Did You Leave Your 401(k) at Your Old Employer?

​According to a study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), more than 25 million Americans left their 401(k) balance in a former employer’s plan during the 10-year period from 2004 through 2013.1 There’s nothing technically wrong with leaving your balance in the old plan, but it could create challenges as you plan for retirement.
 
If your old employer is ever sold or goes out of business, you may lose access to the plan. Even if the company changes 401(k) providers, you may find it difficult to navigate the new system and manage your funds.
 
Fortunately, you have options available. Below are three possible approaches. Consider your unique needs and goals before taking action. Also, you may want to consult with a financial professional to help you determine which option is best for you.

Cash it out.
You can always take your 401(k) balance as a lump-sum distribution. In fact, if your balance is below a certain threshold, this could happen automatically at some point. Many plans automatically distribute balances of less than a few thousand dollars if the employee has left the company.
 
It may be tempting to take your distribution in a lump sum, but that approach could bring consequences. Distributions from 401(k) plans are considered taxable income, so be ready to pay taxes on the entire amount. Also, if you’re under age 59½, you may have to pay a 10 percent early distribution penalty.


Keep it there.
There’s nothing saying you have to do anything with the balance. As long as you meet plan rules, you may be able to keep the balance in the account. However, this could be problematic. As mentioned, if the plan changes or the company is sold, you may not have easy access to your account.

It also may be difficult to plan for retirement if you have retirement balances spread across various accounts. Some people have multiple 401(k) plans, one at each employer on their resume. It’s hard to implement a cohesive strategy when you have many different accounts and each account has its own options.


Roll it into an IRA.
Finally, you may want to roll the balance into an individual retirement account (IRA). An IRA rollover isn’t considered a taxable distribution, because an IRA follows similar tax rules as the 401(k). You simply open an IRA and then fill out forms with the 401(k) plan directing the administrator to forward your balance to the IRA custodian. You avoid taxes and an early distribution penalty.
 
An IRA can be a valuable retirement planning tool. Many IRAs offer a wider range of investment options than 401(k) plans, so you can implement a strategy that’s right for you. You also may have access to planning tools such as annuities, which may not be available in your 401(k).
 
Ready to take action with your old 401(k) balance? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Safe Retirement Strategies. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.


 
1http://www.wect.com/story/38079447/25-million-americans-left-behind-retirement-savings-when-changing-jobs
 
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