<prompt> Human: 52m Software engineer in USA. Previous company from 1990-1999 is offering me to cashout my retirement plan now. I do not need the money, and the plan is managed by a reputable firm. I do not have the details in front of me, but it is a early disbursement of 9999 now, or wait for retirement and get about 461 a month. I have 3 options: One is take a lump sum now, Two is take an immediate annuity, Three is do nothing. I am inclined to just pass on it, as I feel they have more to gain than I do if I take some form of cash out. Looking for advice.Edit- So I got a few more particulars, and it was good that I called, because there was in fact a glitch and my account was prevented from displaying the correct info. I mentioned earlier that I did not have the details at hand, now I have most of them. The current value of the lump sum is 44,398.17. If take the early lump sum payment and roll over into a qualifying instrument 401K etc then there is no tax liability. The payout at 1212027 - normal retirement eligibility date would be 461 a month for single life, 100 with reducing amounts depending on term, spouse-dependent payouts etc. Once I reach retirement age, there is no lump sum option, only the monthly benefit. I would say that I am a medium level investor with a high tolerance for risk, but I am currently evaluating my risk tolerance.  <response>: I do not have the details in front of meyou should take the time to get the details in front of you and include them in your post if youre expecting anyone to be able to provide actual advice. this sounds like figuring out the best outcome is highly likely to be dependent on the math of your situation, and no one can do the math without the actual numbers.but in the end youre probably right: why would your ex-employer spend the time to try to get people to cash-out? only if its in their own best interest i.e., not yours. not everyone is the same, but if your situation is the norm, then its likely not in your best interests. however, do the math first. 