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Should you pack up and roll over your old accounts?
Should you pack up and roll over your old accounts? From rollovers to transfers, deciding whether to make a move boils down to a few factors. 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable accounts have a habit of piling up over the years. People change jobs. They dabble in new investments. They try out different advisors. So every now and then, it’s good practice to weigh the pros and cons of consolidation, including access to tax-smart tools, low fees, and automated investing. We break down a few considerations below to help guide your thinking, compare options, and make the right call for your specific situation. Three considerations for making a move Performance Personalization Goal alignment Special considerations for tax-advantaged accounts Special considerations for taxable accounts A sneak peek of how we make moving easier I. Three considerations for making a move Performance It all comes down to this, doesn’t it? Will Advisor B outperform Advisor A? Will they help my investing generate more gains? We couldn’t agree more, albeit with a big clarification: Returns are a major part of performance, but they're only one piece of the pie. Taxes and fees can take a bigger bite out of your investments than you may realize. So before we help you compare returns, let’s first look at these two other pieces. Taxes To maximize your returns, minimize your taxes. And tax-savvy advisors like us take advantage of three strategies to do just that. If your old investments can’t access these benefits, it may be time for a change of address. The first strategy is called asset location, or slotting investments into different account types depending on those accounts’ tax treatments. It’s specific to retirement accounts, and it becomes much easier to do (and do well) when those accounts are consolidated with one provider. Our Tax Coordination feature takes asset location to the next level. The second strategy is specific to taxable accounts: tax loss harvesting. Tax loss harvesting can take a portion of your taxable investing and turn it into tax-advantaged investing. It’s become a tax strategy for the masses thanks to technology like ours and the low-cost trading of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Speaking of ETFs, they’re considerably more tax-efficient than most mutual funds. All of our stock and bond portfolios are built with ETFs, whereas some legacy 401(k) providers’ technology can’t even support them. If you find yourself with old investments in the form of mutual funds, consider taking a hard look at their potential tax drags and, just as importantly, their costs. Fees Investing fees fall into two main buckets. There’s the advisor fee, which goes to whoever manages your investments on your behalf (like us!). Then there are fund fees, also known as “expense ratios” or “fund operating expenses.” These are charged by the investment funds themselves that make up your portfolio. So what’s a reasonable amount to pay for each? The average advisor charges roughly 1% of the assets they manage for you. Our annual fee for investing comes in well below that average. A 401(k) with even a modest fee may cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time. The savings from rolling into a Betterment IRA of low-cost ETFs, meanwhile, can add up to a more comfortable retirement. On the fund front, the average cost of an ETF is 0.16%, about one-fourth of the cost of the average mutual fund. The biggest ETF in our Core portfolio, for example, charges 0.02%. We make it easy to see the fund fees for each investment at Betterment. Simply navigate to the Holdings tab of any goal, where you can toggle between the “Fund fees per year” expressed as a percentage of your assets or a dollar amount. Some advisors are less than forthcoming about the fees tied to their services or the investments they choose. So ask questions, and consider it a red flag if they don’t make it easy to understand your all-in costs. Returns Here’s where things get tricky, because comparing apples-to-apples returns between different providers and their various portfolios can be difficult. Some may be selling apples, while others may be selling a low-cost, globally-diversified assortment of fruit. But you can level-set somewhat by comparing portfolios with 1) similar allocations of stocks and bonds and 2) similar levels of diversification. U.S. equities have outperformed international markets since the Great Recession, but those tables were turned for extended stretches in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, and they very well could turn again. Personalization For many investors, it’s important to know what they’re investing in—and to feel excited about it. So if your old 401(k)’s “2050 Target Date Fund” doesn’t exactly set your heart aflutter, try scoping out alternatives. It’s why we build easy-to-understand portfolios appealing to a wide range of interests from socially responsible investing to innovative technology. Each one can be customized to your specific target date and easily updated when life happens and circumstances change. Goal alignment Consolidating more of your retirement accounts under the same roof unlocks several benefits. Asset location, as previously covered, is one. Asset allocation, or the ratio of different asset types like stocks and bonds, is another. It’s best when accounts serving the same goal add up to your preferred asset allocation, and that can be hard to accomplish when they’re spread across multiple advisors. At Betterment, you can nest multiple accounts under the same goal and easily set one asset allocation for all of them. II. Special considerations for tax-advantaged accounts If you’re considering moving tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs, keep a few more things in mind. Account compatibility – Deciding what kind of account to move to can make for a dizzying decision, but in a nutshell: Roth accounts must be moved to a fellow Roth account. Traditional IRAs typically move into traditional IRAs. Exceptions include some cases of backdoor Roth conversions. 