Americans are moving jobs faster than ever. The Harvard Business Review reports that the average monthly quit rate has increased since 2009. This trend was accelerated by the “Great Resignation” in 2021. This trend is affecting how professionals approach investment strategies.
The prospect of a new job can offer better pay and a better culture for the American workforce. It can also have an impact on your investment strategy. Ty Young, Ty J.’s CEO, will be sharing his thoughts in this article. Young Wealth Management explains how changing jobs can impact your retirement planning.
How changing jobs impact your investment plans
You can change your retirement plans if you switch jobs.
Ty Young explains, “When you make contributions to your 401(k), or retirement plan there is often an matching contribution. [And] that matching contribution will most likely be tied to a vesting program. This means that if you leave a company you may be leaving a portion of the matching contribution.
This means that if the timing is wrong, you might miss one of your most important benefits. Young says that it’s no reason to not take on a better job. This is just something you need to be aware of.
The Hidden Costs of Job-Hopping
While changing jobs can be attractive, there are also risks. You’re presuming that the next job you want is available.
Ty Young says, “If you job hop enough, at some point, there might no new place to jump to if things go wrong.” This could result in unemployment that would likely negatively impact your long-term retirement plan.
Job hunting can lead to a dead end, which can also impact the timing and amount of your investments.
This will limit your ability to build wealth over time. At worst, you could lose the support that you would receive from your company’s matching retirement plan or other benefits.
How to Change Jobs
Are you thinking of changing your job? These aren’t intended to discourage you from changing jobs, but to help you think about what you might do. These are some tips to help those who want to change jobs.
1. Keep your retirement accounts together
Ty Young observed that when people change jobs, they often leave their 401ks at the previous employer. This can lead to a costly mistake. For most people, rolling those 401(k),s into a self directed IRA is the best option. Then you can invest in your investment goals.
This is a sensible approach. You’ll find a lot smaller 401(k), plans if you have frequent job changes. These plans aren’t as effective at helping you build wealth than a centralized IRA. Keep your retirement accounts in one place.
2. Make sure you get the timing right
Is your employer contributing to your retirement? If your employer matches your retirement contributions, you should make sure that you stay in the same job for as long as possible to reap the benefits. You could lose an important benefit.
3. Avoid Jumping Too Often
As they say, the grass is always greener at the other end of the fence. Make sure your next job is a good fit before you make any major career moves. You could regret a career move that will have long-term financial consequences for your family.
Make your Retirement count
Ty J. Young is dedicated to helping investors achieve their potential, no matter if your goals are immediate retirement or a more immediate investment strategy. Ty J. can help you develop an investment strategy. Young today.
