To show workers the long-term impact of cashing out their 401(k) savings when they change jobs or retire, a firm that provides rollover services for plan sponsors now offers a free Cash-Out Calculator.
Charlotte, N.C-based
Our calculator helps 401(k) plan participants see into the future and decide whether its really worth sacrificing retirement readiness for current cash, said Jim Langenwalter, the companys chief sales and marketing officer.
After a person enters his or her current age, projected retirement age, expected rate of investment return, and current plan balance into the calculator, it shows how much of their withdrawal will be left after penalties and taxes and what the account might be worth at retirement had he or she not taken the withdrawal.
Experts say as many as 45% of plan participants who leave their companies cash out their 401(k) accounts. The number of cash-outs has increased during the current economic downturn, with some 401(k) providers seeing double-digit increases in hardship withdrawals, RolloverSystems said. Loans from 401(k) savings are also rising.