Locating an Old 401(k): A Step-by-Step Guide

by | Dec 10, 2023 | 401k | 21 comments

Locating an Old 401(k): A Step-by-Step Guide




There are millions of dollars in 401(k)s that are unclaimed! Here is how you can find out if you have an old 401(k) you forgot about and what to do with it!

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If you have changed jobs over the years, there’s a good chance that you may have left behind a 401(k) retirement account with a former employer. While it’s common for people to lose track of these old accounts, it’s important to locate and consolidate them in order to manage your retirement savings more effectively. Here’s how you can find an old 401(k) and take control of your retirement funds.

First, start by tracking down your old employer’s contact information. If you happen to have any old pay stubs or tax documents from the time you were contributing to the 401(k) plan, these may have the employer’s contact information. If not, you can try searching for the company online or contacting your former colleagues for assistance.

Once you have the contact information for your old employer, reach out to the human resources department or the plan administrator. They should be able to provide you with details about the 401(k) plan, including the plan name, your account number, and information for the plan’s custodian or trustee.

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Next, contact the plan’s custodian or trustee to locate your old 401(k) account. Most 401(k) providers have dedicated customer service representatives who can assist you in locating your account and providing information on its current status and balance.

If you are having trouble finding your old 401(k), you can also use the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. This is a free online service that can help you locate any unclaimed retirement funds, including old 401(k) accounts.

Once you have located your old 401(k), you have a few options for what to do with the funds. You can choose to keep the money in the old 401(k) account, roll it over into your current employer’s 401(k) plan, or transfer it to an Individual retirement account (IRA).

Consolidating your old 401(k) accounts can help you better manage your retirement savings and make it easier to track your investments and allocate your funds. Plus, by consolidating your accounts, you may also be able to minimize fees and maximize your investment returns.

In conclusion, finding an old 401(k) account may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and resources, it can be a relatively straightforward process. By taking the time to locate and consolidate your old 401(k) accounts, you can take control of your retirement savings and ensure that you are making the most of your hard-earned money.

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21 Comments

  1. @Sean__B

    Waste of my time.

  2. @marchandnoel4745

    What do You recommend for a Service to find Lost Accounts like : Beagle ?

  3. @Gcoastone

    They never do. I keep having to fast forward all of these vids. Just trying to find a real answer

  4. @limeria9196

    i was never educated about how the 401k works , ive been working since i was 16

  5. @midnightblue496

    I was my mother’s main beneficiary she transition 20 years ago what happened to her 401(k)

  6. @grahamjonesfamily1634

    The problem with reaching old employers is when they cease to exist. If the company went under. Then it's best to find a company like Beagle Financial or search that national registry of unclaimed retirement funds

  7. @bignico1990

    This video ddnt really help

  8. @familyb4everything625

    Get to the fu×king point.. a bunch of unnecessary talking and time wasting

  9. @richardtran5617

    Question I changed jobs 2020 and I invested probably 10k in R01k. I checked my ADP and my company I worked and my 401k said it’s inactive to 0$. I know I’ve invested roughly 8-10k into it now it’s inactive. What should I do ?

  10. @yanasitta

    Now I feel like I have illegitimate kids somewhere out there.

  11. @solma555

    Sorry Mr. You look like just promoting your job. Can you show us how to look 401K online step by step??

  12. @stevengorum2727

    I'm talking 40 years ago……NO I DON'T GET A TAX RETURN SHOWING I GOT MONEY BLAH BLAH. BLAH !!!!!!!!!!

  13. @colecole4638

    I’m goin thru this RIGHT now goin back to in 2001…. Omg you went over everything I was wondering about. I believe mine was with CitiBank Investment…. Thank you sir

  14. @irenealvarez1497

    Thank you I didn't even thought in claim it

  15. @menwaka1905

    Ummmmm naaa still does

  16. @amandaa6303

    I've worked many places what do you do if you didn't keep the tax document?

  17. @A.Musa76

    I have reached out all my old company and they don't have anything. Some of my company went down under. I found unclaimed money property in my state comptroller (I'm in the middle of claiming it). This will be your best bet. I been on the hunt for my old 401k for the last 10 years. I have found it by searching my name on the comptroller website for unclaimed money. Also to let you know they want proof of the previous property that listed on the account.

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