401(k)s can flow into either a 401(k) or IRA. Here’s a simplified version of the IRS’s infamous rollover chart to help: Roll to Roth IRA Trad. IRA Trad. 401(k) Roth 401(k) Roll from Roth IRA ✓ X X X Trad. IRA ✓ ✓ ✓ X Trad. 401(k) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Roth 401(k) ✓ X X ✓ Some important qualifiers depend on your exact move, so we suggest studying the full chart carefully. A big one to call out is that any traditional (i.e. pre-tax) funds moved to a Roth (i.e. after-tax) account must be included in your taxable income for that year and taxed accordingly. It’s one reason why we highly recommend working with a tax advisor, especially if your specific case isn’t so cut and dry. Access – After you leave a job, your 401(k) from that job is still yours, and you can still change its investments, but you can no longer contribute to that specific 401(k) account. Avoiding taxes – In most cases, you can move tax-advantaged accounts to a new provider and pay zero dollars in taxes, but if you simply cash them out and pocket the money before the age of 59 ½, those funds are subject to a 10% early withdrawal tax on top of ordinary income tax, with few exceptions. III. Special considerations for taxable accounts Moving taxable accounts potentially comes with (surprise, surprise) tax implications. The first thing to do is suss out which of your old assets can be moved “in-kind” to a new provider. This means the new provider is able to accept the new assets, either slotting them into your new portfolio as-is or selling them on your behalf and reinvesting the proceeds. Some assets first need to be sold before you can transfer the funds. In these cases, you can first work with a new provider (like us!) and a tax advisor to estimate the potential tax hit. Then, if you decide to move ahead, you’d work with your old provider to liquidate those assets before transferring the funds. IV. A sneak peek of how we make moving easier The process of actually packing up and making a move can be complicated. It doesn’t help that it takes two advisors to tango, and your old provider may not make things easy. But we do everything possible on our end to help streamline the process. That includes letting you quickly initiate a transfer or rollover in the Betterment app. Some transfers can be serviced entirely online, whereas other transfers and most rollovers require some paperwork. If you’re considering moving $20k or more, our Licensed Concierge team is available at no cost to walk you through all the considerations above, size up whether a move is in your best interest, and should you decide to switch, help move your old assets to Betterment. Because whether moving to a new house or a new advisor, it never hurts to have a little help.
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5 financial tips: What to do when rates fall
5 financial tips: What to do when rates fall Interest rates are falling but that doesn’t mean the sky is falling when it comes to your finances. Here are 5 tips to help you weather a falling-rate environment. Table of contents: Why does the Federal Reserve cut rates? What happens to cash, stocks, and bonds when rates drop? 5 financial tips to consider when the Fed cuts rates What should you do with your money when rates fall? It can be hard to know what to do with your money when the Federal Reserve (aka the Fed) cuts interest rates. But we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore why the Fed cuts rates, what happens when they do, and most importantly, what you can do to keep your finances on track. Why does the Federal Reserve cut rates? The Fed cuts interest rates for various reasons related to stimulating economic growth and addressing concerns about the economy's performance. As we look into the future, some of the specific reasons why the Fed might decide to cut interest rates include: Curb an economic slowdown: If the economy is showing signs of slowing down, such as a decline in GDP growth or an increase in the unemployment rate, the Fed may cut interest rates to encourage borrowing and spending to boost economic activity. Manage inflation: When inflation is stabilized or falling, the Fed might cut interest rates to stimulate demand and help achieve its target inflation rate. Lower interest rates make borrowing cheaper, which can lead to increased consumer spending and business investments. Stabilize financial markets: In times of market volatility, the Fed may cut interest rates to calm investors and restore confidence in the economy. Lower interest rates can reduce the risk of defaults on loans. Support job growth: The Fed aims to keep the labor market healthy by promoting job creation and wage growth. By cutting interest rates, the central bank makes it easier for businesses to hire workers and invest in their employees' future. What happens to cash, stocks, and bonds when rates drop? In a rate-cut environment, the performance of high-yield cash accounts, stocks, and bonds can be affected in various ways: Cash account returns: When interest rates fall, high-yield cash accounts may experience lower returns as the annual percentage yield on their investments decreases. However, cash accounts can still provide liquidity and safety during periods of market volatility. And high-yield cash accounts, like Betterment’s Cash Reserve, still offer a competitive variable yield for your excess cash. Stock prices: Rate cuts can potentially boost stock prices as lower interest rates can stimulate economic activity and encourage borrowing by companies. This can lead to a positive sentiment among investors and push stock prices higher. However, if the economy continues to weaken or is volatile, or if inflation rises, stocks may decline due to increased uncertainty. Bond prices: As interest rates decrease, current bond prices tend to rise because there is less demand for new bonds that now have lower yields. This inverse relationship between bond yields and prices means that existing bonds with higher yields become more attractive to investors seeking income. 