Can I Get Money Out Of 401k

Key takeaways

Explore all your options for getting cash before tapping your 401(k) savings.
Every employer's plan has different rules for 401(k) withdrawals and loans, so find out what your plan allows.
A 401(k) loan may be a better option than a traditional hardship withdrawal, if it's available. In most cases, loans are an option only for active employees.
If you opt for a 401(k) loan or withdrawal, take steps to keep your retirement savings on track so you don't set yourself back.

No one opens and contributes to a workplace savings account like a 401(k) or a 403(b) expecting to need their hard-earned savings before retirement. But if you find you need money, and no other sources are available, your 401(k) could be an option. The key is to keep your eye on the long-term even as you deal with short-term needs, so you can retire when and how you want.

Loans and withdrawals from workplace savings plans (such as 401(k)s or 403(b)s) are different ways to take money out of your plan.

A loan lets you borrow money from your retirement savings and pay it back to yourself over time, with interest—the loan payments and interest go back into your account.
A withdrawal permanently removes money from your retirement savings for your immediate use, but you'll have to pay extra taxes and possible penalties.

Let's look at the pros and cons of different types of 401(k) loans and withdrawals—as well as alternative paths.

401(k) withdrawals vs. loans: Look at the pros and cons

401(k) withdrawals

Depending on your situation, you might qualify for a traditional withdrawal, such as a hardship withdrawal. The IRS defines a hardship as having an immediate and heavy financial need like a foreclosure, tuition payments, or medical expenses. Also, some plans allow a non-hardship withdrawal, but all plans are different, so check with your employer for details.

Pros: You're not required to pay back withdrawals and 401(k) assets.

Cons:If you're under the age of 59½ and take a traditional withdrawal, you won't get the full amount because of the 10% penalty and the taxes that you will pay up front as part of your withdrawal.

401(k) loans:

With a 401(k) loan, you borrow money from your retirement savings account. Depending on what your employer's plan allows, you could take out as much as 50% of your savings, up to a maximum of $50,000, within a 12-month period.

Remember, you'll have to pay that borrowed money back, plus interest, within 5 years of taking your loan, in most cases. Your plan's rules will also set a maximum number of loans you may have outstanding from your plan. You may also need consent from your spouse/domestic partner to take a loan.

Pros: Unlike 401(k) withdrawals, you don't have to pay taxes and penalties when you take a 401(k) loan. Plus, the interest you pay on the loan goes back into your retirement plan account. Another benefit: If you miss a payment or default on your loan from a 401(k), it won't impact your credit score because defaulted loans are not reported to credit bureaus.

Cons: If you leave your current job, you might have to repay your loan in full in a very short time frame. But if you can't repay the loan for any reason, it's considered defaulted, and you'll owe both taxes and a 10% penalty if you're under 59½. You'll also lose out on investing the money you borrow in a tax-advantaged account, so you'd miss out on potential growth that could amount to more than the interest you'd repay yourself.

Is it a good idea to borrow from your 401(k)?

Using a 401(k) loan for elective expenses like entertainment or gifts isn't a healthy habit. In most cases, it would be better to leave your retirement savings fully invested and find another source of cash.

On the flip side of what's been discussed so far, borrowing from your 401(k) might be beneficial long-term—and could even help your overall finances. For example, using a 401(k) loan to pay off high-interest debt, like credit cards, could reduce the amount you pay in interest to lenders. What's more, 401(k) loans don't require a credit check, and they don't show up as debt on your credit report.

Another potentially positive way to use a 401(k) loan is to fund major home improvement projects that raise the value of your property enough to offset the fact that you are paying the loan back with after-tax money, as well as any foregone retirement savings.

If you decide a 401(k) loan is right for you, here are some helpful tips:

Pay it off on time and in full
Avoid borrowing more than you need or too many times
Continue saving for retirement

It might be tempting to reduce or pause your contributions while you're paying off your loan, but keeping up with your regular contributions is essential to keeping your retirement strategy on track.

What are alternatives?

Because withdrawing or borrowing from your 401(k) has drawbacks, it's a good idea to look at other options and only use your retirement savings as a last resort.

A few possible alternatives to consider include:

Using HSA savings, if it's a qualified medical expense
Tapping into emergency savings
Transferring higher interest credit card balances to a new lower (or zero) interest credit card
Using other non-retirement savings, such as checking, savings, and brokerage accounts
Using a home equity line of credit or a personal loan³
Withdrawing from a Roth IRA—these withdrawals are usually tax- and penalty-free

How do you take a withdrawal or loan from your Fidelity 401(k)?

If you've explored all the alternatives and decided that taking money from your retirement savings is the best option, you'll need to submit a request for a 401(k) loan or withdrawal. If your retirement plan is with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits^® Log In Required to review your balances, available loan amounts, and withdrawal options. We can help guide you through the process online.

Next steps to consider

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