I’ve asked my boss where the company money goes but can’t get an answer. A friend of mine just lost her job and her 401(k) was tied up in her company stock which sounds like it’s worthless. Mine is ok for the most part but not earning a lot of interest. But, what I want to understand is if we charge a customer $250 for something – where does that money go and how much mark-up is there? Any ideas?

Dear Sad and Save:

Yep, I have a few ideas but you’re not going to like what I have to say. I’m not sure they have to disclose where individual fees are credited to. In addition, I’ve never seen a company publish their ‘mark-up’. Frankly, I’m not sure why you would care? Why worry about the small stuff?

You need to focus on question like, is your company profitable & solid? How is my 401K invested? Have I properly allocated my 401K contributions safely? What is the long term out look of your job? Worried about what fees are charged and the mark-up is not productive in my opinion.

I recommend you focus on those questions I posed to you above and stop being nosey.

Pressley Carson