Your money checklist before changing jobs

Compare total compensation, not salary alone. Include employer retirement contributions, health cover, paid leave, bonuses, equity, commuting costs and any waiting period before benefits begin. A higher salary can still be a worse package if important cover disappears.

Before resigning, understand the dates that control bonus eligibility, unused leave, equity vesting and pension or 401(k) matching. Keep copies of plan documents and payslips you are entitled to retain. Build extra cash if there may be a gap between final and first paydays.

After the move

  • Update the new employer's tax and payroll forms carefully.
  • Join the workplace retirement plan and set beneficiaries.
  • Review options for the old pension or 401(k) before transferring or cashing out.
  • Redirect any commuting or benefit savings towards your goals.

Do not rush an old retirement account decision. Compare fees, investment choice, protections and tax consequences first.

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