Follow the cash, not just the percentage
An ongoing fee reduces assets available for future growth. Compare plans using the same gross return and contribution schedule, then change only the fee assumption. The difference between balances includes lost compounding as well as fees charged; those two figures are deliberately shown separately.
Ask what the fee excludes
Management, advice, trading, spread, foreign-exchange and account fees may be different charges. Our growth illustration models one ongoing annual percentage charged monthly. Add other costs to a separate budget rather than assuming a fund’s headline fee covers everything.
Avoid a false precision
Real fee bases and charging dates vary. Read the agreement and statement. These constant-return examples cannot forecast a product’s performance or its tax outcome.
Better questions start with reliable guidance.
Primary references reviewed November 6, 2026. Property engine references retain their own recorded review dates.
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