How To Gather Up Your Old 401(k) Plans
There’s no doubt that 401(k) accounts are an incredible asset to help you reach your retirement savings goals. These employer-sponsored savings plans offer a tax-advantaged way for you to save, often with matching contributions from the employer and multiple investment options. But 401(k)s can become problematic when you change employers, which many Americans do, sometimes, more than eleven times throughout their career!
If the majority of your previous employers offered a 401(k), how do you keep track of your accounts when you move on to a new job? It’s a challenge to stay on top of all these accounts and simultaneously stay committed to a coherent investment strategy for your financial future. It’s not an easy task to track growth, manage fees, and stay diversified if your money is in multiple accounts. More than one-third of Americans have three or more retirement accounts. Is this you? Do you need to consolidate your 401(k)s into one account?
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Why Should You Rollover Your Accounts?
When considering what to do with old 401(k) accounts, many people choose to roll them over into IRAs, or Individual Retirement Accounts. There are many advantages to having your money in an IRA as opposed to a 401(k) plan. You have much more flexibility with the IRA, and you can shop around for low fees and diverse investment options. Instead of being tied to the 20 or so options your company offers, you can invest your IRA in just about anything except life insurance or collectibles. You can even invest your IRA in real estate that you manage through a self-directed IRA. IRAs usually offer more options as to who you can name as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary of the account.
With all of your money in one place, it may be easier to see the big picture of where you stand financially and manage your asset mix. The IRS even allows you to withdraw earnings penalty-free from your IRA before you turn 59 ½, as long as your account has been open for five years and the money is used for qualified expenses, such as buying your first home, higher education, or medical expenses. Also, unlike your 401(k), your IRA is not tied to a particular employer, therefore changing jobs has no effect on it.
How To Find 401(k)s From Previous Employers
If you’ve lost track of your previous 401(k) accounts, you have some options for hunting them down. The simplest way is to contact the human resources department of your old employer. Not only will they have records of your account, but they will also be able to provide you with the necessary paperwork to make any account changes, such as rolling the money into an IRA.
If you’ve kept any old documents, you can refer to old 401(k) statements that will give you contact information and details on your account standing. If you are still unable to obtain account information from previous jobs, you might find what you’re looking for through the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. This database lets you search for any retirement plans registered under your name. Not every employer is listed, but you may be able to find some of your 401(k) accounts through this resource.
How to Avoid Taxes When Rolling Over Your Money
An important factor to consider when taking steps to roll your 401(k) balances into an IRA is that of taxes. Funds contributed to a 401(k) are taken out of your paycheck pre-tax, so you want to ensure you are rolling the money over in a way that will avoid a taxable event. There are multiple methods of transferring the money over, and some of these can cause a headache if not handled properly.
At Sportfishing Financial, we want you to spend more time on the water and less time keeping track of numerous accounts. We can help you with the details and give you peace of mind that your 401(k) balances are being managed with uninterrupted tax deferred growth. As qualified professionals, we can help you understand your options and how they relate to your particular situation, as well as walk you through the process. If you have an old 401(k) account, please contact me today by calling me at 949-481-1807 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Meet Rick
Over a 25-year career in financial services, Rick has helped hundreds of business and personal clients meet their investment goals by developing risk-efficient portfolio management strategies. He holds degrees in Economics and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine.
The water is Rick's second home: He and his family have been fishing Southern California and Baja going on four generations. In the 1940s, his grandmother worked at the Cannery Restaurant in Newport Beach—when it was an actual Albacore cannery. In the 1950s, his father was on the crew that built two of the boats still in service at Dana Wharf Sportfishing.
To schedule a complimentary wealth consultation or to get a second opinion on your financial plan, contact Sportfishing Financial today. To learn more about Rick, visit his website and connect with him on Facebook. To ask a question or get our list of upcoming fishing trips, call 949-481-1807 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..