How to Rollover a 401k to an IRA | 7 Easy Steps

Rob Berger β€’ January 26, 2021
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Rob Berger

@rob_berger

About

This channel is dedicated to helping you achieve financial freedom. Videos cover everything from getting out of debt to investing for the very first time. TOPICS: --Getting out of debt --Creating a budget that works --Investing for retirement in a 401(k) or IRA --Buying a home --Improving your credit --Understanding insurance --Managing student loans --Finding the best banks and credit cards --Saving money ABOUT ME: I've been writing about personal finance and investing since 2007. After spending 25 years as a securities lawyer in Washington DC, I retired in 2016 to run my personal finance blog full time. Since then I've sold the blog, and now serve as the Deputy Editor of Forbes Money Advisor. I'm also the author of Retire Before Mom and Dad--The Simple Numbers Behind a Lifetime of Financial Freedom.

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How to rollover a 401k to an IRAπŸ“š My book, Retire Before Mom and Dad-https://amzn.to/3onzW0S πŸ“Š Best investment tracking tool-https://go.robberger.com/empower/yt- Resources & Tools πŸ“š My Book (of course): https://amzn.to/3onzW0S βœ… Personal Capital: https://go.robberger.com/empower/yt- βœ… My favorite credit cards: https://www.allcards.com/go/cr-best-credit-cards/yt-56 βœ… Checking accounts: https://www.allcards.com/best-checking-accounts/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=yt56&utm_campaign=401krollover βœ… Online savings accounts: https://www.allcards.com/best-online-savings-account-rates/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=yt56&utm_campaign=401krollover βœ… Rakuten (Ebates): https://go.allcards.com/rakuten/yt-55 βœ… Free Investment Tracking Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TgS9I6k495XvBbUmjO7fzC05iAQM815Y7gbk2u2EbE0/edit?usp=sharing 0:00 7-Step 401k Rollover 0:23 Step 1: Decide where to open an IRA The two primary choices are a traditional broker or a robo-advisor 2:00 Step 2: Select the type of IRA account For most, I believe a Rollover IRA is the best option 4:18 Step 3: Get help from IRA provider Don't call your 401k company to start the process. Start with your new IRA provider. 5:17 Step 4: Contact your 401k provider It's here that you'll initiate the rollover 7:10 Step 5: Deposit check into Rollover IRA It's critical that this happen within 60 days to avoid taxes and penalties. 7:40 Step 6: Invest the money When the money is deposited in your Rollover IRA, it will go into a cash account. You must invest in according to your investment plan 8:00 Step 7: Designate beneficiaries It's critical to designate primary and secondary beneficiaries. Consult your trust and estates attorney for advice. If you want to rollover a 401k to an IRA, it's critical that you get the process right. One mistake can trigger taxes and even penalties. It starts with deciding where to open your Rollover IRA. I recently chose Merrill Edge, but there are other good brokers. You might also select a robo-advisor like Betterment or Wealthfront. One you decide, the next step is to call the IRA provider. Don't start with your 401k provider. The IRA company can help you through the process. If the rollover is by check, make sure to get it deposited into your new Rollover IRA within 60 days. If you don't, the IRS could deem it a distribution and charge you taxes and a penalty. Once it's in the new IRA, be sure to invest the money according to your plan and set the primary and secondary beneficiaries. ABOUT ME While still working as a trial attorney in the securities field, I started writing about personal finance and investing In 2007. In 2013 I started the Doughroller Money Podcast, which has been downloaded millions of times. Today I'm the Deputy Editor of Forbes Advisor, managing a growing team of editors and writers that produce content to help readers make the most of their money. I'm also the author of Retire Before Mom and Dad--The Simple Numbers Behind a Lifetime of Financial Freedom (https://amzn.to/3by10EE) LET'S CONNECT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9C17-OMxa-7oRSaCtztObw?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialfreedomguy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Robert_A_Berger DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial adviser. These videos are for educational purposes only. Investing of any kind involves risk. Your investment and other financial decisions are solely your responsibility. It is imperative that you conduct your own research and seek professional advice as necessary. I am merely sharing my opinions. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. However, I only recommend products or services that (1) I believe in and (2) would recommend to my own mom.

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