Personal Finance

I'm in my 30s with $2.4 million in my brokerage account but only $120k in my employer 401(k)- what should I do with this account?

Kristin Hitchcock

Published: December 8, 2024 12:54 pm

The r/ChubbyFIRE community is full of interesting financial discussions, especially when it comes to retirement accounts. One Reddit user, 35 years old with $2.4 million in taxable investments and $120,000 in a 401(k), posed an important question: What should I do with my 401(k) after retiring early?

This is one question that doesn’t get asked much, but it makes complete sense! Even if you don’t have much money in a 401(k), what do you do with it after you stop working?

I’ll review the options below. Remember, these are just my suggestions, not financial advice.

Key Points from This Article

• Leveraging even a small 401(k) can make all the difference during retirement, whether you do that through conversions, rollovers, or simply letting it grow.
• You’ll need to consider income needs, tax considerations, and your financial goals when determining what to do with your 401(k).
• Also: Take this quiz to see if you’re on track to retire ^(Sponsored)

The Context

To understand this question, we need to understand the context in which it was asked. The Redditor has a substantial taxable portfolio, which provides flexibility. However, the smaller 401(k) balance—minimally funded to capture a $6,000 annual employer match—raises questions about how to optimize it for retirement.

Should they leave the 401(k) untouched and forget about it? Or convert it into a Roth?

Options for the 401(k)

Here are the potential paths the Redditor (or someone in a similar situation) can take:

1. Leave It as Is

Advantages:

• Funds remain tax-deferred, allowing them to grow without immediate tax consequences
• No need to pay conversion taxes
• Employer-sponsored plans often have robust creditor protections

Potential Downsides:

• Limited investment options in 401(k) plans
• Required minimum distributions will kick in at age 73

2. Roll It Over to an IRA

Advantages: 

• Greater investment flexibility compared to most 401(k) plans
• Easier to consolidate accounts, simplifying retirement management
• Can serve as a bridge for Roth conversion

Potential Downsides:

• Rolling funds into an IRA means losing 401(k)-specific protections

3. Start Roth Conversions

Advantages:

• Tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement
• Eliminates RMD obligations
• Ideal for early retirees in low-income years before Social Security

Disadvantages

• Upfront tax liability
• Requires careful planning to avoid higher tax brackets

Additional Factors to Weigh

Beyond these options, the Redditor should consider a few key elements:

• Current and Future Tax Brackets: Capital gains can easily push someone into a higher tax bracket, especially on a large, taxable portfolio. You can strategically time Roth conversions to minimize taxes over time.
• Healthcare Costs: Managing taxable income is essential to qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies. Converting too much to a Roth early could jeopardize these benefits.
• Estate Planning Goals: A Roth account better aligns with legacy goals, as heirs can inherit Roth IRAs tax-free.
• Sequence of Withdrawals: Having a mix of taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts provides flexibility to optimize withdrawals for tax efficiency.