Author Topic: Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?  (Read 1789 times)

lefty

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Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?
« on: August 15, 2016, 07:30:59 AM »
Just left my job and would like to move that 401k (fidelity Fid 500 - FUSVX) to my Vanguard Trad IRA ( VTSAX).
Is there a better time to do this versus now?
Suggestions if  any.
Thanks!

nereo

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Re: Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2016, 07:50:24 AM »
Assuming you have done your due diligence and are certain that you want to move your 401(k), there's no better time to do so than right now. It's a non-taxable event, so that shouldn't factor into your decision.

in the vast majority of cases it's best to roll it over. In your case, what are the fees for the FUSVX? 

lefty

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Re: Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2016, 07:53:01 AM »
Think its like 0.045%.

nereo

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Re: Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2016, 08:09:57 AM »
Well, in that case you aren't gaining a huge amount by leaving it in your 401(k).  In fact, you will be paying a (negligibly) higher amount in fees.  You get some added protection from lawsuits by keeping that money in your 401(k) vs in your tIRA.  It's also a tiny bit easier to access that money if you are laid off and/or retire at age 55 than it is for your tIRA.

But you'll have no say if your former company decides to change retirement plans, and it's just another account to keep track of.

Ultimately: your call. I'd favor rolling it over today just to keep it simple, but I value simplicity over +0.005% in annual fees.

MDM

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Re: Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2016, 08:22:45 AM »
If you might want to do a Backdoor Roth IRA then leaving the money in a 401k would be preferable.

nereo

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Re: Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2016, 08:26:39 AM »
If you might want to do a Backdoor Roth IRA then leaving the money in a 401k would be preferable.
ah, yes... good addition MDM.  If you're in (or will be in) the upper tax brackets that's another reason to keep money in your 401(k).

lefty

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Re: Time to roll over old 401k to Trad IRA - when?
« Reply #6 on: August 15, 2016, 08:42:07 AM »
Nowhere near the upper tax bracket. Thanks though.