We use experiences with long term saving products to draw conclusions on how the system of private pension savings should be designed. First and foremost, we highlight the costs charged by an asset manager as a crucial element of the system, which significantly influences the level of accumulated capital. Passive funds offer returns in line with the market return without charging high fees. Hence, we recommend that every institution entering the market of pension savings should be obliged to offer at least one passive fund. Especially in light of the fact that a significant part of Polish investment funds includes potential closet indexers, which are largely passively managed, but charge fees as if they were active. Another conclusion is that the structure of fees charged by asset managers has to be clear and transparent. Currently existing pension products in the form of unit linked insurance are a negative example of an opaque cost structure. Asset managers on the pension market should be allowed to charge only a management fee. Its level should be limited by appropriate regulations.