Broker Check
Aren't you forgetting something?

Aren't you forgetting something?

| June 08, 2016

On your road to retirement, don't forget about the money you might be leaving behind at previous employers. Make sure you review your options with your adviser, which might include:

  • Rolling old 401(k) accounts into you new company's 401(k).
  • Rolling over the old accounts into an IRA.
  • Leaving the accounts where they are.

There are many factors to consider, including:

  • The strengths/weaknesses of the old plans versus the new.
  • The range of investments available for each option - and their potential for future returns (and risk).
  • The expenses of the various options.
  • Potential tax consequences.

Whatever you decide, make an informed decision and put those assets to work to help you achieve your goals. Don't let them sit idly by on your road to retirement. . . waiting for you to come back for them.

*If you are considering rolling over money from an employer-sponsored plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), you may have the option of leaving the money in the current employer-sponsored plan or moving it into a new employer-sponsored plan. Benefits of leaving money in an employer-sponsored plan may include access to lower-cost institutional class shares; access to investment planning tools and other educational materials; the potential for penalty-free withdrawals starting at age 55; broader protection from creditors and legal judgments; and the ability to postpone required minimum distributions beyond age 70½, under certain circumstances. If your employer-sponsored plan account holds significantly appreciated employer stock, you should carefully consider the negative tax implications of transferring the stock to an IRA against the risk of being overly concentrated in employer stock. You should also understand that Commonwealth and your financial advisor may earn commissions or advisory fees as a result of a rollover that may not otherwise be earned if you leave your plan assets in your old or a new employer-sponsored plan and that there may be account transfer, opening, and/or closing fees associated with a rollover. This list of considerations is not exhaustive. Your decision whether or not to roll over your assets from an employer-sponsored plan into an IRA should be discussed with your financial advisor and your tax professional.