Information on Investment Options

Q. What information should be provided to participants to help them make informed decisions regarding investment options? 

A. The information that Department of Labor guidance intends participants to have so they can make informed decisions includes: 

• a description of each investment option, including the investment goals, risk, and return characteristics; 
• information about any designated investment managers; 
• an explanation of when and how to request changes in investments, plus any restrictions on when you can change investments; 
• a statement of the fees that may be charged to your account when you change investment options or buy and sell investments; 
• the name, address and telephone number of the plan fiduciary or other person designated to provide certain additional information on request; and 
• a statement that the plan intends to follow the DOL rules and that the fiduciaries may be relieved of liability for losses that are the direct and necessary result of a participant’s investment instructions.