401(k) Rollover in Warson Woods, MO. Changing jobs or careers is the start of a brand new, exciting chapter in your life. However, many Warson Woods, MO residents wonder what the best options are for their existing 401(k) plan. Managing multiple retirement savings accounts can be complex and a pain in the neck.
401(k) Rollover in Warson Woods,MO
There are a few different ways to handle your 401(k) rollover in Warson Woods, MO, and oftentimes it takes trustworthy financial planning and a savvy financial advisor to know which option is best for you. Correct Capital is an independent advisory firm with fiduciary advisors. This means our only concern is making sure your financial future and planning needs are met. Our business is built on trust and your belief that we’ll do what’s best for you. We offer objective, expert advice, that we give free of the conflict of interest that can occur with public shareholders or parent company relationships. Call us today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online to learn more about 401(k) rollover options in Warson Woods, MO.
Typically, 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), most, but not all, Warson Woods, MO companies allow you to keep your retirement savings in their plan. The funds stay subject to the same rules, fees, investment plans, and withdrawal options. Many employees in Warson Woods, 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, 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 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 continue adding contributions to it, which may have an impact 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 oversee 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 Warson Woods, MO also offers a 401(k), most employers will let you roll over your 401(k) savings to their plan. You may consider this if the new plan’s features are preferable to the 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 if you are still working.
If you have company stock in your previous 401(k) portfolio, 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 not contain all the benefits of your previous one. A knowledgeable financial advisor will help you decide if keeping your 401(k) funds where they are is best for you.
3. Open a Rollover IRA
IRA is an abbreviation for Individual Retirement Account. A Rollover IRA is an account used to move funds from a previous employer’s 401(k). If you’ve already opened an IRA, you can consider moving the funds there for your 401(k) rollover. Depending on which type of 401(k) you were contributing to, 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
Money deposited into a Traditional IRA are considered to be pre-tax money. the pre-tax money you paid into 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 be required 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 typically rolled into a Roth IRA. At any time you can withdraw the contributions you make without having to pay taxes, 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. Contrary to 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 Warson Woods, 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 typically not advisable unless you are in desperate 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 funds 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 your pocket immediately.
Indirect vs. Direct 401(k) Rollovers in Warson Woods, MO
There are two ways to rollover 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 firm follows a different procedure, 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 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 generally not a good idea unless circumstances dictate you need money in the short term. Your Warson Woods, 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 Warson Woods, MO residents, deciding what 401(k) rollover options is best for you isn't easy. The most common pitfalls you should avoid are:
- 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 have tools and resources that are not offered by your current plan.
- Not opening a new account first — If you do rollover your 401(k), make sure to open a new account first and inform your new custodian that they'll be receiving a rollover check. If they get a check when they aren't expecting a rollover, they may think it is a regular contribution that you might have to pay taxes on.
- Neglecting your old 401(k) — While you might be surprised that people lose track of their retirement savings, Americans lost $7.7 billion in retirement savings in 2015. A new job brings a lot of life changes with it, but accidentally leaving behind your retirement funds could significantly reduce how much you put away for retirement.
- Forgetting about 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. The IRS considers that taxable income, 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 an RMD. If you do, you will be subject to a 6% penalty tax on any excess amount.
- Not working with a retirement planner — Financial advisors deal with investment, tax planning, and other 401(k) rollover considerations every day.
Other services we offer in Warson Woods, 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
Contact a 401(k) Rollover Advisor Today
Your unique situation will dictate which 401(k) option is best for you. Many residents of Warson Woods, 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 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 Warson Woods, MO today.
