401(k) Rollover in Millstadt, IL. Starting a new job is an exciting time that can present you with new challenges and opportunities. However, it’s often difficult for Millstadt, IL 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 Millstadt,IL
There are a few different ways to handle your 401(k) rollover in Millstadt, IL, and oftentimes it takes sound financial planning and an experienced financial advisor to know how to best deal with your savings. 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 Millstadt, IL.
Normally, 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, Millstadt, IL 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 employees in Millstadt, IL 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, 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 transfer the funds any time 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 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 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 choose whether you should stay with your old 401(k) or not.
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2. Roll Over Your 401(k) to Your New Employer
If your new position in Millstadt, IL also offers a 401(k), most of the time they will allow you to roll over your 401(k) funds to their plan. You may consider this if you prefer the new plan’s options to your previous plan’s, including lower fees, better investment options, opportunities, guidance, or loan options. Also, required minimum distributions may be delayed even 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 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 is an abbreviation for Individual Retirement Account. A Rollover IRA is an account opened to move savings from a previous employer’s 401(k). If you already have 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, 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
Contributions made to a Traditional IRA are considered to be pre-tax money. Your 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 have to withdraw 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 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 likely to be rolled into a Roth IRA. At any time you can withdraw the contributions you make 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, 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 Millstadt, IL, 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.
The fourth option is almost never advisable unless you are in urgent 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 could potentially 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 Millstadt, IL
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 IRA or 401(k). 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 funds directly into your new account. This is also referred to 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 typically not a good idea unless circumstances dictate you need money now. Your Millstadt, IL 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 Millstadt, IL residents, deciding what 401(k) rollover options is best for you isn't easy. The most common pitfalls you should avoid include:
- Not considering a rollover — 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 rollover your 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 when they aren't expecting a rollover, 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 $7.7 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 reduce how much you put away for retirement.
- Neglecting the same property rule — Any savings that you roll over must be the "same property." Meaning, you can't take a cash distribution from your 401(k), buy stock 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 under 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% excess IRA contribution tax.
- Not consulting with a retirement planner — Financial advisors deal with investment, tax planning, and other 401(k) rollover considerations every day.
We also offer a full range of other financial services in Millstadt, IL:
- Succession Planning
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
- Company 401(k) Plans
- ESOP Advisor
- Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Call a 401(k) Rollover Advisor Today
Your unique situation will dictate which 401(k) option is best for you. Many residents of Millstadt, IL 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 founded 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 Millstadt, IL today.
