find out how much you're really paying long term by plugging your account into websites like personal capital.com and our expert's company, nerd wallet.com. >> you've dug into the expenses and say the fees are high. >> they are. they're astronomical. >> look for plans that have fees under 1%. >> i know it feels rude but you can't be afraid to ask. what fees am i paying? >> they're paying upwards of 1.8% meaning for every $100 they're putting away the provider is getting about 2. now that may not sound like much but by simply switching providers, the gibbs can save a jaw dropping amount. $500,000 over nearly 30 years. >> $500,000 in fees is an astounding number. now if you can't switch 401k providers, if you get it through your employer, then invest up to the company match.