401(k) Rollover in Olivette, MO. Starting a new job is an exciting time that can present you with new challenges and opportunities. However, many Olivette, MO residents wonder what the best options are for their 401(k) with their previous employer. Managing multiple retirement savings accounts can be complex and a pain in the neck.
401(k) Rollover in Olivette,MO
There are several options for handling your 401(k) rollover in Olivette, 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 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 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 Olivette, MO.
Normally, 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, Olivette, 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 employees in Olivette, 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 move the funds whenever 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 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 a hassle to manage several different retirement plans with several different 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.
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2. Roll Over Your 401(k) to Your New Employer
If your new position in Olivette, MO also offers a 401(k), most employers will let you roll over your 401(k) funds 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, 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 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 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 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’ve already opened an IRA, you can consider moving the money 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 your previous contributions stays the same.
Traditional IRA
Money deposited into 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. 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 after-tax money, so there is no immediate tax benefit. 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 withdraw the contributions you make 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. 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 Olivette, 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 last option is typically not 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 may result in a large amount of your savings going towards taxes and not into your pocket. 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 Olivette, 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 savings into. Each firm follows a different procedure, 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 referred to as a 60-day rollover because the money needs to be deposited into the new account within 60 days in order to avoid 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 Olivette, 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 Olivette, 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 account may offer other benefits that are not offered by your current plan.
- Not opening a new account first — If you do open up an IRA or new 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 think it's hard to lose track of their retirement savings, Americans accidentally abandoned over $7 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 reduce how much you put away for retirement.
- Neglecting the same property rule — The property your new account receives must be the property that was rolled over. Meaning, you can't take a cash distribution from your 401(k), buy assets 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 less than 59½ you'll have to pay 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 have to pay a 6% excess IRA contribution tax.
- Not consulting with a financial advisor — Financial advisors are well-versed in 401(k) rollovers, proper procedure, and the advantages and disadvantages of each of your options.
We also offer a full range of other financial services in Olivette, MO:
- Succession Planning
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
- Company 401(k) Plans
- ESOP Advisor
- Self-Employed Retirement Plans
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 in Olivette, 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 share with you. 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 make the best decision for your 401(k) rollover. Call 877-930-4015 or reach out to our financial advisors in Olivette, MO today.