The 401k You Forgot About episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 2, 2026 · 10 MIN

The 401k You Forgot About

from ReThink ExPats · host Janice Diaz and Robert Rigby Hall

A “forgotten 401(k)” is not lost - it is neglected. And for Americans living abroad (plus non-Americans who worked in the U.S. and moved home), neglect can mean hidden fees, outdated beneficiaries, poor risk alignment as you near retirement, and major friction when you finally try to access the account overseas. Janice Diaz and Robert Rigby-Hall break down what these orphan 401(k)s are, the real risks of doing nothing, and why consolidation into a clearer structure is often explored with a qualified U.S. professional. They also share a practical checklist on what to gather and what questions to ask when dealing with an old employer plan from abroad. Chapters (00:00:00) - 00:00 ReThink ExPats(00:00:52) - The 401K You've Forgotten(00:05:45) - 401KRisk Factors(00:07:50) - 401K ROLLOVER AS A US EXPAT

A “forgotten 401(k)” is not lost - it is neglected. And for Americans living abroad (plus non-Americans who worked in the U.S. and moved home), neglect can mean hidden fees, outdated beneficiaries, poor risk alignment as you near retirement, and major friction when you finally try to access the account overseas. Janice Diaz and Robert Rigby-Hall break down what these orphan 401(k)s are, the real risks of doing nothing, and why consolidation into a clearer structure is often explored with a qualified U.S. professional. They also share a practical checklist on what to gather and what questions to ask when dealing with an old employer plan from abroad.

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This episode is 10 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 2, 2026.

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A “forgotten 401(k)” is not lost - it is neglected. And for Americans living abroad (plus non-Americans who worked in the U.S. and moved home), neglect can mean hidden fees, outdated beneficiaries, poor risk alignment as you near retirement, and...

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