2025's top locations for 401(k) rollovers

[UNITED STATES] Managing your retirement savings effectively is crucial. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the 401(k) rollover. As we look ahead to 2025, understanding the best practices and options for rolling over your 401(k) can significantly impact your financial future. This comprehensive guide will explore the top places to roll over your 401(k), the benefits of doing so, and expert advice to help you make informed decisions.

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand why rolling over your 401(k) can be advantageous. When you leave a job, you have several options for your old 401(k), but rolling it over into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) often provides the most benefits.

Sandra Cho, RIA, wealth manager, and CEO of Pointwealth Capital Management, explains:

"Specifically for rolling over an employer-sponsored retirement plan, the advantages are numerous. Rolling over this account will provide you with greater investment options and increased transparency compared to keeping the 401(k) with the previous fund company."

Key benefits of a 401(k) rollover include:

• Increased investment flexibility
• Potentially lower fees
• Consolidated retirement savings
• Greater control over your investments
• Possible tax advantages

Top Places to Roll Over Your 401(k) in 2025

When considering where to roll over your 401(k), it's crucial to choose a provider that aligns with your financial goals and investment style. Here are some of the best options for 2025:

1. Fidelity IRA: Best Overall Rollover IRA

Fidelity stands out as the top choice for overall best rollover IRA. It caters to both passive and active investors, offering self-directed and robo-advisor options. Fidelity Go, their robo-advisor service, invests in a mix of domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, and short-term investments.

Key Features:

1. Access to retirement tools and calculators
2. Option to open a brokerage account within your IRA
3. One-on-one coaching calls with Fidelity Go accounts

What to Watch Out For:

• 0.35% advisory fee for accounts over $25,000
• Higher margin rates compared to competitors
• No tax-loss harvesting with Fidelity Go

2. SoFi IRA: Best for Beginners

SoFi's rollover IRA is an excellent choice for those new to investing. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward planning tools make it one of the best options for beginners.

Key Features:

• No account minimum or fees
• 1% match on rollovers and contributions
• Access to certified financial planners

What to Watch Out For:

• No tax-loss harvesting for automated accounts
• Limited investment selection

3. Vanguard Personal Advisor: Best for Advanced Investors

Vanguard Personal Advisor is ideal for more experienced investors looking for a combination of digital management and personalized advice.

Key Features:

• Ongoing financial advice from fiduciary advisors
• Tax-loss harvesting
• Customized financial plans

What to Watch Out For:

• High minimum investment of $50,000
• Advisory fees decrease with larger account balances

4. Betterment IRA: Best for Socially Responsible Investing

For those looking to align their investments with their values, Betterment offers an excellent platform for socially responsible investing.

Key Features:

• Multiple socially responsible portfolio options
• Low fees and no minimum investment requirement

Tax-loss harvesting

What to Watch Out For:

$100,000 minimum balance required to access Certified Financial Planners

5. Wealthfront IRA: Best for Large Accounts

Wealthfront is a competitive choice for those with larger account balances, offering advanced investment strategies for accounts over $100,000.

Key Features:

• Tax-loss harvesting and direct indexing
• Wide range of investment options, including crypto trusts
• Low annual fees

What to Watch Out For:

• $500 minimum to start investing
• No human advisor access

6. Charles Schwab IRA: Best for Investment Options

Charles Schwab offers a wide array of investment choices, making it an excellent option for those who want diverse portfolio options.

Key Features:

• Extensive selection of stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds
• No account minimum for standard accounts
• Commission-free trading

What to Watch Out For:

Higher minimum for automated investing accounts ($5,000 or $25,000 for Portfolios Premium)

Expert Advice on 401(k) Rollovers

To provide you with the best guidance, we've consulted industry experts on the ins and outs of 401(k) rollovers.

Tessa Campbell, Investment and retirement reporter at Personal Finance Insider, advises:

"Make sure to roll over the old 401(k) assets into a new IRA or 401(k) plan within 60 days of leaving your previous employer, or you may receive additional taxes or penalty fees. If you have trouble finding your old 401(k) plan, you can use services like Capitalize or Meet Beagle for help."

Sandra Cho adds:

"I would advise them to reach out to their old 401(k) provider as soon as possible. They need to make sure that they know all the details about how to rollover their account and have to remain persistent. Sometimes 401(k) companies do not have the best customer service and are delayed in their responses or actions."

Understanding Different Types of Rollovers

When considering a rollover, it's essential to understand the different types available:

Traditional IRA Rollover: Offers tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth. Ideal if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement.

Roth IRA Rollover: Provides tax-free withdrawals in retirement and no required minimum distributions (RMDs). Best if your 401(k) was funded with after-tax dollars.

Brokerage Account Rollover: Offers greater investment flexibility but loses tax advantages. Rolled-over funds are taxed as income plus a 10% early withdrawal fee.

Robo-Advisor Rollover: Provides automated portfolio management but may incur taxes and penalties similar to a brokerage account rollover.

Steps to Roll Over Your 401(k)

• Choose your new IRA provider
• Open an account with the chosen provider
• Contact your old 401(k) plan administrator
• Initiate the rollover process
• Choose your investments in the new IRA

Remember, it's crucial to complete the rollover within 60 days to avoid potential taxes and penalties.

As we approach 2025, rolling over your 401(k) can be a smart move to maximize your retirement savings. By choosing the right provider and understanding the process, you can take control of your financial future and potentially increase your long-term returns.

Whether you're a beginner investor looking for simplicity with SoFi, an advanced investor seeking personalized advice with Vanguard, or somewhere in between, there's a rollover option that fits your needs. Remember to consider factors such as fees, investment options, and available resources when making your decision.

By taking action now and rolling over your old 401(k), you're setting yourself up for a more secure and prosperous retirement. Don't let your hard-earned savings languish in an old account – take control and make your money work harder for you in 2025 and beyond.