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401(k) management
Ongoing oversight of the investments inside your plan, diversified, risk-appropriate, and reviewed as your goals and the markets change.
401k Planning Services in Chicago IL
Your 401(k) deserves a fiduciary in your corner
Serenity Wealth Management helps Chicago professionals manage, roll over, and maximize their 401(k), from capturing every dollar of employer match to advanced moves like the mega backdoor Roth. Personalized advice, no sales pitch.
Fee-basedFiduciary advice
ChicagoLocal, in-person or virtual
CFP®Credentialed guidance
$24,5002026 employee 401(k) limit*
10–15%Income many savers target
4Options for an old 401(k)
1:1Advice built around your plan
401(k) planning & management in Chicago
Retirement planning starts with the account you already have
For most professionals, the 401(k) is the single largest piece of their retirement, and the one most often left on autopilot. As a Chicago-based fiduciary firm, we help you turn a default plan into a deliberate strategy: the right investments, the right contribution rate, and the right tax treatment for your situation. Whether you're setting up a new account, weighing a 401(k) rollover, or exploring a mega backdoor Roth, our team guides every step.
Our 401(k) services
401(k) management and planning, end to end
One advisor for every decision your 401(k) throws at you.
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401(k) rollovers
Changing jobs or retiring? We help you compare leaving it, rolling into a new plan, or moving to an IRA, then handle the paperwork so nothing gets taxed by mistake.
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Contribution strategy
How much to contribute, and whether Roth or Traditional fits your tax picture. We make sure you never leave employer-match dollars on the table.
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Mega backdoor Roth
For high earners whose plans allow it, we help you contribute after-tax dollars and convert them to Roth, far beyond the standard limits, growing tax-free.
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Roth conversions
Convert 401(k) or IRA balances to Roth strategically, timed around your tax bracket to minimize what you owe today and maximize tax-free income later.
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Full retirement coordination
Your 401(k) doesn't exist in isolation. We align it with your IRAs, taxable accounts, Social Security timing, and overall retirement plan.
401(k) rollover guidance
Have an old 401(k) from a past job? You have four options.
Rolling over a 401(k) can give you more investment choices, lower fees, and a single place to manage your retirement savings, but it isn't always the right move. We walk you through the trade-offs of each path before you commit. We see this often with professionals moving between Chicago's large employers, from the financial firms in the Loop to healthcare systems and corporate headquarters across Cook and DuPage counties, who finish a job change with two or three orphaned 401(k)s to consolidate.
- 1Leave itKeep it in your former employer's plan if the funds and fees are strong.
- 2Roll into your new planConsolidate with your current employer's 401(k) when it makes sense.
- 3Roll into an IRAOften more flexibility and control, our most common recommendation.
- 4Cash outUsually the costliest due to taxes and penalties; we help you avoid this trap.
Why a rollover review matters
The wrong rollover can trigger an unnecessary tax bill or lock you into high-fee funds for years.
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What a properly executed direct rollover should cost you in taxes.
We coordinate directly with your plan provider so the transfer is done as a direct rollover, keeping your retirement savings intact and tax-deferred.
Mega backdoor Roth checklist
- ✓Plan eligibilityYour 401(k) must allow after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions.
- ✓Cash flowIncome to contribute well beyond the standard limit.
- ✓Tax timingConvert quickly so gains aren't taxed along the way.
- ✓Tax-free growthQualified Roth withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
Advanced strategy for high earners
The mega backdoor Roth, done right
If you're already maxing out your 401(k) and looking for more room to save tax-free, a mega backdoor Roth can be one of the most powerful tools available, letting you move tens of thousands of additional after-tax dollars into Roth each year.
It's also easy to get wrong. The strategy only works if your plan supports it, and the conversion has to be timed correctly to avoid surprise taxes. We confirm your plan's rules, coordinate with your provider, and make sure every step is documented properly.
See if you qualify
How we work
A simple path to a stronger 401(k)
Free consultation
A no-pressure conversation about your plan, your goals, and where you stand today.
401(k) review
We analyze your investments, fees, match, and contribution strategy line by line.
Your strategy
A clear, personalized plan, contributions, rollovers, and tax moves included.
Ongoing guidance
We monitor and adjust as your life, the markets, and the tax laws change.
Areas we serve
401(k) guidance for Chicago and the surrounding suburbs
Based in the Loop at 333 South Wabash, we work with professionals across Chicago, the North Shore, and the affluent western suburbs, in person at our downtown office or virtually, wherever you are.
Chicago
Gold Coast
Lincoln Park
Winnetka
Kenilworth
Glencoe
Lake Forest
Highland Park
Wilmette
Hinsdale
Oak Brook
North Shore
Not on the list? We serve clients throughout Illinois and nationwide. Schedule a free review to get started.
Questions, answered
401(k) FAQs
Do I need a financial advisor to manage my 401(k)?
You're not required to have one, but a 401(k) financial advisor helps you choose the right investments inside your plan, capture your full employer match, decide between Roth and Traditional contributions, and coordinate your 401(k) with the rest of your retirement plan. For higher earners, an advisor also helps with advanced moves like a mega backdoor Roth that are easy to get wrong on your own.
How much does a 401(k) advisor cost in Chicago?
Fees vary by advisor and how your assets are managed. Serenity Wealth Management is a fee-based fiduciary firm in Chicago, and we explain exactly how we're compensated during your free consultation, so there are no surprises.
What's the difference between a Roth 401(k) and a Traditional 401(k)?
A Roth 401(k) is funded with after-tax dollars, so qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. A Traditional 401(k) is funded with pre-tax dollars, lowering your taxable income now, but withdrawals are taxed in retirement. The right choice depends on your current tax bracket versus your expected bracket in retirement, something we model with you.
What happens to my 401(k) when I leave my job?
You generally have four options: leave it with your former employer, roll it into your new employer's plan, roll it into an IRA, or cash it out (usually the least favorable, due to federal taxes and penalties). One detail Illinois residents often miss: Illinois does not tax retirement-plan distributions at all, so a rollover decision here is mostly about federal tax, fees, and investment choice rather than state tax, we help you weigh those before you decide.
What is a mega backdoor Roth and who is it for?
A mega backdoor Roth lets you contribute after-tax dollars to your 401(k) beyond the standard limit and convert them to Roth, dramatically increasing tax-free retirement savings. It only works if your plan allows after-tax contributions and in-plan conversions, and it's best suited to high earners who've already maxed out their other tax-advantaged accounts.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At a minimum, contribute enough to capture your full employer match, that's free money. From there, many savers aim for 10 to 15 percent of income, adjusting for their goals and timeline. We build a contribution target around your actual numbers rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
Get started
Talk to a Chicago 401(k) advisor
Embark on your path to a secure retirement with a team that knows the tax laws affecting Chicago professionals. Our planning is personalized and comprehensive, so you can feel confident about every step we take together.
Office
333 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone
(312) 734-1415
Email
info@serenitywm.com
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By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your inquiry. We respect your privacy and never sell your information.
The content here is for general information and is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific guidance regarding your individual situation. The opinions and material provided should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. *Contribution figures reflect the 2026 IRS employee elective deferral limit and may change; verify current limits before acting.