If you plan on rolling your 401(k) distribution into another retirement plan, but can't do it right away, it is highly advisable to use a "conduit IRA" to hold the money in the interim. A conduit IRA is a traditional IRA set up exclusively to hold your 401(k) distribution for a short period of time until you are able to roll it into your new employer's 401(k) plan or other retirement plan. You must not make any new or additional contributions to this IRA or commingle it with any other retirement money. If you do, you will not be eligible for the 10-year averaging treatment available to plan participants born before 1936.