Explained: How to Find a ‘Forgotten' 401(k)

Consumer Investigator Chris Chmura explains how you can search for a leftover, missing or forgotten 401(k).

When people leave a job, they don’t always take their 401(k) with them. And when the company can’t find you, the account goes dormant. But the money does not go away.

We’re taking a look at how many accounts are "forgotten." The number is huge: more than 20 million!
And the money in the is even more staggering: more than $1 trillion – left behind.

You can hunt for a leftover, missing or forgotten 401(k) a couple different ways.


A bill moving through Congress might create a federal government database -- eventually.
You can use the current methods today – no waiting!

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[FernandoBowen-]

I'm 54 and my wife and I are VERY worried about our future, gas and food prices rising daily. We have had our savings dwindle with the cost of living into the stratosphere, and we are finding it impossible to replace them. We can get by, but can't seem to get ahead. My condolences to anyone retiring in this crisis, 30 years nonstop just for a crooked system to take all you worked for.

[lolacole]

Why cant they just send letters to the employees??

[andrebrown]

Whatever you choose, make sure you read the fine print. People have been tricked into signing agreements, giving the finders the rights to ALL of the 401k amount. If you've been or know someone who has been scammed, please reply. 🤨

[Tonni]

I took my 401K and transferred mine into an IRA. My old job was mad because they assumed I would leave it with them even though they let my entire department go.

[NJtoTX]

How much personal information is needed? I don't give out my SS number.

[CarlosDasilva-zk]

Capitalize just ask you for all sorts of personal info before starting the search. Don't trust anyone with my personal info. Not worth it!!!

[weirdphax]

a free service that sells your info i bet