Leaving a Job? What to do with your 401(k)

I was listening to my local news station when a segment came on, a 5 minute bit of money advice with a local author and financial planner, Jonathan Pond.

I like his conservative approach. What’s unfortunate is that a quick few minutes to discuss any financial topic is going to miss some important details. In this case, the host asked what one should do with their 401(k) when they leave a job. Jon’s answer was to not leave it languish in the old account, to move it to an IRA. I hope listeners took that advice as “don’t forget about the 401(k), get more information.” I often say that it’s called personal finance  for a reason. Not all situations are identical. Let’s review 3 situations where leaving the account where it is would be best:

• You were 55 or older when you left the company. Did you know that if you retire at 55, and try to take an IRA withdrawal before age 59-1/2, you’ll pay a 10% penalty? Yes there are some workarounds, a Sec (72t) withdrawal for instance. The simplest thing, however is to leave the funds in your 401(k) where you can withdraw with a 20% tax withholding, but no penalty, if you separated at 55 or older.
• Your old 401(k) had great investing options. It’s possible. My old company 401(k) uses a Vanguard S&P fund that has a .02% annual expense. This is a $200 fee for every $million invested. The typical 401(k) expense is 1% or .02% per week.
• Last, you’ve been doing well, well enough that you can’t make a pre-tax IRA deposit. Still, each year, you can do the back door Roth. Deposit to the IRA and immediately convert to Roth. Easy, right? Yes, but if you transfer your 401(k) to an IRA, and then try this maneuver, you’ll be in for a headache and tax bill. Conversions to Roth are prorated, all your IRA money is considered. So if you had $95K in your IRA and then deposit $5K to convert, 95% of the conversion will be taxable. Keeping the funds inside the 401(k) is the way to keep these funds segregated.

Are you making this decision right now? What factors have been part of your thought process? Have friends or family been giving you advice to go one way or the other?