Finance

401(k) and IRA decisions: what to do with the accounts you've spent decades building.

Old 401(k)s, rollover decisions, contribution rules, traditional vs. Roth — the account questions that come up when retirement gets close.

401(k) & IRAs

What Should You Do With an Old 401(k)?

When you leave a job — or retire — you have four options for your old 401(k). Each has real trade-offs. Here's what they are, when each one makes sense, and the one option most people don't fully think through.

401(k) & IRAs

IRA vs. 401(k): What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?

Both accounts let your money grow tax-advantaged. But contribution limits, investment options, employer matches, and withdrawal rules differ in important ways. Here's how to think about which one to prioritize.

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401(k) & IRAs

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: The Core Difference

The core question is simple: do you want to pay taxes now or later? The answer depends on your tax rate today vs. what you expect in retirement — and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

401(k) & IRAs

How a 401(k) to IRA Rollover Works

Rolling over a 401(k) to an IRA is one of the most common financial moves people make at retirement — and one that's easy to get wrong. Here's the step-by-step, including the mistake that triggers an unexpected tax bill.

401(k) & IRAs

Required Minimum Distributions: When the IRS Requires You to Withdraw

Traditional 401(k)s and IRAs require minimum withdrawals starting at a certain age. Understanding when RMDs kick in, how they're calculated, and what happens if you miss one is essential planning.

401(k) & IRAs resources

Tools relevant to this topic.

Retirement Readiness ChecklistCovers 401(k) rollover decisions and IRA account choices.Free download

401(k) Rollover GuideStep-by-step walkthrough of your rollover options and how to avoid tax mistakes.Coming soon

Traditional vs. Roth ComparisonSide-by-side breakdown of tax treatment, RMDs, and withdrawal rules.Coming soon

Official government resources

Straight from the source.

IRA Contribution Limits — IRS.govCurrent year IRA contribution and deduction limitsOfficial Gov Resource
401(k) Contribution Limits — IRS.govContribution limits, rules, and plan informationOfficial Gov Resource
Rollover Chart — IRS.govWhich account types can roll into whichOfficial Gov Resource

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401(k) and IRA decisions: what to do with the accounts you've spent decades building.

What Should You Do With an Old 401(k)?

IRA vs. 401(k): What's the Difference and Which Should You Use?

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: The Core Difference

How a 401(k) to IRA Rollover Works

Required Minimum Distributions: When the IRS Requires You to Withdraw

Tools relevant to this topic.

Straight from the source.

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