March 27, 2004
My comments are simple. Brokers should be required to fully disclose all of their fees and costs for 529 plans and similar investments. Consumers are entitled to know exactly what fees they are being charged both at the time the plan is purchased, and throughout the course of the business relationship. If we were, for example, to invest 100, I am entitled to know exactly how much of that money I or my child will see in the future, and how much of that money ends up in the pockets of the broker. Without such an explanation it is impossible or at least extremely difficult to compare investment options side by side and decide which investments to choose. Though I may not be able to forecast future growth, I should be allowed to know what I am agreeing to pay in return for investment services.
Bryan Keyt