The Wall Street bullies make money when money moves. Therefore these bullies have a vested interest in keeping you trading. Consequently 401(k) plans have been sold with many options to facilitate trading. By providing a more pension fund like plan employers will reduce employee anxiety and improve results.

Investment Options and 401(k) PlansIyengar found the same phenomenon applies to investing in retirement plans. Many people don’t participate in their company 401(k) plans. She conducted a study and concluded that once variables like age, income and company were controlled, the biggest reason for a decline in 401(k) enrollment was the over-abundance of choices.

When a 401(k) plan offered only two investment options, 75% of employees participated. When 59 investment options were available, however, the participation rate dropped to 61%.

Expanding on this study, Iyengar examined the impact that more investment options had on the 401(k) participants’ asset allocation. For every additional 10 investment options available, the average 401(k) participant’s equity allocation fell by 3.28%. Some neglected equities altogether.

This is significant because stocks usually generate better returns than bonds or cash over long periods. Lower equity allocations can be the difference between a well-funded retirement and a 401(k) plan that comes up short.

How to Combat Choice Overload

One of the easiest ways for companies to combat choice overload is to avoid offering too many different options. Procter & Gamble increased sales of Head & Shoulders shampoo by 10% when it reduced the number varieties available from 26 to 15

The best alternative for employers is to offer a more pension fund like plan to their employees. By providing an age appropriate portfolio you will not only improve participation but also improve results.

Please comment or call to discuss how this affects you and your investments.