When you leave a job you can leave the 401(k) where it is, roll it into your new employer's plan, roll it into an IRA, or cash it out. We compare all four for your situation — fees, investment options, protections, and taxes — and because we're fee-only, we have no commission riding on which one you pick. Sometimes the answer is 'leave it alone,' and we say so.
Who this is for
Anyone who changed jobs — recently or years ago. The most common client isn't the person mid-job-change; it's the person with two or three orphaned accounts from past employers, statements unopened, who wants it consolidated and handled. It's also for families helping a parent sort out an old plan, which we regularly do in Spanish.
The four options, honestly compared
| Option | Usually good when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Leave it in the old plan | The plan is low-cost with strong funds | Orphaned accounts get forgotten; small balances can be forced out |
| Roll to the new plan | You want one account and the new plan is good | Limited menus; check the new plan's fees first |
| Roll to an IRA | You want full investment choice or an adviser to manage it | IRA fees can exceed plan fees — including ours; we show the comparison |
| Cash out | Almost never | Taxes plus a possible 10% early-withdrawal penalty, and the retirement money is gone |
What happens, step by step
- Gather. Your old plan statement and fee disclosure, plus the new plan's if you have one. If you can't find them, we help you request them.
- Compare. The four options side by side, in writing, with costs in dollars. When a rollover to an account we would manage is on the table, we put our own fee in the same column as everyone else's — that comparison is a fiduciary obligation, and we do it in writing. Why that matters →
- Decide. You choose. No deadline pressure from us — though old plans sometimes impose their own.
- Execute. If a rollover wins, we handle the paperwork as a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer, avoiding the 60-day trap and the 20% withholding that catches people who take a cheque.
- Invest and resume. The consolidated account gets a plan, and your ongoing contributions get a target — for 2026, the 401(k) deferral limit is $24,500, with an $8,000 catch-up at 50+, and a total of $35,750 for ages 60–63.
What it costs
The comparison and the conversation are free — that's part of the introductory process. If you decide to roll into an account we manage: Our investment-management fee is up to 2.00% of the assets we manage per year, subject to negotiation, generally billed quarterly in arrears and disclosed in writing before we begin. The firm may waive all or part of its fee. Brokerage, transaction, fund and ETF expenses may apply separately. The complete published schedule →
What this does not include
- No automatic recommendation to roll over. If your old plan is the best home for the money, that is the advice you'll get.
- No tax preparation. Rollovers have tax consequences, especially with employer stock or Roth balances involved — we flag the issues and coordinate with your CPA.
- No handling of the money itself. Transfers run custodian to custodian, in your name, never through us.
Common questions
Do I have to roll over my old 401(k)?
No. Leaving it, rolling it to a new employer's plan, rolling it to an IRA and cashing it out are the four options, and we compare all four on your numbers. If your old plan is the best home for the money, that is the advice you will get.
What does a cash-out actually cost?
A mandatory 20% federal withholding on the way out, income tax on the full amount, and — under 59½ — usually a 10% penalty on top. Run your numbers →
Is the comparison free?
Yes — the comparison and the conversation are part of the introductory process. If you decide to roll into an account we manage: Our fee is 1.5%–2.0% of the assets we manage per year, billed quarterly and itemised on your statement. There is no minimum to open an account and a $50 monthly deposit minimum after that. We take no commissions and no payments from any fund company or platform. The published schedule →
What about employer stock or Roth balances?
Both carry tax consequences a plain rollover can destroy — net unrealised appreciation on company stock in particular. We flag them and coordinate with your CPA before anything moves.
Have an old 401(k) somewhere?
Bring the statement — or just the name of the old employer. Fifteen minutes, free, English or Spanish.