I Just Got LAID OFF – What Should I Do With My Old 401k retirement plan?
Unfortunately, many hard-working Americans are getting laid off. But don’t make the mistake of keeping your hard-earned money in your old company’s 401k plan. You should strongly consider doing a 401k rollover into a traditional IRA. Doing this will save you time, money, and give you more investment options.
Layoffs are terrible. Even in this tough time, it’s important to make good financial decisions.
#layoffs #laidoff #401krollover #personalfinance…(read more)
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Losing a job is never easy, especially in the current uncertain economic climate. However, if you have been laid off or are facing the possibility of a layoff, there is one thing you can do to secure your financial future – take action with your 401k.
A 401k is a retirement savings plan offered by many employers in the United States. It allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars to your retirement savings, and your employer may also contribute to your account. Many people neglect their 401k plans, only making minimum contributions or failing to review their investment choices. However, if you have been laid off, your 401k plan can potentially be a lifesaver.
If you have been laid off, you have a few options when it comes to your 401k plan. You can leave the account with your former employer, transfer the funds to a new employer’s 401k plan, transfer the funds to an Individual retirement account (IRA), or cash out the account. While cashing out may seem like the most attractive option in the short term, there are numerous downsides to this decision. First, you will pay a hefty penalty fee for withdrawing the funds before retirement age (59 1/2). Second, you will have to pay income tax on the withdrawal, which can be a significant sum.
The best option for protecting your future financial security is to transfer the funds to a new employer’s 401k plan or an IRA. If you transfer the funds to a new employer’s 401k plan, you will be able to continue making contributions to your retirement savings and potentially receive matching contributions from your new employer. If you decide to transfer the funds to an IRA, you can choose your own investment options and have more control over your retirement savings.
However, there are some potential downsides to both options. For example, if you transfer the funds to a new employer’s 401k plan, you may be limited in your investment choices or may have to wait a period of time before being able to make contributions. If you transfer the funds to an IRA, you may face higher fees for managing your account.
Ultimately, the key is to take action with your 401k plan as soon as possible. With the potential for a layoff looming, it is crucial to safeguard your retirement savings. Talk to your human resources department or a financial advisor to explore your options and choose the best option for your individual circumstances.
In conclusion, being laid off can be a stressful and uncertain time, but taking proactive steps with your 401k plan can help secure your financial future. By transferring the funds to a new employer’s 401k plan or an IRA, you can continue to save for retirement and have more control over your investments. It is important to do your research and consult with a financial professional to make the best decision for your financial needs.
Why do they lock your money into a group investment anyway? Why aren’t we as employee’s allowed to take advantage of the fact that we are part of a larger source?