Looking at a retirement plan menu as a … menu

Well-designed retirement plan menus can make investing feel less overwhelming and help participants choose more wisely.

Just as restaurants use layout, labeling, and a limited number of choices to guide diners, plans can simplify decisions by offering fewer, clearer fund options.

That matters because many participants still invest outside target date funds, even though large menus can create confusion and indecision.

A stronger menu usually features distinct U.S. equity choices, broad international exposure, and one dependable fixed income option that plays its role without unnecessary complexity.