5 financial tips to consider when the Fed cuts rates Depending on your financial situation, as interest rates fall, consider how you can apply these five tips to help keep your financial goals on track. Tip 1: Keep enough money in cash for short-term goals In a falling-rate environment, having a cash cushion can provide peace of mind and flexibility for unexpected expenses or opportunities. Make sure to allocate some funds for short-term goals, like upcoming bills or home improvements. Make sure you have an emergency fund: An emergency fund acts as a safety net during turbulent times. Aim to save 3–6 months' worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account or money market fund. Keep enough cash for purchases you are planning to make in the next 12 months: Whether it's a new car, home renovation, or vacation, having cash on hand can help you take advantage of sales and discounts without worrying about interest rates. Tip 2: Consider moving excess cash to investments With interest rates falling, yield on cash accounts generally falls too, so consider investing your extra cash into assets with potentially higher returns. This could include stocks or bonds. Why bonds? When rates drop, bond prices tend to rise. They are also generally less risky than stocks, making them a solid addition to a diversified portfolio. Why stocks? Rate cuts can stimulate economic growth, potentially boosting stock prices. While investing in individual stocks carries risk, diversifying your portfolio across sectors and industries can help mitigate potential losses during market volatility. And if you have a long-term time horizon, staying invested can pay off over the years. While investing involves more risk than keeping your money in cash, stocks have had greater long-term gains historically than leaving your cash in savings. Bonus tip: Two ways to invest when rates fall. Lump sum investment: This simply means that you take all, or a large portion, of your cash and invest it in one sum. It’s easy, and it gets your cash invested in the market quickly. Dollar-cost averaging: You can automate your investments at Betterment using recurring transfers and deposits for dollar-cost averaging. It’s a great method to invest a little bit of each paycheck. Start investing at Betterment today. Tip 3: Diversify your investments Falling interest rates can have unforeseen effects on various asset classes. To hedge against these fluctuations, make sure to maintain a diversified investment strategy that includes a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. By investing in many types of assets, if one falls in value, your overall portfolio is less impacted. Diversification is your friend because we can’t predict the future. Tip 4: Understand how falling rates impact the housing market As interest rates decrease, mortgage rates for buyers may become more favorable. However, this could lead to increased demand and potentially higher home prices. If you're planning to buy or sell a property, be prepared for these shifts in the market, and work with a trusted real estate professional to understand what’s happening in your local housing market. Depending on housing prices and interest rates, you may want to weigh the benefits of buying, renting, or — if you already own a home — refinancing. Tip 5: Refinance high-interest debt Take advantage of lower rates by refinancing high-interest debt. This can include mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and even credit card debt. For example, if you purchased your home when mortgage rates were at recent highs, refinancing to a lower rate could save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over the course of your loan. Another strategy to consider if you have multiple sources of debt is a loan consolidation. You may be able to secure better terms by consolidating your debts into one loan for easier management. What should you do with your money when rates fall? As we said in our five tips, we recommend considering moving excess cash to stocks and bonds to diversify your overall investing strategy. But what does that look like? It’s a balance of risk and reward to support your goals. Ask yourself: What are my financial goals? Are they short- or long-term? And how much risk am I willing to take? If you are willing to take on a bit more risk and have longer-term goals, then moving more money into stocks and bonds may be a wise approach to grow your money over time. Just make sure you have enough cash on hand for emergencies and short-term goals. At Betterment, we have accounts to support your goals. From growing your savings to building long-term wealth, you can be invested with your preferred balance of risk and return. Consider Cash Reserve: With our high-yield cash account, earn interest on your savings with no market risk and access your money whenever you need it. Goldman Sachs Tax-Smart Bonds: A 100% bond portfolio that gives higher-income individuals a personalized option to target additional after-tax yield. BlackRock Target Income: With this 100% bond portfolio, aim for higher yields while limiting stock market volatility with one of four levels of risk to choose from. Investing portfolios: Build wealth over time with one of our diversified portfolios of stocks and bonds. Ready to be invested?
