Should I cash out my 401k when I change jobs?
I'm leaving my job and I have about $12,000 in my 401k. The new job has its own plan. Should I cash out the old 401k, leave it where it is, or roll it over somewhere? I could really use the cash right now. What are the downsides of just taking the money?
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Make a budget and actually stick to it. Boring advice, I know, but it works. The envelope method helped my family — cash in labeled envelopes for groceries, gas, fun money. When the envelope is empty, you're done spending in that category.
4 Answers
Make a budget and actually stick to it. Boring advice, I know, but it works. The envelope method helped my family — cash in labeled envelopes for groceries, gas, fun money. When the envelope is empty, you're done spending in that category.
I made this exact mistake when I was younger and it cost me. Learn from others instead of learning the hard way. The personal finance section of any bookstore has dozens of books — they mostly say the same sensible things for a reason.
The biggest financial mistake I see people make is not having an emergency fund. Before investing, before paying extra on debt, save 3-6 months of expenses in a savings account. This protects you from going into debt when unexpected things happen.
Be very skeptical of anything that promises high returns with no risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. The dot-com bust should have taught everyone that lesson. Slow and boring index funds beat hot stock tips over the long run.
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