If you’ve ever changed jobs, there’s a chance you left something valuable behind, and not just your old company laptop.
You might have money sitting in a former employer’s 401(k) plan. And depending on how long it’s been, that account may be worth far more than you think.
According to data from Capitalize, an estimated $1.7 trillion in 401(k) assets are currently unclaimed.
These forgotten accounts are spread across more than 29 million Americans, with an average balance of over $56,000 each.
That’s money that could make a real difference in your retirement planning.
Why Old 401(k) Accounts Go Missing
Job changes are common, and most people focus on their new role, not their old benefits.
It’s easy to forget about a small balance in a retirement plan when you're focused on onboarding, a new paycheck, or relocating.
Others may believe they lost access to the funds or that it would be too complicated to transfer the money.
Some never realize that the money is still theirs and can grow quietly over time.
Small Amounts Can Grow Into Big Savings
Even if your 401(k) balance was modest when you left, it might have grown significantly.
For example, if you left $9,000 in an S&P 500-linked retirement plan back in 2010, it could now be worth more than $70,000, and you may not even remember it exists.
This kind of growth makes it worth checking for any retirement money you might have forgotten.
How to Search for a Lost 401(k)
There are tools available that can help reconnect you with any missing retirement savings:
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National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
Use your Social Security number to check for old 401(k) accounts from former employers. -
Retirement Savings Lost and Found
Managed by the Department of Labor, this government resource is expanding to help people locate old retirement accounts. -
MissingMoney.com
This database collects a wide variety of unclaimed financial assets, including retirement plans.
You can also take action on your own:
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Check old documents, pay stubs, or benefits statements for any retirement account details.
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Contact former HR departments with your employment dates and identification info.
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Call the financial institution or plan administrator that handled your former 401(k).
What If You Only Had a Small Balance?
If your account had less than $1,000 when you left your job, your employer may have closed it and sent a check to your last known address.
You might have forgotten about it, or it may have gone undelivered.
Either way, it’s worth checking with your old plan administrator.
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Let us help you discover if you have unclaimed assets waiting for you.
Start your free search today and claim what's rightfully yours!
