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You’ve Left Your Job Behind…And Your 401(k) Too?

A woman in a yellow shirt sits at a table with her foot up on the chair and holds her eyeglasses while looking at her laptop with a mobile phone nearby.


Congratulations! You’ve reached your retirement goal—or you’re starting a new job better suited to your talents. Now, what should you do with your old 401(k) that you diligently cared for over the years? Let’s review the options.


Cash Out

This is the simplest alternative — and the most dangerous. You may be tempted to spend too much, or all, of it too soon. Plus, if you cash out, you’ll be liable for taxes, at your ordinary-income rate, on all the funds in the plan. And you’ll pay an additional 10% penalty if you’re younger than 59½, or 55 in some cases.

Be aware: If your 401(k) balance is under $5,000, the plan administrator may distribute the money to you automatically in a lump sum or move the balance into an IRA.


Let It Ride

Many retirees and job-changers decide to keep their old 401(k)s. Of course, they can’t contribute anymore, and any employer match will be gone. But if you’re happy with your investment choices and performance, you may be able to hold on to your plan and continue enjoying tax-deferred compounding.

Be aware: Most 401(k) plans offer limited investment choices, which can be changed at will by the employer. Further, your company may not allow you to continue participating, and your plan fees (if any) may change after you leave the company. If you’re going to a new job, compare your new and old plans carefully.


Roll It Over Into a New 401(k)

If you’re moving to a new job with its own 401(k), you may be able to roll over your old plan into the new one. You’ll also have the benefit of consolidating your funds, which makes evaluating your retirement portfolio easier.

Be aware: Not all employers allow rolling other plans into theirs. If you do like the new plan and wish to roll over into it, do so within 60 days of leaving your old job or you will incur taxes on the money.


Roll It Over Into an IRA

For new retirees, this can be a very attractive option. You’ll preserve tax-deferred compounding, you’ll control your own money, and you’ll be able to choose from a very large universe of investments and providers. Fees on IRA accounts are variable, but may be lower than on a 401(k).

Be aware: IRAs usually don’t have quite the level of protection against fraud and bankruptcy that most 401(k)s do. If you can still contribute to a plan, annual limits on IRAs are much lower than on 401(k)s. And the responsibility for making good investment choices will be on your shoulders — though many IRA providers offer investment advice. Traditional 401(k)s need to be rolled over, at least initially, into traditional IRAs, just as Roth 401(k)s must go to Roth IRAs — within 60 days in both cases to avoid a tax bill. Further, if you’re still working past age 70½ you may be able to delay taking Required Minimum Distributions from a 401(k) plan, but not from an IRA.

What to do with your 401(k)
Pros
Cons
Cashing out
+ Immediate use of money
– Taxable, with potential penalty
– Loss of tax-deferred compounding
Keeping the old 401(k)
+ A known quantity
+ Preserves tax deferral
– Limited control over investments
– Plan may change over time
Rollover to New 401(k)
+ May have better investments
+ Preserves tax deferral
+ Consolidates funds
– May be inferior to old plan
Rollover to IRA
+ More control over investments
– High level of investor input
– May be less secure than 401(k)

Related Links

The Humans Behind the Rules

Your Assets Have Grown. But Are You In ‘Expense Denial’?

Should You Save First in a 401(k) or IRA?

People’s United Advisors can help

Come see us about prudent investing.

Red and blue telephone. Call this phone number for help, to speak with an expert or for more information

800-772-8778

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People's United Bank, N.A. merged into M&T Bank. It is now People's United, a Division of M&T Bank. Although account documentation or other materials may continue to reflect the People's United Bank, N.A. name or logo, new wealth management accounts opened on or after that date will be opened with M&T Bank or it's People's United Advisors Inc. or Wilmington Trust, N.A. affiliates. For more information please go to www.wilmingtontrust.com, reach out to your relationship manager or refer to your account agreement(s).

Investment products are offered through People’s United Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor. People’s United Advisors, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of M&T Bank. Investment products may involve risk, including possible loss of principal.

Investment Products:

• Are Not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency
• Are Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by a Bank or any Bank Affiliate
• May Go Down in Value


Form CRS - ADV Part 2A - Privacy Policy - Legal Disclosure

PUA is not soliciting any action based on this material. It is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute a personal recommendation or take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs of individual investors.

On April 2, 2022, People’s United Bank, N.A. merged into M&T Bank. It is now part of M&T Bank and its former branches and most services will operate as the People’s United division of M&T Bank until we complete the integration of our systems later in 2022. M&T Bank is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Lender.

By using People's United Online Banking, you agree to the People's United Electronic Services Agreement.

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