A practical guide to protecting your retirement savings and planning a confident future.

Retirement Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

When you’re approaching retirement, few decisions feel as overwhelming as what to do with your 401(k). Should you roll it over? Keep it where it is? Convert it to an IRA? These are questions nearly every retiree faces — and they can make or break your financial security.

At Arcuri & Associates Assurance Agency, we believe retirement planning should be simple, straightforward, and stress-free. Since 1983, our advisors have helped families across Salem, Columbiana County, and Mahoning County, Ohio make confident financial choices that protect their hard-earned savings.

If you’re looking for 401(k) rollover help in Salem, Ohio, or want to explore your options for retirement planning in Columbiana County, this guide will walk you through the essentials — from how rollovers work to how to create a plan that supports your lifestyle for decades to come.

Understanding What Happens to Your 401(k) After You Retire

When you leave a job — whether for retirement or a career change — you have several options for what to do with your 401(k):

• Leave it with your former employer’s plan
  This may make sense temporarily, but it can limit your control, investment options, and access to funds.
• Roll it into your new employer’s plan
  If you’re still working and your new company allows it, this can help consolidate your savings.
• Cash it out
  Not recommended for most retirees, since you’ll face taxes, potential penalties, and loss of future growth.
• Roll it into an IRA
  This is often the best choice for flexibility, investment options, and control — especially if you’re seeking help from a retirement planning advisor in Mahoning County, Ohio.

A rollover ensures your funds remain tax-deferred while giving you more freedom over how your money is invested.

Why 401(k) Rollovers Make Sense for Many Retirees

1. More Investment Choices

Employer plans typically offer a limited selection of funds. An IRA rollover opens access to thousands of investment options — from conservative bonds to diversified mutual funds and annuities designed for retirement income.

2. Continued Tax Advantages

By rolling over your 401(k) into a traditional IRA, you maintain the tax-deferred status of your savings, helping your money grow faster over time.

3. Simplified Management

If you’ve changed jobs several times, you might have multiple 401(k) accounts scattered across old employers. Consolidating them into one IRA makes tracking and managing your retirement savings much easier.

4. Control and Flexibility

With a 401(k) rollover, you decide where and how your funds are invested — not your employer’s plan administrator. You can also more easily adjust your strategy as retirement needs evolve.

How to Roll Over a 401(k) in Northeastern Ohio

Rolling over your 401(k) may sound complicated, but with the right help, it’s actually straightforward. At Arcuri & Associates, we handle every step carefully to make sure your savings transfer is smooth, compliant, and tax-efficient.

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Review Your Current 401(k)

We start by evaluating your existing plan — looking at fees, investment performance, and available options. Some employer plans are strong; others have high administrative costs that make rollovers more appealing.

Step 2: Choose Your Destination Account

You can roll your funds into:

• A Traditional IRA(tax-deferred)
• A Roth IRA(after-tax contributions and tax-free withdrawals later)
• Another qualified employer plan (if still working)
• We’ll help you determine which makes the most sense based on your age, tax bracket, and retirement timeline.

Step 3: Initiate a Direct Rollover

A direct rollover transfers funds from your 401(k) directly to your new IRA. This method avoids penalties and tax withholding — ensuring 100% of your money continues working for you.

Step 4: Build a Diversified Retirement Portfolio

Once your funds arrive, we help you create a diversified investment strategy that balances growth with safety — protecting your nest egg while ensuring it lasts through retirement.

Common 401(k) Rollover Mistakes to Avoid

Even a small error in timing or paperwork can lead to unexpected taxes or penalties. Here are some common pitfalls we help our clients avoid:

• Taking a check directly from the plan administrator – If you receive the money personally (even if you intend to deposit it into an IRA), the IRS may withhold 20% for taxes, and you must redeposit the funds within 60 days.
• Failing to update beneficiaries – When rolling over accounts, it’s critical to ensure beneficiary designations are accurate.
• Mixing pre-tax and post-tax funds incorrectly – If you have after-tax contributions, we’ll help you separate them properly to maintain compliance.
• Delaying too long – Leaving old 401(k)s unmanaged can mean higher fees and missed opportunities for growth.

