Hiring a Pro To Pick Your Funds.

Reports that a growing number of employers are offering workers the option of having professional mutual-fund pickers manage their retirement accounts for a fee. Financial services companies involved in this service, including Fidelity Investments, American International Group Inc., Merrill Lynch & Co. and Wachovia Corp.; Downside of the programs, including the fees involved and the inherent conflict-of-interest in providing advice; Example of an employee with 43 percent of 401(k) retirement plan in the Fidelity Aggressive Growth Fund, that dropped in value when the stock market collapsed; Percentage of participants in 401(k) or similar plans that had more than half their balances in his or her company's stock, suggesting too much investment in one product. INSET: Professional Help.