The Personal Finance Notebook
Straightforward frameworks for everyday money choices, from cash flow to big life goals.
What To Do With Your Old 401(k) Before Year-End: Smart Moves for Retirees and Job Changers
Many retirees and job changers leave old 401(k)s behind, which can lead to higher fees, limited investment options, and lost control.
Year-end is the perfect time to review and consolidate accounts for better organization and tax efficiency.
Rolling your old 401(k) into an IRA offers broader investment choices, clearer fees, and easier integration with your retirement income plan.
Direct rollovers prevent unnecessary taxes or penalties and help keep your money growing tax-deferred.
A well-planned IRA rollover can simplify retirement management and create more flexibility for future Roth conversions or withdrawals.
What’s Driving the S&P 500 to Record Highs?
The S&P 500 is reaching record highs on the back of stronger earnings, Fed rate cuts, and ongoing AI momentum.
Corporate buybacks and new leadership from health care stocks are adding fuel beyond just big tech.
For investors, new highs are a reminder to revisit allocations, rebalance, and stay disciplined with long-term plans.