401(k) Rollover Decision Tool

Evaluating your rollover options is an important part of retirement planning. BlueLine Advisors provides personalized retirement guidance for individuals and families across New Hampshire and nationwide. Use this tool to compare your options and better understand the considerations.

Leaving a job? Compare your four main options.

This tool provides a general overview of your four main 401(k) options and their illustrative financial impact based on the figures you enter. Results are estimates only — tax treatment varies by individual circumstances. Please speak with a licensed advisor before making rollover decisions.

⚖️ All 4 options illustrated 💸 Illustrative cost of cashing out 📈 Illustrative growth projection
Your 401(k)
$
yrs
yrs
%
Your Situation
$
%
%
Balance Today
—
Before any decision
Est. Best Option Value
—
Illustrative at retirement
Est. Cost of Cashing Out
—
Illustrative difference
Est. Fee Drag
—
High vs. low fees
Your Four Options — Illustrative Ranking

⚠️ Illustrative Impact of Cashing Out

Cashing out a 401(k) early typically results in a 10% early withdrawal penalty (if under 59½) plus income tax on the full amount, as well as the loss of future tax-deferred growth. The figures below are illustrative estimates — actual tax owed depends on your individual situation. Please consult a tax advisor before making this decision.

—
Est. early withdrawal penalty (10% if under 59½)
—
Est. income tax added — estimated only
—
Illustrative lost growth at retirement

Illustrative Growth Comparison

How each option may grow over your horizon, based on the assumed return and fee rates entered. Actual returns vary and are not guaranteed.
Roll to IRA Roll to new 401(k) Leave in old plan Cash out — after est. tax

General Action Checklist

General steps to consider when managing a 401(k) after a job change. This is not personalised advice — speak with a licensed advisor to confirm the right approach.
  • Confirm your old plan's current balance, fees, and investment options.
  • Review whether your new employer's plan accepts rollovers and what funds it offers.
  • Compare costs between leaving the old plan, a new 401(k), and an IRA.
  • Avoid cashing out unless absolutely necessary — penalties and taxes are significant.
  • Use a direct (trustee-to-trustee) rollover to avoid mandatory withholding.
  • Speak with a licensed advisor and tax professional before deciding.

Want to understand the right move for your situation?

These estimates are illustrative only and not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice. A BlueLine Advisors consultation can help you assess your options and understand the tax implications for your specific circumstances.

Schedule a Free Rollover Consultation

Important Disclosures

This material is provided by BlueLine Advisors LLC ("BlueLine") for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment, tax, or legal advice. Nothing herein should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to adopt any investment strategy. BlueLine Advisors LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

All information reflects the views of BlueLine as of the publication date and is subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements, projections, outlooks, and illustrative examples are not guarantees of future performance and are based on assumptions that may not be realized. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Asset values fluctuate, and investors may receive back less than the amount invested. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Benchmark and index performance is shown for reference only. Indices are unmanaged, are not available for direct investment, and do not reflect the deduction of advisory fees, transaction costs, or other expenses. Any charts, graphs, or tables are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice.

Key assumptions embedded in this tool include: a user-specified assumed annual rate of return applied to all non-cash-out options; user-entered expense ratios applied to the old plan and IRA options; a 10% early withdrawal penalty applied to the cash-out option for users under age 59½; federal income tax on cash-out amounts estimated using marginal rate based on entered income and filing status. This tool does not account for state income taxes on distributions, net investment income tax, early withdrawal exceptions, after-tax (basis) amounts in the 401(k), plan-specific rules or restrictions, or individual tax circumstances. Actual tax owed on a distribution will vary. Consult a qualified financial and tax professional before making rollover decisions.