All around us, there are signs that spring is hatching. Snow piles are melting, potholes are mounting, insulated jackets have been shed, green grass is peeking through, and bird nests are popping up in the trees.

It's important to remember that, just as a mother bird continues to nurture her unhatched eggs, your retirement accounts need a little nurturing until they ve reached their maturity. Perhaps it's time for a little retirement account spring cleaning!

According to this New York Times article, statistics show that, on average, people in their 20s will go through seven jobs in their lifetimes. It's not uncommon to get wrapped up in the new and forget about the old more specifically, your retirement account as you move forward to new opportunities.

If you re not sure how to access old accounts anymore, your prior employer will be able to point you in the right direction. It would be unfortunate to leave a nest egg behind only to have it eaten up by plan fees!

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It's helpful to update your contact information if you move, get a new phone number, or change your name. Some of these changes may require that you provide proof of change and it's easier to stay on top of the changes as you go.


• Remember to review and update your beneficiaries as you go through life changes to make sure your retirement accounts are inherited by the appropriate parties if an unfortunate incident occurs.


• Every few years, you may want to re-evaluate your personal investment selection. The fund or portfolio you picked when you started that first job at age 22 may no longer fit your investment strategy.


• How much do your retirement accounts cost you? Even in employer-sponsored retirement plans, participants often are responsible for paying portions of plan fees. If you have five separate accounts and each of the plans deduct $25 from your accounts each year ($125 in total) it might be wise to consolidate your accounts and only pay one $25 fee.


• If you have a small balance, typically under $5,000, you may be automatically rolled out of the plan and into an IRA, without your consent. If your account balance is less than $1,000, your account may be automatically paid directly to you, less taxes owed. Make the first move after leaving so that finding your account doesn't make you feel like you re chasing your tail.


• If nothing else, check in on your accounts at least annually. Even if you are no longer working at the company, plan design changes, fund changes, and many other decisions the company makes for its plan still affect your account and could affect your account balance.


• While it's still fresh on your mind, consider combining all of your prior qualified accounts into your current plan or IRA. One of the major benefits of qualified 401(k) plans is that they are portable and most retirement plans make rolling balances in or out a fairly easy process.

Just think. You work hard for your money and if you contributed to a retirement plan, that money was withheld from your take-away pay. Consolidation increases the likelihood you ll be able to devote the attention you need to grow your retirement nest egg.