Job Transition

As you transition from your previous job, you have important decisions to make regarding your employer's retirement plan, including whether to rollover the assets into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). It's your responsibility to make sure your investments are helping you meet your financial goals. We can help you examine your retirement options.

Now is the perfect time to establish—or revisit—a list of your career goals and dreams.

• Should you leave your money where it is, or take it with you?
• Is it better to roll the money over into an IRA or into your new employer's retirement plan?
• Which type of retirement plan offers the highest level of protection from creditors?
  Which offers the easiest access to your funds?
• Are you aware of any tax options or benefits available to you?

Put your financial picture into perspective and plan the right strategy for moving forward. Your vested balance in your employer's retirement plan is yours to keep. You have several options:

• Roll your qualified savings into an IRA. Consolidating your retirement plan assets into an individual retirement account lets you keep your tax advantages, simplify the number of accounts you have and can expand your investment options.
• Leave your savings in a former employer's plan. This option is convenient, but your previous employer might not make the same choices for your savings as you would. If you think you might change jobs again, you may end up with several accounts to track in the future.
• Transfer savings to a new employer plan. This strategy may limit your investment options. If you choose to indirectly roll funds into the new plan, you will likely be charged 20% income tax.
• Take cash. Taking cash can subject your savings to large tax penalties, and can put your retirement security in jeopardy.

Each retirement savings vehicle has advantages and disadvantages. Certain plans offer more investment options. Others allow you to borrow against the value of your account. As you grow closer to retirement, revisit your goals and your financial situation with a financial advisor. Together you can determine the right way to keep your retirement funds working for you.