Checking Mutual Fund and ETF Expenses and Fees

In our investment and retirement accounts, we invest in individual stocks, index ETFs, CDs, and bonds. Typically, these have no or low expense, management or trading fees.  In the past, I have invested with a managed investment account, typically for 1% of AUM (assets under management) with no additional wrap fee from the financial advisor.  I have avoided mutual funds and specialized ETFs which usually have higher expense and management fees.

My spouse has inherited accounts with numerous mutual funds and specialized ETFs.  I haven't paid much attention to the accounts, other than to monitor them and summarize results quarterly since we agreed to leave the investments as inherited.  While I know there are higher fees associated with some of these investments, I did not specifically look them up.

I recently attended a financial advisor presentation that adamantly claimed that fees were important to know and keep below 1%.   He even offered to do an analysis of fees for attendees at no charge. Given his emphasis on knowing fees, I have decided to do the analysis myself on my spouse's account, rather than meet with the advisor with the account information.  Expenses, management fees and loads can be found by researching each mutual fund or ETF online. The brokerage with my spouse's account even makes it easier by listing expenses on a account summary page.

I will summarize my findings on fees later this week.

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This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

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