Roll It, Take It, or Leave It?
What to Do With Your 401(k) After Job Loss
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- 3:00–4:00 PM PST
- Live on Google Meet — registration required
- 100% free. No credit card. No sales pitch.
You have three options. Choosing wrong can cost you thousands.
When you leave a job — whether by layoff, firing, or your own choice — your 401(k) doesn’t disappear, but you do have to decide what to do with it. Most people make this decision in a stressful moment, without understanding the consequences.
This workshop walks you through all three options, the tax implications of each, and the steps to take so your retirement savings stay protected.
What You'll Learn
- 1.
Your three options, explained plainly
Rollover, cash out, or leave it where it is — what each actually means and when each makes sense.
- 2.
The tax traps that catch people off guard
Why cashing out can mean losing 30–40% to taxes and penalties, and how to avoid the most expensive mistakes.
- 3.
What to do in the first 60 days
Time-sensitive decisions, paperwork, and deadlines you can’t afford to miss after job loss.
- 4.
How to protect your retirement during a career transition
Practical steps to keep your long-term savings on track even when income is uncertain.
Who This Is For
Anyone who has recently lost a job and wants to understand their choices when it comes to their 401(k). No financial background required.
About The Smart Foundation for Financial Literacy
The Smart Foundation for Financial Literacy is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing free, practical financial education to individuals and families across all communities. We offer 13 free educational modules and host live workshops on topics including budgeting, investing fundamentals, risk management, and long-term planning.
This workshop is offered free of charge as part of our educational mission. There is no product to buy and no sales presentation.
EIN: 39-3912001