<prompt> Human: Recently joined a company with less than 100 employees. The company offers 401K, but the funds are not so... great. Lots of managed funds: Even if I dump 5050 into the cheapest stockbond funds, 39.25 of all returns will be lost to fees in 30 years according to the hellomoney link.Some people say index funds cant accomplish the targeted growth managed funds can, and 401Ks shouldnt be limited to index funds. Im not so knowledgeable about all this but I dont think it justifies these horrible fund choices. How should I request to our HR dept to replace these managed mutual funds with low-cost index funds? What should I say?  <response>: Even if I dump 5050 into the cheapest stockbond funds, 39.25 of all returns will be lost to fees in 30 years according to the hellomoney link.So, Id recommend not getting too torn up about this. Fees are annoying and your lack of choice of funds is an issue, no doubt - but you probably shouldnt get too hung up on it.One mistake youve made in your computation is not including the total tax savings and assumed match from your company. If you get a 7 return on your investments, dont forget to factor in the tax savings and match either.My companys match is 50:50 on 7 contribution I contribute 7, they contribute 3.5. I have an automatic 50 return on whatever I contribute... not even factoring in the tax savings. Basically, what Im saying is dont let this stop you from contributing! Chances are, youll switch companies at some point and you can roll this money into a self directed account.Some people swear by American Funds and the returns that they generate; I think theyre typically load funds too so you do get a slight advantage comparatively assuming you would otherwise be choosing them, although you probably wouldnt :D. Check out RLBBX on that list.Also, consider supplementing your 401k choices with an IRA of your own, where you can make all of your own fund choices.In time, Id recommend meeting with HR to discuss the choices in the plan. I work in Finance but have a cross-functional role that allows me to talk to HR periodically and we discuss things like this. Its interesting to get their perspectives as well, and it typically comes down to the cost to the company versus the cost to you. 