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401k to Roth IRA conversion

Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:13 am
Posted by tween the hedges
Member since Feb 2012
20245 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:13 am
A little backstory, I’ve been at my current job for a year so I’m eligible for a 401k with a match now. I don’t plan to be here more than 6 more months or so but they’re offering a 4% match in the meantime. I’ve never had an account as it’s pretty rare in my line of work. I do max my Roth every year and like the idea of tax free withdrawals in retirement. Other than that, I’ve been Dave Ramseyish and prioritizing my high interest student loans over retirement savings.

I do have 50k+ cash in the bank that I’m holding on to until the government resumes interest payments

Everywhere I’ve read said always take the match as it’s a 4% raise, but how difficult is it to add the money(probably 10k or so) to my Roth in 6 months? Is it as simple as just paying my tax bracket on the total convension when I file taxes next year? Would it screw with my back door contribution this or next year (already done this year)?

Thanks for any help. Hope this makes sense
Posted by down time
space
Member since Oct 2013
1914 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:15 am to
Is the 401 a safe harbor plan? If there is vesting period you may never see the 4% match.
Posted by Chucktown_Badger
The banks of the Ashley River
Member since May 2013
31110 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:24 am to
quote:

I do have 50k+ cash in the bank that I’m holding on to until the government resumes interest payments


How long has that been sitting there? I had a bunch of cash in an interest bearing wealthfront account, but when the pandemic hit I saw the opportunity and dumped it into the market, which has obviously paid thousands of times the return.
Posted by UpstairsComputer
Prairieville
Member since Jan 2017
1574 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:26 am to
quote:

Everywhere I’ve read said always take the match as it’s a 4% raise, but how difficult is it to add the money(probably 10k or so) to my Roth in 6 months?


Why wouldn't you put your contribution in the Roth 401k and go ahead and pay the taxes and then just convert the 4%?

If the 4% is 10k in 6 months, why would you leave that job??

To answer the questions, it is that simple and should not effect your back door. Just do the conversion inside the 401k or upon distribution, make the conversion so it never hits your traditional IRA.
This post was edited on 7/2/21 at 9:27 am
Posted by tween the hedges
Member since Feb 2012
20245 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:35 am to
Yes I hate seeing the cash there too but it’s money that I want to use to pay off student debt. As tempting as investing is, I know it’s risky to invest money you need short term.

I just don’t want to wire navient the money and have Biden write off 50k tomorrow so just holding out until interest and payments resume
Posted by tween the hedges
Member since Feb 2012
20245 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:37 am to
Roth 401k isn’t offered.

I’m including my contribution as well as the employers, but yes it pays well. I’m just stuck in the freezing Midwest and want out once I get my debt under control.
Posted by Chucktown_Badger
The banks of the Ashley River
Member since May 2013
31110 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:38 am to
I forgot about that potential. If it happens, the people who sent their last payment in the day before it passed are going to be majorly pissed
Posted by UpstairsComputer
Prairieville
Member since Jan 2017
1574 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:42 am to
I can appreciate that thought process entirely.

I guess my only question now is, as such a smart person, why the hell you're a Falcons fan?
Posted by UpstairsComputer
Prairieville
Member since Jan 2017
1574 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 9:43 am to
Then yeah, just make your tax payment next April.
Posted by Auburn80
Backwater, TN
Member since Nov 2017
7501 posts
Posted on 7/2/21 at 3:09 pm to
It usually takes 5 years to vest the company match. Whatever you put in is always yours. A few places vest faster, but you definitely want to find out what your rules are.
Posted by BamaAlum02
Huntsville, AL
Member since Nov 2005
1010 posts
Posted on 7/3/21 at 8:47 am to
If it’s a safe harbor plan immediate vesting is required.
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