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Make Your Money Hustle: Bond Investing
Make Your Money Hustle: Bond Investing Explore how bonds can diversify your investments, filling the gap between cash and stocks. Bonds can be confusing, but we’re here to simplify them. Here’s the TL;DR: Bonds are loans you give to companies or governments who pay you back with interest. Bonds generally earn more return than high-yield savings accounts while taking on less risk than stocks. Bonds can be bought through several sources, including a broker, the U.S. government, or a diversified ETF like the multiple bond portfolios offered by Betterment. Congrats—you made it past the TL;DR. Next, we’ll dive deeper into how bonds may be able to bring balance to your investments, filling the gap between cash and stocks. In just a few minutes, you’ll walk away knowing: The basics of bonds The benefits of investing in bonds An easy way to buy bonds As interest rates begin to drop, bonds may be a good way to earn extra yield. The basics of bonds No need to read a book about bonds—here are three Q&As that give you the basics. Question 1: What is a bond? Answer: A bond is basically a loan that you provide to an entity such as a business or government that wants to raise money. You can buy and hold a bond directly from the issuer (e.g. buying US Treasury bonds from TreasuryDirect) or choose to buy and sell bonds on the secondary market (e.g. an online broker). Question 2: How does a bond work? Answer: After you “loan” your money to the entity issuing the bond, they agree to: Pay back your principal: The issuer promises to pay your initial money back, aka your principal, by a specified date called the bond’s maturity. Pay you interest: You’ll receive periodic interest payments based on the annual interest rate paid on a bond, called the coupon rate. These interest payments are either distributed to you or reinvested into your investment on a consistent schedule. Question 3: Are there risks to bond investing? Answer: Generally, bonds are less risky than stocks, but that doesn't mean they are without risk. Examples of these risks include: Credit risk: There’s a chance that a bond issuer won’t pay you back. Interest rate risk: There is a chance that the value of the bond will go down as interest rates go up. Long-term bonds have greater interest rate risk than short-term bonds. Most bonds are rated based on the bond issuer's financial strength and ability to pay a bond's principal and interest. Like stock investments, bonds with less risk offer less potential for return (aka lower yields). Less risky bonds include higher-quality bonds (more likely to be paid on time) or bonds with shorter maturities (length until full repayment). The benefits of investing in bonds For investors looking to put some of their cash to work but not wanting to go all-in on the stock market, here are three benefits that bonds can offer, making them complementary to cash and stock. 1) Bonds can help you avoid market volatility Unlike stocks, bonds don’t represent a share of ownership in a company. Because of this, you won’t see the value of a bond increase as much as a stock when a company grows, but you generally also won’t see it decrease as much as a stock when a company struggles. 2) Bonds can help you preserve wealth Bonds, especially short-maturity bonds, can be a good choice to help preserve your money while potentially earning more return than cash in a traditional savings account, money market account, or CD. 3) Bonds can help you generate income Because the entity issuing a bond typically pays the bondholder interest on some regular schedule, they can help generate consistent income with less risk than stock investing. An easy way to buy bonds Most bonds don't trade directly on centralized markets like stocks, making it more challenging to invest in individual bonds. You can buy individual bonds from a broker or directly from the US government, but both of those options require DIY knowledge and time to build a diversified portfolio. An easy way to invest in a diversified portfolio of bonds is to invest in a bond ETF. A bond ETF, or exchange-traded fund, trades on stock exchanges, like a stock ETF. In one purchase, a bond ETF offers investors a way to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of bonds, which can include government, municipal, corporate, and international bonds. Bond ETFs aim to provide regular income through interest payments from the underlying bonds and offer the flexibility of buying and selling shares on an exchange throughout the trading day. Make your money hustle with a Betterment bond portfolio We’ve created two types of bond portfolios with different needs in mind: BlackRock Target Income portfolios What is it? The portfolios include a diverse set of bond ETFs with a range of risk levels, helping to mitigate exposure to volatility in the stock market, aiming to preserve wealth, while seeking to generate income. Who is it for? These portfolios may be better suited for investors looking for lower risk compared to stocks, with the option to choose one of four portfolio strategies targeting increasingly higher yields. The portfolio strategy should be selected based on your risk tolerance. Keep in mind, getting more income from a specific target portfolio also means taking on more risk. Goldman Sachs Tax-Smart Bonds portfolio What is it? This portfolio is built by Goldman Sachs using 100% short-term bond ETFs. Betterment then personalizes the portfolio based on your tax situation with the aim of generating after-tax yield. Who is it for? The portfolio is designed for higher-income individuals, especially in the 32% or greater federal tax bracket, looking for a potentially higher after-tax yield than a cash account with less risk than a traditional stock-and-bond investing portfolio. In both portfolios, all interest payments, also called dividends, are automatically reinvested to help grow the portfolio’s value. Ready to be invested? We make it simple to invest in a bond portfolio with three options: Make a one-time deposit. Set up recurring deposits from Betterment Checking or an external account. Schedule recurring transfers from your Betterment Cash Reserve account.
