401(k) Rollover in Concord, MO. Starting a new job is an exciting time that can present you with new challenges and opportunities. However, it’s often difficult for Concord, MO residents to know what to do with their existing 401(k) plan. Managing multiple retirement savings accounts can be complex and a pain in the neck.
401(k) Rollover in Concord,MO
There are several options for handling your 401(k) rollover in Concord, MO, and oftentimes it takes trustworthy financial planning and an experienced financial advisor to know how to best deal with your savings. Correct Capital is a privately owned firm with fiduciary advisors. This means any advice we give is based on what we believe is best for your financial needs. 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 Concord, MO.
In general, you have four options to consider when considering a 401(k) rollover.
1. Keep Your 401(k) With Your Former Employer
If you have over $5,000 invested in your 401(k), the majority of Concord, MO companies permit you to keep your accrued savings in their plan. The funds stay subject to the same rules, fees, investment plans, and withdrawal options. Many residents of Concord, 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 not roll over your 401(k), and to keep the savings where they are. If you leave your job between the ages of 55 and 59 ½, you may be eligible for penalty-free withdrawals. Additionally, per federal law, 401(k)s are generally protected against claims by creditors. 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 transfer the funds any time you’d like.
However, it is important to note that keeping your old 401(k) means you can no longer make contributions to it, which may have an effect 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 daunting to manage 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 Concord, MO also offers a 401(k), most employers will permit you to roll over your 401(k) funds to their plan. You may consider this if the new plan has better benefits than the previous plan, including lower fees, better investment options, opportunities, guidance, or loan options. Also, you will not be required to withdraw required minimum distributions after you turn 72 as long as you are still working.
If you have company stock in your previous 401(k) portfolio, you may require 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 stands for Individual Retirement Account. A Rollover IRA is an account started to move money from a former employer’s 401(k). If you already have an IRA, you can consider transferring the funds there for your 401(k) rollover. Depending on how you contributed to your 401(k) plan, you may roll money to a Traditional or a Roth IRA. This way, you maintain your tax status with the money you have contributed.
Traditional IRA
Contributions made to a Traditional IRA are considered to be pre-tax money. Your pre-tax money you contributed to your 401(k) is likely to be rolled over into this account. Withdrawals from this account may be subject to taxes and an early withdrawal penalty. Once you turn 72, you will be required to take out required minimum distributions regardless of whether or not you are still in the workforce.
Roth IRA
Contributions to Roth IRAs are made with money you already paid taxes on, so you’ll need to wait until the money is withdrawn to see a tax benefit. The benefit is that Roth IRA money grows tax-free. Money you contributed to a Roth 401(k) account is likely to be rolled into a Roth IRA. At any time you can access the money you’ve invested without having to pay taxes, and your earnings are not taxed if you keep your account for at least 5 years, and are at least 59 ½ when funds are withdrawn. Contrary to Roth 401(k) contributions, money held in a Roth IRA is not subject to required minimum distributions.
While you may roll pre-tax money from your 401(k) plan into a Roth IRA, you would be “converting” pre-tax money into after-tax money, which means you would have to pay taxes on the money received into the Roth IRA.
You can start an IRA account with many banks or any brokerage firm in Concord, MO, however many of them vary when it comes to 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 rarely advisable unless you are in grave need of money now. You will be subjected to a 20% federal tax, 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 could 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 Concord, MO
There are two different ways to actually move the funds in your 401(k):
- Direct rollover — In a direct rollover, your former 401(k) company will send a check directly to your new retirement account with instructions to put the money into your new account. Each custodian has its own way of doing things, so the best first step is to reach out to your previous employer's 401(k) company for their process.
- Indirect rollover — In an indirect rollover, the funds are paid directly to you, and you deposit the funds 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 generally not a good idea unless circumstances dictate you need money now. Your Concord, MO financial advisor will be able to help you determine which option is best.
Avoiding Common 401(k) Rollover Mistakes
For even the most financially literate Concord, MO residents, deciding what 401(k) rollover options is best for you isn't easy. The most common pitfalls people make when considering their options 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 have tools and resources 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 that the new account is already open, and that your new custodian is expecting a rollover. If they get a check by surprise, they may mistake it for a regular contribution that you might have to pay taxes on.
- Forgetting about your 401(k) — While this may sound strange, Americans lost almost $8 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 impact how much you put away for retirement.
- Forgetting about the same property rule — The funds 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 move those assets into a new account. If you do that, you would have to pay property tax, and if you're less than 59½ you'll also be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
- Rolling over a required minimum distribution — You are not allowed to roll over a required minimum distribution. If you do, you will be subject to a 6% penalty tax on any excess amount.
- Not consulting with a financial advisor — Financial advisors deal with investment, tax planning, and other 401(k) rollover considerations every day.
Other services we offer in Concord, MO include:
- 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
Speak to a 401(k) Rollover Advisor Today
What to do with your 401(k) from your previous job depends on your unique situation. Many residents of Concord, 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 vast array of investment research that we’ll provide you with. We’re built 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 make the best decision for your 401(k) rollover. Call 877-930-4015 or reach out to our financial advisors in Concord, MO today.
