401(k) Rollover in Chesterfield, MO. Starting a new job is an exciting time that can present you with new challenges and opportunities. However, it’s often difficult for Chesterfield, MO residents to know what to do with their 401(k) with their previous employer. Managing multiple retirement savings accounts can be stressful without a team of expert and honest financial advisors.
401(k) Rollover in Chesterfield,MO
There are a few different ways to handle your 401(k) rollover in Chesterfield, MO, and usually it takes knowledgeable financial planning and a savvy financial advisor to know which option is best for you. Correct Capital is an independent advisory firm whose advisors hold themselves to the fiduciary standard. This means our only concern is making sure your financial future and planning needs are met. Our business is built on trust and your confidence that we’ll do what’s best for you. We offer objective, expert advice, and will never try to convince you of something we don’t believe in ourselves. Call us today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online to learn more about 401(k) rollover options in Chesterfield, MO.
In general, you have four options to consider when considering a 401(k) rollover.
1. Keep Your 401(k) With Your Previous Employer
If you have over $5,000 invested in your 401(k), many Chesterfield, MO companies permit you to keep your retirement savings in their plan. The funds stay subject to the same rules, fees, investment plans, and withdrawal options. Many residents of Chesterfield, MO already like the benefits of their 401(k), such as their investment options, website, or any investing tools or guidance they offer. In this case, it may make sense to keep them where they are instead of a 401(k) rollover. If you leave your job between the ages of 55 and 59 ½, you may be eligible for penalty-free withdrawals. Additionally, federal law dictates that 401(k)s creditors cannot make claims against 401(k)s. If you keep your assets in your old 401(k), you won’t have to make any immediate decisions regarding your money, and you’re still free to roll over the funds any time you’d like.
However, it is important to note that if you don’t rollover your old 401(k), you won’t be able to add to your savings, which may have an impact on your retirement planning. After the age of 72, you will be required to take out “required minimum distributions” from those 401(k) accounts you have at old employers. It can also be a hassle to oversee several different retirement plans with numerous recordkeepers. Withdrawal options can be limited and large amounts of your money will be withheld. You would not be able to take out a 401(k) loan. Correct Capital's retirement consultants can help you decide if sticking with your old 401(k) is the best option for you.
2. Roll Over Your 401(k) to Your New Employer
If your new job in Chesterfield, MO also offers a 401(k), most of the time they will permit you to roll over your 401(k) savings to their plan. You may consider this if you prefer the new plan’s options to your previous plan’s, including lower fees, better investment options, opportunities, insight, or loan options. Also, you will not be required to withdraw required minimum distributions after you turn 72 as long as you are still in the workforce.
If part of your previous 401(k) portfolio includes company stock, you may have special financial planning needs when rolling over your 401(k) to a new employer. The 401(k) plan with your new employer may also contain higher fees or less diverse investment options. A knowledgeable financial advisor will help you decide if a 401(k) rollover or sticking with your previous plan is right for you.
3. Open a Rollover IRA
IRA is an abbreviation for Individual Retirement Account. A Rollover IRA is an account used to move money from an old employer’s 401(k). If you’ve already opened an IRA, you can consider transferring the funds there for your 401(k) rollover. Depending on how you contributed to your 401(k) plan, it may be best to roll money to a Traditional or a Roth IRA. This way, the tax status of the money you already invested is not affected.
Traditional IRA
Contributions made to a Traditional IRA are considered to be pre-tax money. the pre-tax money you contributed to your 401(k) will likely be put into a traditional IRA. Withdrawals from this account may be subject to taxes and an early withdrawal penalty. After turning 72, you will have to withdraw required minimum distributions regardless of your status in the workforce.
Roth IRA
Money deposited into Roth IRAs are made with after-tax money, so there is no tax benefit until the money is withdrawn. The benefit is that you do not pay taxes when you withdraw the money. Money you contributed to a Roth 401(k) account is usually rolled into a Roth IRA. At any time you can take out the money you’ve invested without tax consequences, and you will not pay taxes on your earnings if you are 59 ½ years old and wait at least 5 years to withdraw any funds. Unlike Roth 401(k) contributions, there are no required minimum distributions in a Roth IRA.
