Motley Fool Money Advocate for a Better 401(k) and Tax-Smart Charitable Giving
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Nov 22, 2025 
Buck Hartzell, a senior analyst at The Motley Fool and a key player in improving workplace 401(k) plans, dives into the journey of enhancing employer-sponsored retirement plans. He shares insights from the early struggles of the Motley Fool’s own 401(k) and how they turned it around. Buck also discusses actionable tips for evaluating your 401(k) features and offers advice on negotiating improvements with HR. Plus, he explores tax-smart charitable giving, highlighting effective strategies and recommending impactful organizations. It's all about being proactive for a better financial future!
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Small Plan, Big Fee Wake-Up Call
- The Motley Fool's early 401(k) paid 1.5% for an S&P 500 index fund, which Buck and colleagues found unacceptable.
- They repeatedly proposed new funds and ultimately formed a committee to overhaul the plan successfully.
Audit Your Plan Features First
- Start by checking plan features like auto-enrollment, auto-escalation, employer match, and Roth 401(k).
- Then evaluate investment options, fees, presence of passive funds, and whether one sponsor dominates the lineup.
Know Who Pays Plan Costs
- Check who pays plan operating costs and how much you're charged in total plan fees.
- If you leave, decide whether to keep assets in the plan or roll them to an IRA based on those ongoing fees.