December 30, 2024
Retirement Savings vs. Debt: Should You Borrow From Your 401(k)?
A reader considering paying off $10,000 in debt with a loan from their retirement plan is advised against it, despite the appeal of paying interest to themselves and avoiding taxes. The financial advisor cautions that taking the loan would hinder retirement savings growth, prevent further contributions (potentially missing out on employer matching), and carries risks like immediate repayment requirements upon job loss, leading to taxes and penalties. Instead, they suggest exploring options like debt consolidation loans, balance transfer credit cards, or the debt snowball
