The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become. Ben Herbster, Author

At $1 trillion and growing, target date funds are huge, and the DOL has opened the door for advisers to profit. Specifically the Department of Labor tips for target date fund fiduciaries counsel "a custom TDF may offer advantages to your plan participants by giving you the ability to incorporate the plan's core funds in a TDF." There are other opportunities for advisers, but custom TDFs are the most lucrative, providing fees to advisers of 10-50 basis points.

But going through the TDF door takes courage & commitment because it comes with fiduciary responsibility. That's why we wrote the Target Date Fund Handbook to help pension consultants and plan sponsors. The book covers target date funds of all types: custom, mutual funds, collective trusts, etc. It's a must read for fiduciaries.