What Can I Transfer My 401k to Without Losing Money?
As you switch jobs, it is critical that your retirement savings follow you – otherwise they risk becoming outdated and extra taxes could arise from being left behind.
IRAs give you more control, including more investment options. You can roll over funds directly or receive them in the form of checks that must be deposited within 60 days.
1. Transfer to an IRA
If you have multiple 401(k) accounts from previous jobs or anticipate switching employers, moving your funds into an IRA could be beneficial. Doing so would enable you to consolidate retirement savings while maintaining lower fees associated with employer-sponsored plans; in addition, this approach can help avoid required minimum distributions (RMDs).
Your 401(k) provider should provide a direct transfer form that must be completed, either online or over the phone. Although each plan provider’s process varies slightly, direct rollover is usually the best way to avoid tax complications and complications that could arise later on.
There are various types of IRAs, such as traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE and business owner’s (Small Business Employee Pension). When choosing an IRA account, take note of investment expenses and additional charges to make sure it will help build up savings over time. Lower costs could help increase savings.
2. Transfer to a new employer’s plan
Direct Rollover: An indirect rollover occurs when your old 401(k) plan administrator sends funds directly to your new employer’s plan. You should contact them and request an account number; otherwise it could be delivered in check form, potentially subjecting it to mandatory 20% withholding taxes and early withdrawal penalties if under age 59 1/2.
Leaving old savings with your former employer is the simplest option, though this comes with drawbacks such as limited investment choices and the risk of money lost due to fees and expenses. Cashing out retirement assets may be costly over time. Also keep in mind that any distribution from a 401(k) plan is considered taxable income and this includes any taxable amounts, tax-deferred earnings, employer matching contributions that have become vested, as well as penalties. Thankfully there are ways you can minimize their effects.
3. Transfer to a bank account
Many individuals save in multiple accounts during their working lives, such as a traditional employer-sponsored 401(k), individual retirement account (IRA) and Roth IRA. Sometimes funds from one plan can be rolled over into another; if in doubt about what to do next, consult a financial advisor for help.
Once you know where you want to invest your money, research brokerage and robo-advisor options with low fees. Bankrate offers comprehensive reviews that detail minimum balance requirements, investment offerings and customer service features available at each firm.
Before moving your money, there are a few points you should keep in mind before shifting it: withdrawing funds before age 55 incurs an IRS 10 percent penalty in addition to income tax due. Furthermore, withdrawing early means no longer reaping the investment growth that would have accrued over time from 401(k). Instead, Golladay suggests using those funds towards paying down debt or building an emergency fund.
4. Transfer to an annuity
Deferred annuities are retirement income investments that provide regular, consistent payments over a set period or for life, providing retirees with steady income while protecting them against longevity risk – or outliving their savings altogether. Many retirees choose this route to provide secure income during retirement and avoid outliving their savings.
Annuities can be complex and costly, which is why if you are considering annuitizing your 401(k) rollover it’s wise to seek advice from an impartial financial advisor who can give objective guidance regarding any possible downsides that this strategy might present for your individual situation.
As with any annuity contract, surrender charges can range from 7%-20% of its contract value and typically apply if you withdraw funds early from an annuity, are younger than 59 1/2 or withdraw before its specified end period or incur additional mortality and expense risks, administrative fees or fund management fees associated with investing your selections.
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