Should I Keep My Sandia 401(k) Where It Is — or Roll It Over?
Retiring or changing careers from Sandia National Labs is a major milestone — and deciding what to do with your 401(k) plan is one of the most important financial moves you’ll make.
Should you leave your 401(k) where it is? Move it to your next employer's plan? Roll it into an IRA you control? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you think through your options.
Reasons You Might Consider a Rollover to an IRA
TL;DR
📈 Greater Tax Planning Flexibility
— More control over Roth conversions, RMDs, and customized withdrawal strategies.
💼 Expanded Investment Options
— Broader access beyond preset fund menus, including ETFs and custom portfolios.
💵 Potentially Lower Costs (I’m talking to you, Target Date Funds…)
— Fewer hidden fees compared to employer plans, especially target-date funds.
🤝 Personalized Financial Guidance
— Direct support from an advisor who knows your full picture — not a call center.
Rolling over your Sandia 401(k) into an IRA can offer several advantages:
Greater Flexibility for Tax Planning:
IRAs often allow more precise control over tax strategies — like Roth conversions, Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) management, and customized withdrawal plans.More Investment Options:
In an IRA, you're not limited to a preset investment menu. You can access a wider range of investments — including lower-cost ETFs, custom portfolios, and personalized strategies.Potentially Lower Fees:
Some employer 401(k) plans carry administrative, recordkeeping fees, and layers of fund costs that may quietly add up. An IRA can sometimes offer lower overall costs, especially with transparent advisory models.Personalized Service:
Rather than relying on call centers or general plan support teams, a rollover lets you work with a dedicated advisor who knows your full financial picture and personal goals.
Key Factors to Compare
Fees: IRA advisory vs. Admin Fees & Fund Fees
Investment choices: Broader ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, private management
Service model: Dedicated advisor vs. call center queue
Tax planning: More proactive in an IRA with advisor oversight
Why Some Sandia Professionals Leave Their 401(k) Where It Is — And Why That Might Not Be Best for Everyone
At first glance, leaving your Sandia 401(k) in place after retirement can seem like the simplest path. It’s familiar. Your investments are already established. No immediate paperwork or account setup is required.
But simplicity today doesn't always mean flexibility tomorrow.
Employer plans often limit your investment options to a predefined menu. Service tends to be routed through large institutional teams, rather than personalized advice. And as your financial needs become more complex — including tax strategies, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and income planning — staying put may no longer align with your goals.
Before deciding to leave your account where it is, it's worth weighing the trade-offs carefully.
📞 Want a quick, no-pressure check-in about your retirement plan? Schedule a free 15-minute call here.
Disclosure:
This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where personal advice is necessary or appropriate, Grinstead Wealth Management recommends consulting with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, attorney, or financial advisor.
A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. You should carefully consider all available choices, which may include: keeping assets in your former employer’s plan, rolling assets to a new employer’s plan, taking a taxable distribution, or rolling to an IRA. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, including but not limited to differences in investment options, fees and expenses, withdrawal rights, creditor protections, required minimum distributions, and tax treatment. Before making a decision, please consider your specific circumstances and consult with the appropriate professionals.
