Commingle Multiple 401(k) Rollovers into Single IRA or Not?

[CoolChange]

I understand some of the reasons to avoid pre-tax and after-tax dollars in a single IRA; but, would there be any advantages to keeping rollovers from multiple 401(k) plans (from multiple previous employers) in separate IRA's? Or, would I be just as well off to just commingle all of these 401(k) rollovers into a single IRA?

I welcome any commentary, insight, etc.

[Achiever51]

I just merged two 401(k) accounts from two different employers into one Vanguard account. I did keep pre-tax and after-tax assets separate to help with tax reporting. Love the simplicity...and the Vanguard folks were very helpful during the process.

[Sam]

I'm thinking of the reverse. Splitting the 401k into multiple IRAs when it's time to rollover.

I plan to retire at age 53, 7 years before I have total freedom with my IRA/401k account. My income will come from that account via 72t withdrawal. Since 72t requires that the withdrawals be in equal amount annually, having multiple accounts give me a little more flexibility. I plan to split my 401k in 2 IRAs, 70% and 30%. I plan to withdraw the maximum allowable from the larger account. If that is not enough, then I will start withdrawing from the other.

[teejayevans]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolChange I understand some of the reasons to avoid pre-tax and after-tax dollars in a single IRA; but, would there be any advantages to keeping rollovers from multiple 401(k) plans (from multiple previous employers) in separate IRA's? Or, would I be just as well off to just commingle all of these 401(k) rollovers into a single IRA?

You might get a break in fees if you have 1 IRA with a large balance.
You can always go with 1 IRA now and split it up later if you are going to do the
72(t) thing.
TJ
p.s. Great song....one of my favorites