Know and understand your 401(k) options

401(k) Options

When you change jobs, it's important to determine what to do with the funds from your employer-sponsored plan. We can help.

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One of the reasons a 401(k) is great is because your assets are portable if you start a new job. Your rollover options typically include moving your assets to an IRA or your new employer’s retirement plan. Other options include taking a cash distribution or leaving the funds in your previous employer’s retirement plan. Each choice offers advantages and disadvantages, and you may engage in a combination of these options.

We recommend you discuss each of these alternatives for your 401(k) with one of our wealth advisors. They will work with you to help you identify which option is best for your retirement goals and current financial situation.

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Compare 401(k) Options

Use these pros and cons to help you decide which option is right for you.

ProsCons
 Roll over to an IRA
Roll over to an IRA
  • The money will continue to grow tax-deferred.
  • You may be given access to new investment choices.
  • You can’t borrow against an IRA like you can with a 401(k).
  • You may have to pay annual or other types of fees.
 Roll over to a new 401(k)
Roll over to a new 401(k)
  • Any earnings you accumulate are tax-deferred.
  • There’s a chance you can borrow against your new 401(k).
  • There could be negative tax implications.
  • Your investment choices may be limited with a new account.
 Leave your assets in your former employer’s plan
Leave your assets in your former employer’s plan
  • You have time to decide before taking action.
  • Your earnings remain tax-deferred until you extract them.
  • You can no longer contribute to your former employer’s 401(k).
  • The fees may be higher than what you’d pay with a new 401(k) account or IRA.
 Take a cash distribution
Take a cash distribution
  • It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially if there is a financial need.
  • There may be significant penalties and tax implications.
  • If you’re younger than 59.5, you will accrue a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty that will be taxed as income.
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Certificates

Earn higher dividends than you would with a primary savings account and lower risk than with some other investment options.
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Money Market Accounts

You can earn higher dividends than you would with a primary savings account.

Retirement: Your Investment Options

Discover five ways to grow your retirement nest egg.
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Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Mountain America Credit Union and Mountain America Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Mountain America Investment Services, and may also be employees of Mountain America Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Mountain America Credit Union or Mountain America Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
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