What If I Need My 401(k) Money Before I Retire?

Typically you need to keep the money in the plan until you reach age 59 ½. Withdraw any of it before then and you'll be hit with a bruising 10% early withdrawal penalty, on top of the regular income tax that is due on withdrawals. Bad idea.

There are exceptions, however. The IRS waives the 10% penalty for certain "hardship" withdrawals. Each plan's rules vary (check yours to be sure), but you may be able take money out of your retirement account penalty-free before age 59 ½ if you use it for:

• Purchasing your first home
• Expenses after the onset of a sudden disability
• Higher education expenses (like college for your kids)
• Payments you make to prevent eviction or foreclosure.

You should consider all these last ditch options, though. After all, the money is locked up until retirement for a very good reason: If you spend it now, you risk jeopardizing your financial security when you're older.

If you can't get the money anywhere else, your best option is probably a loan. Many 401(k) plans allow you to borrow against the amount in your account. You must repay the money to your account within a set period - usually a few years - or the loan is treated as a withdrawal, meaning you'll owe taxes and a 10% penalty on it.

There are three main drawbacks to taking out a loan. First, you reduce the money you have growing for your retirement years. Second, you have to pay interest on the amount you borrow — typically the prime rate plus one percentage point — though you do pay the interest to yourself. Third, you must repay any outstanding loan within a few months if you are laid off or decide to change jobs.