A job change is a big change, and it's one of those changes happening to people with greater frequency for a variety of reasons. For many of these job seekers and switchers, past and future employers offer some kind of retirement savings plan, meaning these job transitions come with decisions to make around retirement planning for those investing in them.

Do you leave your 401(k) where it is? Roll it over to a new one? Open a new account and put the money in there? What are your other options? The right choice for your situation isn't always clear. This episode's guest, Sarah Buchardt, a corporate financial consultant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Schwab, will help us navigate these questions.

To read the study Mark references on the connections between gratitude and a charitable mindset, check out "Gratitude, Finance, and Financial Gratitude Reminders in Charitable Giving: A Repeated Experiment Over Time" in Financial Services Review.

Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. 

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions.

Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

​This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.

A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. Carefully consider all of your available options which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). Prior to a decision, be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider factors such as differences in investment related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to your individual circumstances.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co.

There are certain eligibility requirements for working with a dedicated Financial Consultant. 

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB.

(1223-3546)