The Biggest 401(k) Mistake People Make
You've got four options for what to do with your 401(k) when you leave a job, and one of them is pretty bad.


Changing jobs? You might be unaware of the choices available to you for the money in your 401(k) account.
People often assume that when they leave a job, the money must leave with them. This common misperception often emanates from financial advisers, brokerage firms and mutual fund companies, all of whom are often incentivized to encourage you to move your 401(k) to potentially higher cost IRAs.
Fortunately, not all financial planners behave this way. Many are devoted to helping their clients get the most out of their retirement savings. So be sure that, when getting information about your 401(k), you’re getting advice from a financial adviser who acts as a fiduciary — meaning they are serving your best interests (instead of their own).
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Common Misconceptions Can Cost You Money
A recent Financial Engines survey found that many Americans don’t know they might be able to keep money in a former employer’s 401(k) plan. Indeed, of individuals between 35 and 65 years of age who left a job where they had a 401(k), nearly half (42%) didn’t know this. So, it’s no surprise that many of those surveyed also didn’t know the consequences of their rollover decisions.
That’s why it’s so important that you understand your options, so you can choose what’s best for you. Here are the choices available to you when you leave your employer:
Withdraw the money and spend the cash.
Yes, you’re allowed to liquidate your 401(k), but you shouldn’t. In fact, more than one-third of survey respondents (34%) said they had done this prior to retirement. Younger Baby Boomers (38%) were most likely to have done so, compared to 31% of Gen Xers (ages 39-54) and 36% of older Millennials (ages 35-38).
Unless you’re facing a dire circumstance, withdrawing cash from your 401(k) is a bad idea, and should only be done as a last resort. Not only is the money gone — never to be available to you in retirement — you’ll owe income taxes plus a 10% IRS penalty if you’re under age 59½.
Roll over the money to an IRA.
Some employees do a “rollover” — moving the money to an IRA. Many financial advisers, brokerage firms and mutual fund companies encourage this option, so they can earn commissions on the transaction or fees by managing the assets. The question you must answer is whether the rollover to an IRA is in your best interests. And, sometimes, it is: An IRA might provide you with investment opportunities not available in your 401(k). And by moving assets to an adviser, you might obtain services you otherwise wouldn’t receive. Thus, it’s important to understand the costs and the benefits, so you can make an informed decision.
Transfer the money to your new employer’s 401(k) plan.
Not all employers offer this choice, but it’s worth considering if yours does. Consolidating your accounts in one place makes it easier to manage your money. This option may be best if you’re satisfied with the investment choices available in your new employer’s 401(k) plan.
Leave it where it is.
And what is often the best option is one ignored by many employees: Leave the money where it is, in your former employer’s 401(k) plan. Many plans offer low fees and good investment options, so consider this choice before you act. The greatest benefit of remaining in a former employer’s plan is having access to the institutional buying power and high-quality plan design that many leading employers have made available. The result can be potentially much lower fees, which translates into increased retirement savings over the long-term, and more varied and higher-quality investment options.
While you may need to track multiple accounts if you leave a 401(k) at an old employer and open a new one at your current job, the upside is that you can have more savings.
And as you evaluate your options, you likely will find it easier to make the best choice by working with a trusted, independent financial adviser. Nearly 80% of those surveyed by Financial Engines said they believe it is important to get financial advice from an adviser who is a fiduciary.
The Bottom Line
By understanding your retirement savings options when leaving a job, you can be more confident that you can achieve your financial goals.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
Here's Why I'm Upgrading to the iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is here. Learn what's new, where the best deals are and whether it's worth the switch.
-
September Fed Meeting: Live Updates and Commentary
The September Fed meeting is a key economic event, with Wall Street keyed into what Fed Chair Powell & Co. will do about interest rates.
-
I'm an Investment Strategist: This Is How the Fed's Next Rate Move Could Impact Your Wallet
Interest rate cuts might be coming, which could affect everything from your credit card debt to your mortgage. It's smart to prepare now — here's how.
-
I'm a Retirement Planner: These Are Three Common Tax Mistakes You Could Be Making With Your Investments
Don't pay more tax on your investments than you need to. You can keep more money in your pocket (or for retirement) by avoiding these three common mistakes.
-
Answers to Every Early Retiree's Questions This Year, From a Wealth Adviser
From how to retire in a crazy market to how much to withdraw and how to spend without feeling guilty, a financial pro shares the advice he's given this year.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: You've Built Your Wealth, Now Make Sure Your Family Keeps It
The Great Wealth Transfer is well underway, yet too many families aren't ready. Here's how to bridge the generation gap that could threaten your legacy.
-
An Expert Guide to Outsmarting Inflation: Don't Let It Restrict Your Retirement
Inflation is often underestimated when estimating retirement income, education funding or investment returns. These strategies can help preserve your purchasing power and reduce your financial anxiety.
-
Your 401(k) Options Just Got More Complicated: Here's What You Need to Know
Private equity, real estate and expanded annuities are now options, but they are more complex, less flexible and more expensive to own.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Here Are Five Phases of Retirement Planning You Have to Get Right
A solid retirement plan is a must, but you can't go halfway. Neglecting just one area of your plan could cause the whole thing to collapse.
-
Greed, Fear and Market Volatility: A Financial Adviser's Guide to Keeping Emotions Out of Investment Decisions
Don't panic! And don't be so confident in the stock market that you overlook risk. Instead, be logical. Your retirement security could depend on it.