401(k) & IRA Rollovers

Take Control of Your Retirement Savings

Changing jobs or getting close to retirement? A rollover can bring old workplace plans together and open up more options for your savings. We explain the pros and cons so you can decide what’s right for you.
Three colleagues laughing together in a bright office

What it is

Moving your retirement savings where they work best.

A rollover moves money from an employer plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b) or 457, into another qualified account, such as an IRA or a new employer’s plan. Done correctly, a direct rollover keeps your savings tax-deferred.

Rolling over can give you more investment and income choices, including annuities, and makes your accounts easier to manage. It isn’t right for everyone, so we compare it with leaving your money where it is before you decide.

Consolidate old workplace plans into one account
Keep your savings tax-deferred with a direct rollover
Access a wider range of investment and income options
Compare fees and features before you move

Key features

How a rollover works for you

Six reasons people roll over old retirement plans, and what we look at with you.

Consolidate accounts

Bring scattered plans from past employers into one place.

Direct rollover

Move funds straight between accounts to avoid withholding and keep them tax-deferred.

More choices

Open up investment and income options that your old plan may not offer.

Protection options

Explore fixed and fixed index annuities to help protect savings from market downturns.

Fee review

Compare the costs of your current plan with your other options.

Beneficiary review

Check that your beneficiaries are up to date as part of the move.

Benefits & considerations

The full picture, before you decide

A rollover can simplify your finances, but staying put is sometimes the better choice. Here’s an honest look at both sides.

Benefits

Simpler management with fewer accounts
Wider choice of investment and income options
Savings stay tax-deferred with a direct rollover
Easier to plan retirement income from one place
A chance to review fees and beneficiaries

Things to consider

Some employer plans have lower fees than an IRA
You may lose access to plan loans
Employer plans can have different creditor protections
An indirect rollover must be completed within 60 days to avoid taxes
Penalty-free access after age 55 may only apply in the employer plan

Why it matters

Your retirement savings shouldn’t be scattered across old employers. Bringing them together can make it easier to see where you stand and plan what comes next.

FAQ

Rollover questions, answered

Still have questions? Book a free consultation and we’ll help you compare your options before you move anything.
Will I pay taxes when I roll over my 401(k)?
A direct rollover from a traditional 401(k) to a traditional IRA is generally not taxable. Rolling into a Roth IRA is usually a taxable conversion. We recommend confirming the details with a tax professional.
What’s the difference between a direct and an indirect rollover?
In a direct rollover, money moves straight between accounts. In an indirect rollover, you receive a check, 20% is typically withheld for taxes, and you have 60 days to deposit the full amount.
Should I leave my money in my old employer’s plan?
Sometimes that’s the right choice, especially if the plan has low fees or features you value. We’ll compare it with your other options.
Can I roll over a 401(k) while I’m still working?
Some plans allow in-service rollovers, often after age 59½. It depends on your employer’s plan rules.
Can I roll my 401(k) into an annuity?
Yes. Rollover funds can often be placed into a qualified annuity, which may help protect savings and create retirement income. We’ll explain the pros and cons.

Create an account to access this functionality.
Discover the advantages