What should you do with an old 401(k)? Tim Ulbrich and Tim Baker explore your options, common pitfalls, rollover strategies, and how to make smart moves with old retirement accounts after leaving a job.

Summary

When you leave a job, what happens to the retirement account you left behind? In this episode, YFP Co-Founder & CEO, Tim Ulbrich, PharmD, and YFP Co-Founder & COO, Tim Baker, CFP®, RLP®, RICP®, take a deep dive into the important financial decisions surrounding old employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s.

Tim and Tim discuss the impact these often-overlooked accounts can have on your overall financial plan and explore your available options, whether that’s leaving the money in your former employer’s plan, rolling it over to your new employer’s plan, or transferring it to an IRA.

They break down the pros and cons of each approach, highlight common mistakes like the “set it and forget it” trap, and explain why understanding fees and account access is so important. The conversation also emphasizes the value of working with a fiduciary advisor and the serious risks of cashing out these accounts too soon.

To complement the episode, they introduce YFP’s new guide: The Best and Worst Moves to Make with an Old 401(k), designed to help you avoid costly missteps and feel confident in your next move.

Whether you're changing jobs, planning ahead for a career transition, or simply want to be more intentional about your retirement savings, this episode will give you the clarity and guidance you need.

Mentioned on the Show

• First Horizon’s Pharmacist Home Loan
• Your Financial Pharmacist
• YFP Guide: Best & Worst Moves to Make With an Old 401(k)
• FIRE Rx: The Pharmacist’s Guide to Financial Independence
• YFP Episode 404: 5 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Financial Planner
• Reference: 2024 Kitces Report on Financial Planning