mac, check out the excellent user forums at http://www.diehards.org/forum/index.php

they discuss many similar questions such as the one you proposed

Mac <rmcwhrt[at]clemson.edu> writes:

- quote -

He should double-check with his HR department and/or the plan
administrator to see whether the loads are waived. This is often the
case for load funds available through many 401(k) plans, although it's
not universal. He can also complain to HR about the selection of
funds in the plan, but if it's a small company they may not be able to
do much about it.

Of the funds listed above, I'd say the no-brainer decision is to put
100% into RIDFX. It's a one-stop-shopping balanced fund, very highly
rated by Morningstar, and those are no-load shares with the expense ratio
a very low 0.33%. He should contribute enough to get the full employer
match. If he has leftover money to save, fund a Roth IRA and use that to
fill out his portfolio with funds more to his liking.

-Sandra the cynic

My son, 28 is ready to start retirement savings. HIs company offers 8
funds through Hartford most with heavy load and expense charges: SEI
Stable Asset, RIDFX, AGTHX, AWSHX, ITHAX, GTAGX, GSSSX, and TEMFX. He
would prefer to use no load, low expense funds. Does he have a better
choice?