When you leave an employer, your old 401(k) becomes a significant opportunity to build your retirement savings. By rolling it into an IRA, you can decrease fees, access a broader range of investment opportunities, and take more control over your financial future. This blog will walk you through the reasons for making this move, the steps involved, and the key benefits of a Self-Directed IRA.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA matters
- The benefits of choosing an IRA over a 401(k)
- What Self-Directed IRAs are and how they expand investment opportunities
- A step-by-step process to roll over your 401(k)
Why Consider Moving Your 401(k) to an IRA?
Lower Fees
One of the key differences between 401(k)s and IRAs is the cost. Traditional 401(k)s often come with higher fees. Small business 401(k) plans, for example, have average annual fees of around 1.5%, and even large plans hover around 1%. If you have $100,000 in your 401(k), you could be paying $1,500 a year in fees.
By comparison, IRAs—including self-directed options that allow you to invest in alternative assets like real estate, private companies, and even cryptocurrency—often have lower annual fees. This can save you significantly over time.
Greater Investment Options
Most 401(k) plans limit you to a narrow selection of mutual funds, target date funds, or other options dictated by the plan administrator. These might not align with your financial goals or provide the returns you’re aiming for. Rolling over into an IRA (especially a Self-Directed IRA) can provide access to a much broader range of investments, from stocks and bonds to alternative assets like real estate, private lending, and more.
Learn more about investment options with IRAs here.
Flexibility and Control
Leaving a 401(k) with a previous employer or simply transferring it to a new employer plan may limit your ability to customize your investment strategy. On the other hand, an IRA gives you the autonomy to choose investments that align with your financial expertise and long-term objectives. You are in control—not your employer or plan provider.
If you’re new to IRAs and want to learn what makes Self-Directed IRAs different, explore our guide on Self-Directed Accounts.
Step-by-Step Process to Roll Over Your 401(k) into an IRA
- Inventory Your 401(k): Identify the type of funds in your 401(k). Do you have pre-tax (traditional) dollars, post-tax (Roth) dollars, or both? Knowing this will determine the type of IRA accounts you need.
- Open an IRA: Decide where to open your IRA. If you want access to investments like real estate, private companies, or cryptocurrency, consider setting up a Self-Directed IRA. You can open an account easily at Directed IRA.
- Sell Funds to Cash: Before transferring, you’ll typically need to liquidate the investments in your 401(k) and convert them to cash. This step ensures that the transfer process is smooth and avoids complications related to transferring specific assets.
- Initiate the Rollover with Your 401(k) Plan Administrator: Request rollover forms from your old 401(k) provider. Specify that the funds should be transferred directly to your IRA provider to avoid triggering taxes or penalties. If the check is sent to you, ensure it is made out to the new IRA provider, not to you personally. For detailed assistance, you can book a call with our experts.
- Complete the Transfer: Once the funds are sent to your new IRA, confirm that they have been deposited and that there are no issues. IRA providers like Directed IRA will guide you through this step to ensure everything is completed correctly.
Examples of Popular IRA Investments
Self-Directed IRAs allow for a variety of investment types. Here are a few examples:
- Real Estate: Investing in rental properties or flipping homes for a return. Learn more about real estate investments with IRAs.
- Private Lending: Acting as a lender for individuals or businesses, earning returns through interest rates. Read about investing in promissory notes and private lending.
- Cryptocurrency: Using your IRA to invest in digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Explore Crypto IRAs for an innovative way to diversify.
- Private Companies: Buy shares in startups or private businesses. Discover more options in private equity IRA investments.
Protecting Your Retirement Nest Egg
The ability to roll over an old 401(k) into an IRA gives you the power to manage your retirement savings more effectively. It’s an opportunity to reduce fees, expand your investment options, and align your portfolio with your financial expertise and long-term objectives.
If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge on retirement strategies, consider downloading our Beginner’s Guide to Self-Directing an IRA.
Start Building Your Future Today
Your old 401(k) could become the foundation for a more secure and diversified retirement. Whether you’re rolling over funds from a prior employer or unlocking investments through self-direction, taking control of your retirement plan is one of the most impactful financial moves you can make.
If you’re ready to begin, open your account or schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today.