Investment Fee Impact Calculator
See how investment fees silently destroy your wealth over decades. Compare low-cost index ETFs vs high-fee managed funds.
Fee Comparison
ETF: 0.03-0.10%
Active: 0.5-1.5%
FEES COST YOU OVER 30 YEARS
23.5% of your final wealth lost to fees
FEE IMPACT BY YEAR
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fees really cost?
1% annual fee on $100,000 at 7% real return costs you ~$97,000 over 30 years vs a 0.03% ETF. That is nearly your entire starting principal lost to fees.
What is a good expense ratio?
Vanguard VTI: 0.03%. iShares IVV: 0.03%. Fidelity ZERO funds: 0.00%. Active mutual funds average 0.5-1.0%. Target-date funds: 0.1-0.75%. Every basis point matters long-term.
Are any high-fee funds worth it?
SPIVA data shows 88% of active US equity funds underperform their S&P 500 benchmark over 15 years after fees. Exceptions exist in specific niches but are rare and hard to identify in advance.
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For educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making investment decisions.