Most people look at their funds' performance and pay no attention to annual expenses.
But those costs directly reduce your investment return. Funds with lower costs have a better chance of success. The benchmark for low-cost funds is the Vanguard group, whose funds generally charge an average of 0.28 percent or less per year. It helps you calculate how much you paid last year, projects your future cost of ownership, and suggests lower-cost funds that are similar to the ones you have now. When it comes to setting financial priorities for yourself, you might need help.