Retirement Funds for Current Needs

This past year has been financially trying for many individuals and families in the face of record inflation numbers and a looming recession. 

And with rising credit card debt that averaged $9,000 per household in the first half of 2022, Americans may be tempted to turn to other sources of income and savings to pay down these balances. In fact, I’ve had a few clients reach out about tapping into their retirement savings. Using retirement funds presents a few key complications that can make it a bad financial decision long term and can negatively affect your retirement planning. 

First, you may pay considerable taxes on any withdrawals. For example, a 401(k) is meant to be left untouched until age 59½. Try to withdraw funds prior, and you’ll pay income taxes in addition to a 10% penalty. Fees and taxes may exist with IRAs and Roth IRA accounts as well. Costing yourself to access your own funds should be avoided when possible. 

As a general rule, you should leave your retirement funds alone unless you have no other way to pay for essentials like food or housing. Instead of tapping into your savings in advance and losing out on tax breaks and interest accrual that could benefit you later in life, consider these tactics:

●        Debt consolidation - This refinancing option could help you by combining all of your debt into a single loan that can be negotiated into a collective, possibly lower, interest rate.

●        Balance transfers - By moving debt from one account to another, you may be able to pay off the balance with a lower interest rate.

●        Budget cuts - Evaluating your regular spending can often reveal areas where you can cut back, diminishing the ongoing amount of spending and debt that you’re taking on.

●        Hardship loans - These loans can have faster funding and lower interest rates to help you address payments during difficult times without touching your savings.

 

The team at Foundation Wealth and Tax Advisors also explores ways to borrow against your assets should the need arise. Check it out here.