Should I Use My 401(k) To Pay Off Debt?

Your 401(k) is designed to give you a financially comfortable retirement.

The last thing you want to burden you in the twilight of your life is debt.

So, is it worth it to pull from your 401(k) to pay off debt now?

*** SPECIAL NOTE *** – If your credit cards, personal loans, or medical debts have become unmanageable and you owe over $20,000… then go here for debt relief. We can help!

In order to answer this question, you must understand 401(k) withdrawal rules and their associated costs. 

Important 401(k) Withdrawal Rules

401(k) withdrawal rules depend on your age and whether you have a traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k).

These two factors will determine whether you have to pay income taxes and penalty fees.* 

Before 59½

Taking money out of your 401(k) plan early is typically considered a premature withdrawal.

This means that you will have to pay income tax on the withdrawn funds, along with an early withdrawal penalty of at least 10%.

However, the penalty fee may be waived if your plan allows hardship withdrawals for expenses like medical bills, higher education expenses, buying a home, or if you have become disabled. 

So, is it worth it to make a withdrawal before the age of 59½ to pay off debt?

Let’s look at an example: Imagine you take $50,000 out of your 401(k) to pay off your debt.

You will immediately lose $5,000 due to the early withdrawal penalty, and you still owe income tax on the total $50,000.

The 2021 income tax rate for a single individual making $100,000 was 24%, that means you would have to pay an additional $12,000. 

In short, you are effectively paying $17,000 for the privilege of withdrawing $50,000 to pay off debt. 

After 59½

The 10% withdrawal penalty fee is waived after the age of 59½, but you still have to pay income tax on withdrawals if you have a traditional 401(k).

Withdrawals will be tax-free for those who have had a Roth 401(k) for a minimum of 5 years. 

Returning to the example above, a withdrawal of $50,000 from a traditional 401(k) after the age of 59½ would cost $12,000 in tax. Therefore, you would have $38,000 remaining.

However, a Roth 401(k) would allow you to withdraw and use the entire $50,000 to pay off debt.

When To Use Your 401(k) To Pay Off Debt

You should only withdraw from your 401(k) to pay off debt in extreme circumstances.

Using a withdrawal to pay off a low interest home mortgage or student loans does not make financial sense due to penalty fees and taxes.

However, you might consider making a withdrawal to pay off loans or credit card debt with a high interest rate (20%+).

You’ll have to do some math before you decide whether or not it’s worth it.

Keep this in mind, not only are withdrawal penalties and taxes a large expense, but any money you take from your 401(k) means less money saved for retirement. 

Alternatives For Reducing Your Debt

Taking money out of your 401(k) should be a last resort, and even then, it might not be worth it.

If you are having trouble reducing your debt there are alternative strategies you could use, like renegotiating your interest rate, taking out a debt consolidation loan, or debt settlement. 

You can find help managing your debts and 401k benefits through consumer credit and debt relief solutions offered by companies like Americor. 

At Americor, we understand the unique financial challenges people are facing today.

As America’s trusted source for debt relief solutions, we aim to empower you with financial knowledge that can lead to informed decisions, whether it’s about savings, investments, or managing debt.

If your debt has become unmanageable and you have difficulty making your debt payments each month, then you should consider a FREE consultation call with one of our certified Debt Consultants, who can provide personalized debt relief advice tailored to your specific needs.

By taking proactive steps today, you can put an end to your financial stress and work towards a brighter financial future. 

Remember, there is always hope for debt relief, and our team of experienced professionals are ready to guide you on your journey to regaining control of your finances.

For more information on Americor’s debt relief services, contact us today to see how we can help you eliminate your debts, and get on the fast-track to becoming completely debt-free!