401(k) Rollover in Huntleigh, MO. Starting a new job is an exciting time that can present you with new challenges and opportunities. However, it’s often difficult for Huntleigh, MO residents to know what to do with their 401(k) with their previous employer. Managing multiple retirement savings accounts can be complex and take more time than many people are willing to put in.
401(k) Rollover in Huntleigh,MO
There are a few different ways to handle your 401(k) rollover in Huntleigh, MO, and oftentimes it takes trustworthy financial planning and an experienced 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 we work in your best interest to make sure your money is working for you as you want it to. Our business is built on trust and your belief that we’ll do what’s best for you. We offer unbiased, 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 Huntleigh, 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, Huntleigh, 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 Huntleigh, 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. 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 any time you’d like.
However, it should be mentioned 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 withdraw “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 custodians. 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 choose whether you should stay with your old 401(k) or not.
2. Roll Over Your 401(k) to Your New Employer
If your new job in Huntleigh, MO also offers a 401(k), most of the time they will allow you to roll over your 401(k) assets to their plan. This might be the best option if you prefer the new plan’s options to your previous plan’s, 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 working.
If part of your previous 401(k) portfolio includes company stock, you may require special financial planning needs when rolling over your 401(k) to the new account. The 401(k) plan with your new employer may not contain all the benefits of your previous one. A trustworthy financial advisor will help you decide if you should stick with your previous plan or roll over your 401(k) to your new employer.
3. Open a Rollover IRA
IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account. A Rollover IRA is an account used to move funds from an old employer’s 401(k). If you already have an IRA, you can consider transferring the savings 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, 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. the 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. When you turn 72, you will have to take out required minimum distributions regardless of your status in the workforce.
Roth IRA
Money 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 often rolled into a Roth IRA. At any time you can access the money you’ve invested without tax consequences, and if you maintain the account for at least 5 years and are 59 ½ years old, you do not pay taxes on your earnings. Different from 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 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 Huntleigh, MO, however many come with varying fees or other expenses. Our team of financial advisors at Correct Capital partners with several trusted financial custodians and will help you find what’s right for you.
4. Cash Out.
The fourth option is seldom advisable unless you are in grave 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 your pocket immediately.
Indirect vs. Direct 401(k) Rollovers in Huntleigh, 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 account you are rolling your funds into. 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 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 new account. This is also known as a 60-day rollover because you need to redeposit the money within 60 days in order to avoid 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 in the short term. Your Huntleigh, 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 Huntleigh, MO residents, a 401(k) rollover is not something most people have experience with. The most common pitfalls people make when considering their options include:
- Not weighing all your options — If you like your current 401(k) plan, you may be better off sticking with it. But you would be doing yourself a disservice not to consider how a rollover could allow your money to grow more, or offer other benefits that are not offered by your current plan.
- Not opening a new account first — If you do rollover your 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 think it is a regular contribution that you might have to pay taxes on.
- Forgetting about your 401(k) — While this may sound strange, Americans accidentally abandoned almost $8 billion in retirement savings in 2015. A lot can come with moving to a new job, but accidentally leaving behind your retirement funds could significantly impact how much you put away for retirement.
- Forgetting about the same property rule — Any savings that you roll over must be the "same property." Meaning, you can't withdraw cash from your 401(k), buy stock 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% 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 Huntleigh, 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 residents of Huntleigh, 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 provide you with. We’re based 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 Huntleigh, MO today.
