401k Resources

Guides

Short guides to your 401(k)

Each guide takes about five minutes and links to the official IRS or Department of Labor source it draws on.

  1. What to do with a 401(k) from a former employerWhen you leave a job, you generally have four choices for the 401(k) you leave behind. Here is how each one works and what to compare.5 min read
  2. How a 401(k) rollover works, step by stepDirect and indirect rollovers, the 60-day rule and 20% withholding explained in plain English, with the steps in order.6 min read
  3. What 401(k) fees really costThe kinds of fees inside a 401(k) or IRA, where to find them, and why a small percentage can add up over many years.5 min read
  4. Common 401(k) rollover mistakesSeven avoidable errors people make when moving an old 401(k), from checks made out to the wrong payee to money left sitting in cash.5 min read

Looking for something else? The Learning Center covers IRAs, Social Security, Medicare, taxes in retirement, estate planning basics and more.