressive
Highest allocation to equities.
Client Comments
The following are individual statements. They do not represent typical results and do not guarantee any particular experience.
“The information about fees in my 457(b) was presented clearly and was easy to follow.”
“The discussion was straightforward and focused on answering the questions I had.”
“I appreciated the educational approach when reviewing information about retirement accounts.”
These comments are individual statements only. They do not guarantee any particular result or experience.
Contact
This illustration is provided for educational purposes. For questions regarding this tool or related topics, contact information is below.
Calculation Assumptions
- Employee contribution amount is multiplied by the selected frequency to determine the annual employee contribution.
- Employer match is added as an annual amount.
- 2026 elective deferral limits used for guidance: $24,500 (under age 50) or $32,500 (age 50+). These limits can be used in both a 403(b) and a 457(b) in the same year.
- Tax treatment (simplified for education only):
- Traditional 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and Traditional IRA — No annual tax drag applied.
- Roth 401(k)/403(b)/457(b) — No annual tax drag applied.
- Taxable brokerage — User-selected annual tax drag (default 0.50%) is applied as a simplified estimate.
- Inherited accounts — No annual tax drag applied.
- Net return each year = Assumed return − Expense ratio − Tax drag (if applicable).
- No inflation, transaction costs, or changes in tax law are included.
- All figures are hypothetical and for educational purposes only.
This tool is a hypothetical mathematical illustration only. It is not a projection, prediction, or guarantee of future results. Actual returns will vary. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Tax Disclaimer: This illustration uses highly simplified tax assumptions for educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax advice. Actual tax consequences depend on specific account type, individual tax situation, investment holdings, holding periods, and current tax law. Atlas Benefits Advisor and its representatives do not provide tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding individual circumstances.
The asset allocation examples and interactive sliders are provided solely for education. They are not recommendations and may not be suitable for any individual.
Client comments are individual statements only and do not guarantee any particular result or experience.
This material does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Atlas Benefits Advisor is a marketing name. Christopher J. Vargas is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services, Inc.