Whether you’re still working or already retired, there’s a good chance you have an old 401(k) account lingering somewhere from a past job. We call these “orphaned” 401(k)s—accounts that get left behind and forgotten, even as your financial life moves forward.

 

They may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind. In fact, keeping retirement savings in a former employer’s plan often means:

 

• Higher administrative costs that quietly erode your balance

• Limited, outdated investment options

• Zero coordination with the rest of your financial strategy

 

It’s time to fix that.

 

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WHY WE ENCOURAGE CLIENTS TO ROLL OLD 401(K)S INTO AN IRA

 

✔ Full Portfolio Integration

That orphaned account? It’s likely not working in sync with your other current investments, risk profile, or retirement plan. We bring it under coordinated management so every dollar is aligned with your goals.

 

✔ Better Investment Options

You’re no longer limited to the stale, pre-selected fund lineup from your former employer (often loaded with high fees!). An IRA has nearly unlimited investment options – stocks, bonds, institutional-quality investments, actively managed strategies, and thematic opportunities you can’t get in a typical 401(k).

 

✔ Transparent Fees, No Fee Surprises

Old 401(k)s often come with embedded admin fees you don’t see until they’ve already reduced your returns. Even worse – the investment funds themselves often have management fees in excess of 1%, leading to all-in costs that can exceed 1.5%. At DePaolo & May, our advisory fees are transparent, and there are no hidden platform charges buried in the fine print.

 

✔ Ongoing Oversight (Finally)

No more accounts collecting dust. We actively manage your investments, rebalance as needed, and make tax-smart moves year-round—not just when you log in or remember it exists.

 

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ONE DECISION, LONG TERM IMPACT

 

According to a recent study, Americans have left behind over $1.6 TRILLION in forgotten 401(k)s. That’s not just idle money—it’s untapped opportunity. By bringing that old plan into a professionally managed IRA, you’re putting your wealth back on the offensive.

 

Whether you’re mid-career with multiple job changes or enjoying retirement with a stray account still stuck in a corporate plan, we can help.

 

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LET’S BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

 

We’ve helped countless clients roll over old 401(k)s into fully managed IRAs that fit into the rest of their strategy. If you’ve got an account floating out there—no matter how big or small—it’s worth talking about.

 

Let’s turn your scattered savings into a streamlined plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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