
401K ROLLOVERS
1. Is Your Retirement Plan Still With a Previous Employer?
Don’t panic — this is common, and moving your old retirement account is simple. Our licensed advisors help you roll over your old 401(k) into a qualified account that’s fully in your control and protected from unnecessary market risk.
We focus on income and protection, not speculation. Our licenses allow us to recommend only products that cannot lose principal value — giving you peace of mind for retirement and life’s unexpected events.
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2. Understanding Your 401(k)
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that lets you save pre-tax dollars and defer taxes until withdrawal. Employers may offer self-directed or trustee-directed options that invest in mutual funds, bonds, and money markets.
When you leave a job, that account remains tied to your former employer until you decide to move it.
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3. What to Avoid — Leaving It Behind
Leaving funds with your former employer can limit your choices and keep your money tied to a plan’s restricted investment menu — often without safeguards for income or principal. While you can transfer it to a new employer plan, doing nothing is one of the least effective retirement moves.
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4. What to Avoid — Taking a Lump-Sum Payout
Cashing out can trigger heavy taxes and penalties:
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20% withholding automatically sent to the IRS.
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10% early-withdrawal penalty if under age 59½.
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Entire balance added to your annual income — possibly pushing you into a higher tax bracket.
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In most cases, cashing out is the fastest way to shrink your retirement savings.
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5. How to Keep Your Money Safe
When you change jobs or retire, you have a one-time opportunity to roll your funds into a new qualified account with more flexible options and income protection.
Many clients choose IRA annuities because they:
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Maintain tax-deferred growth
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Provide guaranteed principal and lifetime income options
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Offer market-linked growth without market losses
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Types of IRA Annuities:
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Immediate Annuities: Begin paying guaranteed income right away — monthly for life or for a set period (single or joint).
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Deferred Annuities: Allow continued growth while providing guaranteed income later. Many offer riders guaranteeing a 5–7% minimum return with the ability to lock in higher market gains.
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Tip: Before rolling over, check whether your former employer offers an internal annuity option. Once you transfer funds out, you usually can’t reverse the rollover.
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6. Speak to a Licensed Insurance Agent
Our independent advisors walk you through each rollover option and show how to protect and grow your retirement income safely. We handle the paperwork, ensure proper custodial transfers, and help you avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties. ​​​Speak to an Agent – To see the full list of carriers we work with, click here.
