What to do with your 401(k) savings

A few things worth knowing about your retirement savings as you leave [Company Name]

Your 401(k) is one of the most valuable things you own. For most people, it ends up being worth more than almost anything else they have.

Right now, more than $2 trillion sits in old 401(k)s that people left behind when they changed jobs. [Company Name] wants to help make sure your money doesn't become part of that number.

When you leave a job, your 401(k) stays behind. If you don't decide what to do with it, fees can go up, and if your balance is $7,000 or less, your old plan may move it into a different account without asking you first.

Making a plan for your 401(k) can save you time and money. Here is what you need to know, and the choices you have.

First, find out where your money is

Your 401(k) is held by a company called a plan provider. Use the information below to locate your balance and take action:

Plan provider

Website

Phone

Plan name / number

Login username / ID

Pro Tip:

Before you leave, update your login. If you log in with your work email, change it to a personal email now. Once you leave [Company Name], you could lose access to that email, and your login along with it.

What happens if you do nothing

Doing nothing is still a choice. Here is what can happen if you leave your 401(k) behind.

Fees may go up.

While you worked at [Company Name], the company may have paid some of your account fees. Once you leave, that help can stop, and your fees may go up.

Your money stops growing as fast.

Once you leave [Company Name], you can no longer add new money to this 401(k). Your balance can still grow, but not as fast as it would with new contributions added each year.

You may lose a tax break.

Money you put into a 401(k) is not taxed until you take it out later. If you stop contributing, you stop getting that tax break too.

Your money could move without you knowing.

If you leave a small 401(k) behind, under $7,000, [Company Name] can move it into a different account for you. Larger accounts can move too. Either way, you may not get a say in where your money goes.

You have four choices for your 401(k)

Not all choices are created equal. 

1. Leave it where it is.

Your money stays in your old plan. This is easy right now, but you cannot add new money, you may lose track of it over time, and if your balance is small, your old employer may move it without asking you first.

2. Move it to your new job's 401(k).

If your new employer's plan accepts rollovers, you can move your old 401(k) there. Check the new plan's fees and investment choices first.

3. Move it to an IRA.

An IRA is a retirement account that you own and control, no matter where you work. You can combine all your old 401(k)s into one IRA, and you'll usually have more investment choices. We've partnered with PensionBee to make this simple, more on that below.

4. Cash it out.

You can take the money now, but it usually costs you. If you are under 59 and a half this choice comes with a 10% penalty. Regardless of age, you will also likely pay income tax. This tends to be the most expensive choice.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget about compound interest. Retirement dollars are designed to be worth more in the future than today. It’s one thing to replace the balance later and another to replace time in the market. 

Every situation is different. Before you decide, think about fees, investment choices, and taxes. Talk to a financial or tax advisor if you are not sure.

Not sure what to do? We can help you move it to an IRA

[Company Name] works with PensionBee to make this easy. If an IRA is right for you, PensionBee can move your old 401(k) for you.

A real person to help.

Every customer gets a U.S.-based account manager who walks you through the rollover.

Investments built by experts.

Your money is invested using ETFs from State Street, one of the largest investment companies in the world.

One award-winning app for everything.

Manage your retirement savings anytime, anywhere.

Savings boost.

PensionBee adds 1% to every rollover and contribution
(terms and conditions apply)

Your next steps

Find your old 401(k) balance (see the instructions above)

Pick the option that's right for you

If an IRA is right for you, click below to get started

Get started