The days of one main career (job), one income, one home and one spouse, are most certainly less of an occurrence than the reality we face today which, as we build and grow, we move between companies, start our own, upsize and upgrade.
During the years of career growth, its not unusual for you to move to different companies. What is a concern however, is what we leave behind. A common question we get asked is “Can we just tidy everything up”. A valid goal to have, as we explore in our article below:
Consolidating 401(k) arrangements into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can offer several advantages. Here are some reasons why someone might consider this consolidation:
Greater control and investment options: IRAs generally provide a wider range of investment choices compared to employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. By consolidating your 401(k) accounts into an IRA, you gain more control over your investments and can select options that align better with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Simplified management: Having multiple 401(k) accounts from previous employers can make it difficult to keep track of your retirement savings and manage them effectively. Consolidating these accounts into a single IRA simplifies the management process by reducing paperwork, administrative tasks, and account fees.
Potentially lower fees: Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans often come with administrative and management fees, which can vary depending on the plan provider and investment options. By consolidating into an IRA, you may have the opportunity to choose a low-cost provider and investment strategy, potentially reducing fees and improving your overall returns over time.
Rollover flexibility: Rolling over 401(k) funds into an IRA gives you more flexibility in how you handle your retirement savings. With an IRA, you can choose between traditional or Roth IRA options, which have different tax advantages. Additionally, you can consolidate funds from different types of retirement accounts, such as 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457 plans, into a single IRA.
Estate planning advantages: Inherited IRAs often provide more flexibility and options for beneficiaries compared to inherited 401(k) accounts. By consolidating your 401(k) plans into an IRA, you may enhance estate planning opportunities, such as setting up a stretch IRA, which allows beneficiaries to extend the tax-deferred growth of the account over their lifetimes.
It’s important to note that there may be specific circumstances in which leaving funds in a 401(k) plan makes sense, such as access to unique investment options, employer contributions, or the potential for penalty-free withdrawals. It’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional who can assess your individual situation and help you make an informed decision.
Brite Advisors USA, Inc are experts in providing personalised investment advice and building solutions to manage your pensions and investments. We will help you set out clear goals and help you achieve your targets.
Book a free consultation with us today and explore your options.
Source material:
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/071715/8-reasons-roll-over-your-401k-ira.asp
https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/changing-jobs-should-you-roll-over-your-401k
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At Brite Advisors USA, we work with UK ex-pats all over the USA on their investment needs, both retirement and non-retirement. Our US-based advisory team seeks to provide an outstanding experience for all clients.
We facilitate UK pension transfers using UK Self-Invested Personal Pension Plans (“SIPP”) provided by UK-regulated pension trustees for clients who want to save for their retirement by taking advantage of potential stock market growth.
Contact us today to find out more.
Disclosures:
- No Investment Advice: This financial commentary is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be, construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or financial instrument or invest in any equity or investment strategy. It should not be used to form the basis of any investment decision.
- Investment Risks: There are risks associated with investing in securities and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always seek professional advice before investing.
- Not Legal/Tax Advice: This financial commentary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal, regulatory, tax, or accounting advice. Always seek professional advice and consult with your legal counsel, tax and accounting advisors when contemplating any course of action.
