Wealth with Intention

Let's talk about something that trips up even the most financially savvy women I know: what to do with your 401(k) when you leave a job. Whether you just accepted an exciting new offer, walked away from a toxic workplace, or are navigating a divorce, your retirement savings deserve a thoughtful strategy rather than a panicked decision made under pressure.

A 401(k) rollover is simply the process of transferring your retirement funds from your old employer's plan to a new account. Done correctly, it's tax-free and penalty-free. Done incorrectly, it can cost you thousands. That's why I want to walk you through your options with clarity and intention, so you can make a decision that actually aligns with your financial goals.

What Are Your Main 401(k) Rollover Options?

You generally have four choices when it comes to your old 401(k):

1. Roll it over to an IRA. This is often my first recommendation for clients because it opens up a much wider range of investment options and frequently co...

Every year, the same question lands in my inbox from smart, accomplished women who are trying to do right by their financial futures: "Leah, should I just max out my 401(k)?"

It sounds like such a simple yes-or-no question. And the internet will happily give you a confident, one-size-fits-all answer. But here is the truth: it depends, and the details of that dependency matter enormously.

In 2025, the IRS lets you contribute up to 3,500 to a 401(k) if you are under 50, and up to 1,000 if you are 50 or older (thanks to catch-up contributions). Maxing that out sounds virtuous. Responsible. Like the financial equivalent of eating your vegetables. But blindly maxing your 401(k) without considering your full financial picture can actually work against you.

First: What Is the Case FOR Maxing It Out?

Let us give credit where it is due. There are genuinely compelling reasons to contribute as much as possible to your 401(k):

• Tax-deferred growth. Every dollar you put in reduces your taxabl
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A self-directed 401(k) or 403(b) is an additional investment option to the traditional retirement plans offered by your employer. It might be available to you and you don’t even realize it. In those traditional plans, your employer pre-approves funds you can invest in, whereas a self-directed 401(k) or 403(b) allows for a little more flexibility in choosing what you can invest in.

Whether it’s you or someone outside your company’s organization, the option of a self-directed 401(k) could be great for you if you like having a little more say in where your money goes. It’s important to note that not all employers offer this option, so check with your organization to see if you’re able to participate in a self-directed brokerage of your investments.

Do you know what’s happening with your money? 

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to who have no idea how their 401(k) is invested. It’s usually not managed well because they don’t know how to select their investments nor do they...

Whether you’re starting a new job that offers retirement savings options, or you’re looking into managing your investments yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you feel like investment lingo is too far beyond your wheelhouse to tackle, learning about the different types of retirement account is a good place to start. In this case, get a basic understanding of the differences between a Roth IRA vs 401(k). Let's work through what each of those types of accounts is, how to use them, and the pros and cons of each. Spoiler alert: Some people are eligible to take advantage of both account types.

What is a 401(k)?

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored savings plan, which is often included in the benefits package of a full-time job. If your job offers a 401(k), you can sign up through your employer. The account is then managed through the financial institution of your employer’s choosing. 

Once you’ve signed up for your 401(k) account, you’ll have the option to fund the account directly...