Q: When changing jobs, how do companies handle 401(k) rollovers? What are my options?

Regan Chambers, Franklin, Mass.

A: When you leave a company, you can move money accumulated in an old 401(k) into an individual retirement account or into your new employer's 401(k) typically by letting the investment firm managing the new account handle the rollover. If your balance is greater than $5,000, you could also leave the plan where it is. If it's significantly less, the employer may ask you to leave the plan. The good news: Now companies have to roll over balances between $1,000 and $5,000 into an IRA or leave it in the plan if you fail to notify your employer. If your company sends a check for the balance, you have 60 days to stash it into a tax-deferred account or the money is subject to taxes and penalties. For more information, visit www.401khelpcenter.com.