Consolidate and optimize your retirement accounts for better growth and lower costs
A retirement rollover is the process of moving funds from one retirement account (like a 401(k) from a previous employer) to another account (like an IRA). This is typically done when you change jobs, retire, or want to consolidate multiple retirement accounts.
Rollovers allow you to maintain the tax-deferred status of your retirement savings while gaining access to more investment options, potentially lower fees, and simplified account management.
Many people leave money in old 401(k)s without realizing they could save thousands in fees and gain better investment control through a rollover.
Annual Fee Savings
$1,875
20-Year Savings
$39,750
Fee Difference
0.75%
Potential Savings: By rolling over to a lower-fee IRA, you could save thousands over your retirement years!
| Factor | Direct Rollover | Indirect Rollover | Roth Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Withholding | None | 20% withholding | Income tax owed |
| Timeline | No deadline | 60 days | No deadline |
| Complexity | Simple | Complex | Moderate |
| Tax Efficiency | Most efficient | Least efficient | Strategic |
| Recommended For | Most people | Short-term needs | Tax planning |
Combine multiple old 401(k)s into one account
Impact: Easier management, clearer picture of retirement savings
Move from high-fee 401(k) to low-cost IRA
Impact: Save 0.5-1% annually in fees ($5,000-$10,000+ over 20 years)
Access thousands of investment choices vs. limited 401(k) options
Impact: Better portfolio diversification and control
Easier access to funds (with restrictions) and better planning options
Impact: More control over retirement strategy
One account to track instead of multiple
Impact: Easier record-keeping and tax reporting
IRAs offer better beneficiary options than many 401(k)s
Impact: Better wealth transfer to heirs
Timeframe: Before leaving job or anytime
Action: Evaluate current 401(k) fees and options
Timeframe: Before requesting rollover
Action: Decide between direct, indirect, or Roth conversion
Timeframe: Before initiating rollover
Action: Open IRA or new 401(k) account at financial institution
Timeframe: Initiate with old plan
Action: Contact old plan administrator and request rollover
Timeframe: 1-2 weeks (direct) or in hand (indirect)
Action: Funds move to new account
Timeframe: After transfer
Action: Verify funds received and properly invested
20% withholding tax; must make up difference or face penalties
Funds treated as distribution; income taxes + 10% penalty if under 59½
May trigger unexpected taxes or penalties
Continued high fees; lost investment control
May miss tax optimization opportunities
Immediate taxes + 10% penalty; loss of retirement savings
We handle the entire rollover process from start to finish
Help you move to lower-cost investments and accounts
Coordinate rollovers with your overall retirement strategy
Let our retirement experts help you evaluate your options and execute a rollover strategy that maximizes your savings and growth potential.