Your Advice Options

Principal

Already know what you would like to do?

Need help deciding? Review your options or call 800-247-8000, ext. 1193 (Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT).

We have a dedicated Retirement Consultant team to help walk through your retirement goals and provide a recommendation based on your individual needs. ,

Because you're a valued customer, this service is complimentary.

A job change for you means new options for your retirement account.

No matter where you are in your journey, we have resources and people within reach. Our Retirement Consultant team will help you discover the pros and cons of all your options and provide a personalized recommendation based on your retirement goals.

You have 4 options for your account.

Leave your savings in the account with your old employer’s plan.

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You want to keep your savings invested, with the same tax advantages.
  • You're happy with your current account and don’t mind leaving it with your old employer.
  • You like your current investment options.
  • You use the online planning tools and resources you have access to today.

But keep in mind…

  • You can't add more money to the account (since it's tied to your old job) or borrow money from it.
  • You’re limited to the investments your old employer chooses for the plan, and they can change the investments or other plan features (you'll be notified first).

To keep your money where it is...

Please inform us of your choice, even if it is to stay in the plan. Your money will stay in the account, and you can choose a different option later if your needs change. Log in to let us know.

Move your savings to an individual retirement account (IRA). Not familiar with IRAs? Here’s a refresher.

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You want to keep your savings invested, with the same tax advantages.
  • You want more investment options—and you’d like a professional to help you pick a mix of investments for you.
  • You want to be able to save for retirement in 1 spot that stays with you, even if you end up working somewhere without a retirement plan.
  • You want the greater flexibility and control of an account you own individually.

But keep in mind…

  • You can’t borrow money from an IRA (although you might be able to withdraw contributions for certain expenses).
  • You generally need to be at least age 59½ to withdraw your money penalty-free, compared to age 55 for most employer plans (if you leave your employer).
 

What happens in an IRA rollover?

Great question! It depends on what you want to do.

  • If you roll to an IRA with Principal, we'll open your account over the phone or online and move your money automatically. Why choose an IRA with Principal?
  • If you roll to an IRA somewhere else, you’ll work with that firm to open an account and we’ll send you a check to deposit into it.

Move your savings to your current employer’s plan (if one’s available).

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You want to keep your savings invested, with the same tax advantages.
  • You like the convenience of saving for retirement directly out of your paycheck.
  • You’d rather pick from a set list of investment options and you like the ones your employer’s plan offers.
  • You might want to borrow money from your account someday.

But keep in mind…

  • If you want to roll outside savings into your account, you’ll need to check with your employer first; not all plans allow it.
  • Not all plans allow loans; check with your employer.
  • If you change jobs in the future, you’ll have to decide what to do with your account (just like now).

You can take some or all of your savings as cash.

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You need cash now.

But keep in mind…

  • You'll pay taxes on the amount you withdraw, right away.
  • If you're under age 59 1/2, you may also pay a 10% penalty.
  • The extra cash could bump you to a higher tax bracket.
  • You might not have enough savings when you retire.

You have 4 options for your account.

Keep your money where it is

Leave your savings in the account with your old employer’s plan.

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You want to keep your savings invested, with the same tax advantages.
  • You're happy with your current account and don’t mind leaving it with your old employer.
  • You like your current investment options.
  • You use the online planning tools and resources you have access to today.

But keep in mind…

  • You can't add more money to the account (since it's tied to your old job) or borrow money from it.
  • You’re limited to the investments your old employer chooses for the plan, and they can change the investments or other plan features (you'll be notified first).

To keep your money where it is...

Please inform us of your choice, even if it is to stay in the plan. Your money will stay in the account, and you can choose a different option later if your needs change. Log in to let us know.

Roll your money to an IRA

Move your savings to an individual retirement account (IRA). Not familiar with IRAs? Here’s a refresher.

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You want to keep your savings invested, with the same tax advantages.
  • You want more investment options—and you’d like a professional to help you pick a mix of investments for you.
  • You want to be able to save for retirement in 1 spot that stays with you, even if you end up working somewhere without a retirement plan.
  • You want the greater flexibility and control of an account you own individually.

But keep in mind…

  • You can’t borrow money from an IRA (although you might be able to withdraw contributions for certain expenses).
  • You generally need to be at least age 59½ to withdraw your money penalty-free, compared to age 55 for most employer plans (if you leave your employer).

What happens in an IRA rollover?

Great question! It depends on what you want to do.

  • If you roll to an IRA with Principal, we'll open your account over the phone or online and move your money automatically. Why choose an IRA with Principal?
  • If you roll to an IRA somewhere else, you’ll work with that firm to open an account and we’ll send you a check to deposit into it.
Move your money to a new employer's plan

Move your savings to your current employer’s plan (if one’s available).

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You want to keep your savings invested, with the same tax advantages.
  • You like the convenience of saving for retirement directly out of your paycheck.
  • You’d rather pick from a set list of investment options and you like the ones your employer’s plan offers.
  • You might want to borrow money from your account someday.

But keep in mind…

  • If you want to roll outside savings into your account, you’ll need to check with your employer first; not all plans allow it.
  • Not all plans allow loans; check with your employer.
  • If you change jobs in the future, you’ll have to decide what to do with your account (just like now).
Cash out your account

You can take some or all of your savings as cash.

This could be a good fit for you if...

  • You need cash now.

But keep in mind…

  • You'll pay taxes on the amount you withdraw, right away.
  • If you're under age 59 1/2, you may also pay a 10% penalty.
  • The extra cash could bump you to a higher tax bracket.
  • You might not have enough savings when you retire.
reach out

Let Principal help you plan for your future.

Give us a call
800-247-8000
ext. 1193

Jenny Borcherding, senior financial counselor, Principal Financial Group
Our goal is to explain your options in a way that's easy to understand and relate to your situation—so you feel confident you're making the right decision.
Jenny Borcherding, Senior Financial Counselor, Principal Financial Group

Why work with Principal?

One of the World's Most Ethical Companies.  A member of the FORTUNE 500®. A global company with over $600 billion in assets under management, serving 62 million customers throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and North America.

See what Principal can offer you