What is the difference on 401k and anuite, IRA and others similes ...

I assume you?re concerned about a 401(k) account at an old employer. It sounds like you?re still working, and that you have access to a second 401(k) plan at your current employer.

1. You can often roll the old 401(k) account over into a current employer?s 401(k) plan, but you should check with your current employer?s plan to make sure. Some plans may not allow such rollovers. If not, you can roll over the old 401(k) into a traditional IRA. But think through the question of costs and investment options first.

2. Compare the expenses and investment options available to you in the old 401(k), the new 401(k) and any IRA you might consider opening. Low expenses (below 1% of the value of your assets) are desirable. Investment options that let you invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds are preferable. Don?t concentrate your investments, especially not in an employer?s stock.

3. After you?ve compared your options, choose the one that gives you the best combination of low costs and good investment options. There may be no perfect choice; just go with the one that, on balance, seems to be better than the others.

4. Whatever you do, don?t take a distribution of the retirement money directly into your own hands. That will give you a big tax liability and the loss of much of your retirement funds (due to taxes and probably a 10% penalty).

See the webpage listed below for more information.

Source: http://rothira.solve-up.com/roth-ira/what-is-the-difference-on-401k-and-anuite-ira-and-others-similes-plans/

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