While you may roll pre-tax money from your 401(k) plan into a Roth IRA, you will pay taxes on the amount received into a Roth IRA as you are “converting” pre-tax money into after-tax money.
You can start an IRA account with many banks or any brokerage firm in Chesterfield, MO, however they often vary in terms of fees or other expenses. Our team of financial advisors at Correct Capital partners with several trusted financial custodians and will help you find one that suits your needs.
4. Cash Out.
This final option is hardly ever advisable unless you are in desperate need of money now. You will be subjected to a 20% federal withholding rate, and could face a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you take the money out before you are 59 ½ years old or if you separate before 55 years old. This might result in a large amount of your savings going towards taxes and not into your back account. Additionally, the money won’t keep growing and it will no longer be tax-deferred. Therefore, a 401(k) rollover is preferable if you do not need the money in the account immediately.
Indirect vs. Direct 401(k) Rollovers in Chesterfield, MO
There are two different ways to actually move the money in your 401(k):
- Direct rollover — In a direct rollover, the custodian holding your 401(k) savings will send a check directly to your new retirement account with instructions to put the money into the plan you are rolling your savings into. Each firm runs differently, so the best first step is to reach out to your previous employer's 401(k) company to ask them how to proceed.
- Indirect rollover — In an indirect rollover, the funds are paid directly to you, and you deposit the savings directly into your IRA or new 401(k). This is also called a 60-day rollover because there is a 60-day time limit for when you can deposit the money, or else you could end up paying income taxes and early withdrawal penalties.
Like cashing out a 401(k), an indirect rollover is usually not a good idea unless circumstances dictate you need money in the short term. Your Chesterfield, MO financial advisor will help you understand what the best way to proceed is.
Avoiding Common 401(k) Rollover Mistakes
For even the most financially literate Chesterfield, MO residents, deciding what 401(k) rollover options is best for you isn't easy. The most common mistakes you should avoid are:
- Not weighing all your options — If you like your current 401(k) plan, you may be better off sticking with it. But you would not longer be able to contribute to it, and a new account may offer other benefits your current plan doesn't.
- Not opening a new account first — If you do open up an IRA or new 401(k), it's important to open a new account first and inform your new custodian that they'll be receiving a rollover check. If they get a check by surprise, they may mistake it for a regular contribution that could be subject to taxes.
- Forgetting about your 401(k) — While this may sound strange, Americans lost $7.7 billion in retirement savings in 2015. A new job brings a lot of life changes with it, but neglecting to do anything about your 401(k) could significantly reduce what you have available for your golden rules.
- Forgetting about the same property rule — Any savings that you roll over must be the "same property." Meaning, you can't take a cash distribution from your 401(k), buy bonds or another asset with it and deposit those new assets into a new account. The IRS considers that taxable income, and if you're less than 59½ you'll also be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
- Rolling over a required minimum distribution — There is no way to roll over a required minimum distribution. If you do, you will be subject to a 6% excess IRA contribution tax.
- Not speaking to a financial advisor — Financial advisors will be able to help you choose the best plan for you and ensure the rollover goes as smoothly as possible.
We also offer a full range of other financial services in Chesterfield, MO:
- Succession Planning
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
- Company 401(k) Plans
- ESOP Advisor
- Self-Employed Retirement Plans
- 401(k) For Small Business
- Small Business Retirement Plans
- Tax Planning
Call a 401(k) Rollover Advisor Today
Your unique situation will dictate which 401(k) option is best for you. Many in Chesterfield, MO have found choosing Correct Capital as their financial advisors to be the best decision for them. Our financial advisors operate under the fiduciary principle, which means that we are legally bound to act in good faith and have your best interests at heart. As Registered Investment Advisors, we have access to a wealth of investment research that we’ll share with you. We’re founded on trust, honesty, and integrity.
Call us today at 877-930-4015, contact us online, or schedule an appointment with our financial and retirement planning advisors to decide how to best manage your 401(k) rollover. Call 877-930-4015 or reach out to our financial advisors in Chesterfield, MO today.
