401(k) & IRA rollovers

What a rollover actually is,
before anyone talks you into
one.

A rollover is not an investment and not a product — it is a way of moving money from one tax-advantaged account to another without necessarily creating a taxable distribution. The mechanics and the questions you ask first matter.

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The basics

Moving the account without creating a taxable event.

Direct rollover

The plan or IRA pays the new account directly, usually by wire or a check made payable to the receiving institution for your benefit.

Indirect (60-day) rollover

A check is payable to you. Special deadlines, withholding and eligibility rules apply, and mistakes can create taxes or penalties.

In-service or plan-to-plan

Some plans allow moving money to another plan while you are still employed, or at a specified age, if plan documents permit.

Before you decide

Four things to compare first

Fees and expenses · Investment options · Creditor protection · Access and tax timing.

A rollover can change costs, legal protections, distribution options and investment choices. Consider the alternatives before moving anything.

Who this is for

Concrete situations where a review is worth an hour.

You have two or three plans from former employers.
You cannot say what you are paying in plan fees.
You have reached the point where money needs to become income.
You are within about ten years of retirement, or already there.
Your beneficiaries have not been checked since you opened the account.
Someone handed you a rollover form and you want it explained.

What a review conversation looks like

Bring the statements, and we’ll build the comparison together.

Bring, if you have it

Most recent statement from each old 401(k), 403(b) or IRA
Name of the plan administrator or custodian
Whether any money is Roth, after-tax, or rolled over from elsewhere
Outstanding plan loans or employer stock holdings
Your expected retirement and income timing

What we do with it

Read the existing terms and identify costs and restrictions
Compare practical alternatives and trade-offs
Explain any proposed changes in plain English
Put next steps in writing, without an obligation to proceed

Common questions

The questions people actually ask.

Will I owe tax on a rollover?

A properly executed eligible direct rollover between compatible tax-advantaged accounts is generally not taxable, but Roth conversions, after-tax amounts and other exceptions require care.

Do the fees change? This is the part I don’t understand.

They can. Compare plan administration fees, fund expense ratios, advisory fees, surrender charges and any new product costs.

Can I roll over a 401(k) from an employer I still work for?

Sometimes. Your plan must permit an in-service distribution and applicable eligibility requirements must be met.

What happens to my beneficiary designations?

They may not transfer automatically. Review and update beneficiaries on any receiving account.

Is a rollover right for everyone?

No. Keeping assets in the existing plan, moving to a new employer plan, or rolling to an IRA each has different benefits and trade-offs.

What does the review cost me?

An initial review is complimentary. Any potential product compensation or fees should be explained before a decision.

Do I have to consolidate everything?

No. Consolidation is optional, and employer-plan protections, costs and features may make retaining some accounts preferable.

Other services

Explore related topics

Life insurance →Fixed index annuities →

Get in touch

Let's look at what you have.

Send a note or call directly — whichever is easier. Tell us roughly where you are and what's on your mind, and we'll come prepared.

Call or text(310) 927-9468 Emailsteve@canyonllc.net

Ask for a review here.

Tell us what to look at and how to reach you. Calls, texts and emails all reach Steve — whichever you prefer.