What Should You Do with Your 401(k) if You’ve Lost Your Job (or Been Furloughed)?

COVID-19 has taken a toll on our workforce, with an unprecedented number of people filing for unemployment insurance in the last few weeks. If you’ve lost your job or are worried about losing it, you may be wondering: should I do anything different with my 401(k)?

When you get another job

Rollover your 401(k) into your new employer’s plan. A 401(k) is among the most powerful ways to save for retirement and offers a high contribution limit, no income restrictions for contributing, and often comes with an employer match to help your nest egg grow faster.

If your new job doesn’t offer a 401(k), ask your employer to offer one. They’ll need to save for retirement, too, not to mention there are tax benefits for them for offering a plan. If your new job still doesn’t offer a 401(k), you can roll your old 401(k) into an IRA. Shop around and compare your rates to make sure you get a good rate. No matter which tool you use to save, save.

For now, until you get a new job

For the time being, it’s likely best to keep your money where it is. You may be tempted to take a loan or a hardship withdrawal from your 401(k), but taking money out of the market now — when it’s at a low — will lock in your losses. That’s far from ideal.

After the 2008 Financial Crisis, people were met with the same decision and those who stayed in the market did experience financial recovery from their losses whereas others who took money out when the market was low had the surety of having a lower balance. The best bet is to give it time for the market to recover.

Stay focused on your retirement goals

Both a 401(k) and an IRA give tax-advantaged ways that you can save for retirement. A 401(k) offers several advantages, including tax benefits and a higher contribution limit. You can read more about the advantages of a 401(k) and how it differs from an IRA here.

Saving is something you should aim to be doing as consistently as you can, even if it’s only a little bit. Above all, remember that saving for retirement is a long-term game. The longer you remain in the market, the more time you have for your savings to grow and compound over time.

What if I need to cash out?

We at Human Interest understand the harsh financial reality many are facing but cashing out your 401(k) early should only be used as a last resort. Look for another way to access money if you need it, perhaps a loan or other source of equity, or the stimulus for individuals through the CARES Act. Compare those options versus taking money out of a 401(k) by looking at the interest rates, any tax implications, as well as the terms you’ll be held to pay the money back. Locking in your losses by taking money out of a 401(k) is like paying a high-interest rate. You don’t want to shortchange your future ability to retire.

Impact to SMBs

A lot of people may find themselves in this boat as COVID-19 and the economic fallout have resulted in a record 17 million Americans filing for unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, those most impacted are those that work for America’s industries that are dominated by small and medium-sized businesses, e.g. restaurants, bars, food service, retail, hospitality, and more.

The CARES Act

Amongst other relief packages from various organizations – signed into law on March 27th provides aid to businesses and grants qualifying Americans. But with the shutdown in effect until May, the $1,200 stimulus check may not be enough as many are already struggling to pay rent, keep the lights on, or put food on the table.