401(k) Rollover in Dardenne Prairie, MO. Changing jobs or careers is the start of a brand new, exciting chapter in your life. However, it’s often difficult for Dardenne Prairie, MO residents to know what to do with their existing 401(k) plan. Managing multiple retirement savings accounts can be stressful without a team of expert and honest financial advisors.
401(k) Rollover in Dardenne Prairie,MO
There are several options for handling your 401(k) rollover in Dardenne Prairie, MO, and usually it takes sound 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 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 impartial, 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 Dardenne Prairie, 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), most, but not all, Dardenne Prairie, MO companies allow you to keep your accrued savings in their plan. The funds stay subject to the same rules, fees, investment plans, and withdrawal options. Many people in Dardenne Prairie, 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. keeping your assets in your original 401(k) frees you from having to make rushed decisions about where to place your money, and you’re still free to move the funds at some point in the future.
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 effect on your retirement planning. After the age of 72, you will be required to withdraw “required minimum distributions” from those 401(k) accounts you have at old employers. It can also be complicated to manage several different retirement plans with several different recordkeepers. Withdrawal options can be limited and have large federal withholding requirements. 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 Dardenne Prairie, MO also offers a 401(k), most of the time they will allow you to roll over your 401(k) assets 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, advice, or loan options. Also, required minimum distributions may be delayed even 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 the new account. 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 your personal needs dictate that 401(k) rollover or keeping your funds in your previous plan is best for you.
3. Open a Rollover IRA
IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account. A Rollover IRA is an account used to move savings from a former employer’s 401(k). If you already have an IRA, you can consider moving 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, the tax status of the money you already invested is not affected.
Traditional IRA
Money deposited into a Traditional IRA may be tax-deductible. the pre-tax money you paid into 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. Upon turning 72, you will be obligated to take out required minimum distributions regardless of whether or not you are still in the workforce.
Roth IRA
Savings deposited into Roth IRAs are made with money you already paid taxes on, so there is no tax benefit until the money is withdrawn. The benefit is that Roth IRA money grows tax-free. Money you contributed to a Roth 401(k) account is usually rolled into a Roth IRA. At any time you can withdraw 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. 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 open an IRA with many banks or any brokerage firm in Dardenne Prairie, 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 the best choice for you.
4. Cash Out.
This final option is seldom advisable unless you are in urgent 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 withdrawal 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 your pocket immediately.
Indirect vs. Direct 401(k) Rollovers in Dardenne Prairie, 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) funds will send a check directly to your new retirement account with instructions to put the money into your new account. Each firm 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 savings directly into your new account. This is also known as 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 advisable unless circumstances dictate you need money in the short term. Your Dardenne Prairie, MO financial advisor will be able to help you determine which option is best.
Avoiding Common 401(k) Rollover Pitfalls
For even the most financially literate Dardenne Prairie, MO residents, a 401(k) rollover is not something most people have experience with. The most common pitfalls you should avoid include:
- Not weighing all your options — If you like your current 401(k) plan, it may make sense to leave your savings there. But you would not longer be able to contribute to it, and a new plan may offer other benefits your current plan doesn't.
- Not opening a new account first — If you do rollover your 401(k), make sure that the new account is already open, and that your new custodian is expecting a rollover. If they get a check when they aren't expecting a rollover, they may mistake it for a regular contribution that you might have to pay taxes on.
- Forgetting about your 401(k) — While you might be surprised that people lose track of their retirement savings, Americans accidentally abandoned $7.7 billion in retirement savings in 2015. A lot can come with moving to a new job, but accidentally leaving behind your savings could significantly reduce how much you put away for retirement.
- Not taking into account the same property rule — The property your new account receives must be the property that was rolled over. Meaning, you can't withdraw cash from your 401(k), buy bonds or another asset with it and deposit those new assets into a new account. If you do that, you would have to pay property tax, and if you're under 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% penalty tax on any excess amount.
- Not working with a retirement planner — Financial advisors are well-versed in 401(k) rollovers, proper procedure, and the pro and cons of each of your options.
We also offer a full range of other financial services in Dardenne Prairie, 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
Contact a 401(k) Rollover Advisor Today
Your unique situation will dictate which 401(k) option is best for you. Many people in Dardenne Prairie, 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 Dardenne Prairie, MO today.