Our goal is to make sure every form is filed correctly and every step aligns with your long-term goals.

The Importance of Holistic Retirement Planning

A successful retirement plan isn’t just about rolling over your 401(k). It’s about building a complete financial roadmap that aligns with your healthcare, lifestyle, and income goals.

At Arcuri & Associates, we help clients in Salem, Columbiana County, and Mahoning County consider all aspects of retirement, including:

• Medicare coordination — Choosing the right healthcare coverage is vital when you leave employer benefits.
• Life insurance and legacy planning — Protecting your loved ones and minimizing estate taxes.
• Guaranteed income options — Using annuities or other vehicles to ensure a steady income stream for life.
• Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies — Knowing when and how to draw from IRAs, 401(k)s, and Social Security.

Retirement planning isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s why our face-to-face approach matters. We sit down with you, explain your choices, and ensure you fully understand the “why” behind every recommendation.

How to Choose the Right IRA Rollover Advisor Near You

Not all advisors are the same. When it comes to managing your life savings, you want a partner who prioritizes education, integrity, and ongoing personal support.

When selecting a retirement planning advisor in Mahoning County, Ohio, look for someone who:

• Takes time to explain your options clearly
• Is independent and not tied to one carrier or fund company
• Offers in-person guidance, not just online tools
• Provides ongoing reviews and support long after the rollover
• That’s exactly what we do at Arcuri & Associates. For over 40 years, we’ve built trust with local families through transparency, accessibility, and results.

When to Roll Over Your 401(k)

Timing your rollover properly can help maximize growth and minimize taxes.

• When you retire or change jobs: The ideal time to consolidate accounts and simplify management.
• When fees increase: Older employer plans may charge high administrative fees.
• When investment performance lags: Rolling over gives you more investment flexibility.
• When approaching age 73: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin, so having funds in one account can simplify calculations.
• If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, we can review your plan, evaluate potential tax implications, and outline your best next steps.

Integrating 401(k) Rollovers Into Your Overall Retirement Plan

The best retirement plans are coordinated, not piecemeal. That means connecting your 401(k), IRA, Medicare, and insurance coverage into one cohesive strategy.

Here’s an example of how it all works together:

• You roll over your 401(k) into a Traditional IRA.
• You select a Medicare plan in Columbiana County with predictable out-of-pocket costs.
• You add a life insurance policy to cover final expenses or supplement income.
• You work with a trusted advisor to rebalance your portfolio annually.

This kind of integration is what turns confusion into clarity — and uncertainty into confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About 401(k) Rollovers and Retirement Planning

Q: Do I pay taxes when I roll over my 401(k)?

A: Not if it’s a direct rollover. The funds move directly from your employer plan to your IRA without triggering taxes or penalties.

Q: Can I roll over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA?

A: Yes, but it’s considered a Roth conversion and you’ll pay taxes on the amount rolled over. We’ll help you determine whether that strategy makes sense for your situation.

Q: What’s the difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?

A: A Traditional IRA uses pre-tax dollars (taxed when withdrawn), while a Roth IRA uses after-tax dollars (withdrawals are tax-free). The right choice depends on your current income and retirement goals.

Q: I have multiple old 401(k)s. Can I combine them?

A: Absolutely. Consolidating accounts simplifies your portfolio and can reduce fees — especially if you’re working with a single trusted advisor.

Why Local Retirees Trust Arcuri & Associates

Since our incorporation in 1996, we’ve been helping individuals across Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania plan smarter retirements through education-first guidance.

We’re not just financial advisors — we’re your neighbors. We take the time to sit with you, answer questions, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Our promise:
Clear explanations, not financial jargon
Personal support — before, during, and long after rollover
Straightforward advice tailored to your goals

Because retirement isn’t about numbers on a page — it’s about peace of mind.

Take the Next Step Toward a Confident Retirement

If you’re exploring 401(k) rollover help in Salem, Ohio, or want to connect with a retirement planning advisor near you, we’re here to guide you. We’ll review your current accounts, explain every option, and create a custom strategy that helps you enjoy retirement with confidence.