currently trying to roll over an old 401k from a company-sponsored to a vanguard account (something I should have done a long time ago but it was difficult, a check got lost, whatever)
setup and instructions from vanguard were ridiculously easy.
Go to the current 401k to request the distribution. Find out they don't send checks to vanguard from an online request. Fine.
Look into having it mailed to me - take several steps to get to that point. Oh, it still has my old address. eff, I need to change that
Go to personal information to update - no way to change your address - it says if you're employed, have your employer change it. If not, give the plan manager a call!
I call the plan manger. First I just ask if they can send the money directly to Vanguard. "No, we don't work with them, so we have to send it to you and then you send it in".
OK, let's change my address then. Transfer me to someone else. "OK, let me verify your information and current address"..."OK, so if you want to change your address you need to fill out a Personal Information Change Request and mail or fax it."
"You mean I can't do it online or over the phone?"
"No, this is sensitive information so we don't let you do that for security."
"So I have to mail it?"
"You can fax it, too!"
They said it takes 3-5 days to update the address, then I can try requesting a check again.