If ever you quit your job and look for another, you need to move out your 401k account or be penalized with multiple charges. In case, however, you don't get to have another job, then a private retirement savings would be a great way to keep your 401k.
You can, without penalty, rollover your 401(k) into an IRA with the help of a brokerage firm. You should immediately start shopping for a private broker when you leave your employment. There are many options available online and through banks or other financial institutions in your area.
Connect with them and inquire about the available IRA investments they are offering, as well as the maintenance fees and the return rates. Decide which brokerage firm you are going to employ to manage your account based on the deals that it offers, and the return for your money. Then you can start the process of rollover.
Rolling a 401k account into an IRA is quite simple, so long as you leave the transferring job to the brokers. Never even attempt to withdraw the money and then deposit with another financial firm. As far as the IRS is concerned, it is nothing less than "early withdrawal" of retirement savings and you will be penalized and taxed big time. Just let the financial institution do the transferring of account.
After you have picked out the firm to do this transaction, you can then file a request to start with the paperwork that will move your 401k account rollover into a new IRA with them. They will take responsibility for everything, free of charge. All you have to do is sign.
You can see this happening anywhere. Financial firms can handle your money and process everything before the deadline. You won't have to worry about paying taxes and other fees, and your previous employer won't have any grounds to charge you of fines for leaving your account behind after you left.
Now, you should look into 401k loans for more information. You can find more tips and suggestions at 401k rollover school.
