<prompt> Human: TL;DR - Your money in a 401k will be protected against creditors and lawsuits, whereas your money in an IRA may not be as well protected it depends on the state you live in. Something to consider before you rollover your 401k into an IRA when you leave your job.  <response>: This issue comes up occasionally...I wonder if theres ever been a case when someone lost their IRA but wouldnt have lost a 401k. 