Rolling Over Your Retirement Plan from Companies Like Aflac, Delta, TSYS, or Southern Company: What You Need to Know
I wanted to create this blog for employees of companies that employ a lot of people in our local communities. If you're leaving a company like Aflac, Delta, TSYS, or Southern Company, you’ll eventually need to decide what to do with your retirement plan. Whether it’s a 401(k), 403(b), or pension plan, your decision can impact your long-term financial picture—so it’s worth exploring all your options carefully.
At Wealth Intelligence, our job isn’t to push you into a rollover. It’s to help you understand the possibilities, evaluate what makes sense, and take action if and when you’re ready.
Schedule a no-pressure call with our team at Wealth Intelligence. We'll review your options, answer your questions, and help you make the most informed decision possible—whether that means a rollover or something else entirely.
Call 470-745-5030 to talk with one of our team members
What Are Your Options When You Leave a Job?
When you separate from an employer, you have multiple options for your retirement account:
1. Leave the Funds in the Current Plan
You may be able to leave your funds in your former employer’s plan if your balance exceeds a certain amount (often $5,000).
Pros:
- No immediate action required
- Continued tax-deferred growth
- Retains ERISA-level creditor protections
- Access to institutional investment options
Cons:
- Limited investment flexibility
- No new contributions allowed
- Less personalized guidance
- You’re subject to the old plan’s rules and service structure
2. Move the Funds to Your New Employer’s Plan
If your new employer offers a retirement plan, you may be able to roll your old account into it.
Pros:
- Simplifies retirement planning by consolidating accounts
- Maintains tax-deferred status
- May allow for loans if the plan permits
- Keeps everything in one place if you plan to stay long-term
Cons:
- Your new plan may have limited investment options
- Not all plans accept rollovers
- Still bound by employer plan rules and structure
3. Cash Out the Account
This involves withdrawing the funds from your account in a lump sum. While sometimes tempting, it’s usually not the best long-term financial move.
Pros:
- Immediate access to your money
- May be useful in emergency situations
Cons:
- Subject to income tax and potential 10% early withdrawal penalty if under age 59½
- Reduces retirement savings
- Could push you into a higher tax bracket
4. Roll the Funds into an IRA
You can roll over your old 401(k) or similar account into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This gives you more control and opens the door to working with a professional advisor if desired.
Pros:
- Broad investment choices (ETFs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.)
- Flexibility with withdrawal strategies (like Roth conversions)
- Can be managed by financial professionals of your choosing
- Often easier to coordinate across multiple retirement accounts
Cons:
- Fees vary depending on who you choose for your advisor or custodian
- Can require active decision-making or guidance if you decide to manage it yourself
A General Look at the Rollover Process
If a rollover is the right move for you, here’s how the process typically works with a firm like ours:
1. Initial Call or Meeting
We schedule a brief conversation to understand your situation and whether a rollover—or another solution—makes sense.
2. Account Setup
If a rollover is appropriate, we gather necessary information and open a compatible account.
3. Transfer or Check Request
We work with your current plan provider to either initiate a direct transfer or request a rollover check be mailed.
4. Funds Arrive & Review
Once the funds are received, we confirm everything was processed properly and begin aligning the investment strategy with your goals.
Next Step: Get Clarity Before You Commit
Before making any moves with your retirement plan, it helps to have a clear understanding of your options—and what they mean for your future. If you're leaving Aflac, Delta, TSYS, Southern Company, or another major employer, we're here to help you navigate the transition with confidence.
Again, schedule a no-pressure call with our team at Wealth Intelligence. We'll review your options, answer your questions, and help you make the most informed decision possible—whether that means a rollover or something else entirely.
Call 470-745-5030 to talk with one of our team members
Or email John@wealthintel.com and just let me know you’re interested into looking into your options.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. The material above has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed, and Wealth Intelligence, LLC makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, which should not be used as the basis of any investment decision. Information contained on third party websites that Wealth Intelligence, LLC may link to is not reviewed in their entirety for accuracy and Wealth Intelligence, LLC assumes no liability for the information contained on these websites. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission from Wealth Intelligence, LLC. For more information about Wealth Intelligence, LLC, including our Form ADV brochures, please visit https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search our firm name.