Loanio

Question -

Because of the credit crunch, is this a good time to consider borrowing against a 401(k) savings as a means of paying off other loans? My current 401(k) planning investment return is 5 percent, and the interest I will be paying on it is 9 percent.

To borrow or not borrow against a 401K.

Answer -

If you only really consider the numbers in the situation, taking out a loan against your 401(k) in order to pay off a high interest credit card or some other higher interest debt may seem like a no brainer decision. This is because you would be paying yourself back the interest by paying back a 401(k) loan, but with credit card debt or a high interest loan you would be paying as much as 15 percent or more straight to the bank. Plus in today’s market, the 9 percent that you speak of is more than you would make if you were just keeping the money to sit in your account.

With that said, however, most 401k planning experts would shudder at the mere idea of raiding tomorrow’s intended nest egg to fund the financial indiscretions of today. This kind of thing may work out in terms of pure numbers, experts will gladly agree, but that does not make this a good idea, or even one worth putting consideration into. Financial planners generally agree that there are a number of concerns to touch on before you ever make a decision as large as this one, for example:

What if you leave your company?

If you leave your company for any reason at all, you generally only have 30 days to pay back the entire loan in full; otherwise you will have to pay ordinary income taxes on the withdrawal along with a 10-percent IRS penalty, assuming you are under the age of 59 and a half.

The bottom line here is that this is a pretty foolish move in most if not all situations, even if you are desperate to pay off a high interest credit card or some other high interest debt that has been accrued. If you are likely to rack up more debt in the process, have concerns relating to job security, or are paying off loans that are tax deductible or low interest, then this is definitely a foolish way to go. On the other hand, there are scenarios where this could allow you to come out financially ahead, but they tend to be few and far between. If you’re not sure, then it would be wise to sit down with an investment advisor or financial advisor who can help you weigh your options.

Before you take out any loan you should sit down with an expert that can help you review your choices. You just may discover that there is a better, less risky and less costly option that you have not yet explored for this particular situation.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-11-10 20:58:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• How do Savings Bonds Work /caption] Are you wondering why you should invest in United States savings bonds, or how savings bonds work? This is a question that not enough people are considering these days, because most people are pressing their luck instead by gambling with stocks and other investments. So many people are turning......
• 401k Planning Most people have questions when it comes to 401k planning and retirement. These people often wonder what 401k planning is, how 401k planning works, and how a dwindling balance can be revived. 401k plans can be complex, but they can also be quite easy to understand with a little bit......
• Are Your Gadgets Sucking Your Wallet Dry? /caption] We live in a digital age and the vast majority of us rely heavily on numerous technological devices to get us through our days. What we may not realize however is just how much these gadgets cost to run. Companies throughout the United States are finding out that they......
• Have You Asked Yourself, How Do I Plan For Retirement? /caption] If you are serious about getting the most out of your retirement, then it is absolutely vital that you begin the planning process now. When you begin putting together your plan for retirement, you should make sure to include the following: - First you should sit down and take......
• Prepare for Your Retirement Now /caption] If you are young and just beginning a career, then the concept of retirement planning may seem so far away that it is the last thing that you put any consideration into. However if you are on the opposite end of the fence and retirement is just around the......

• Personal Retirement Plan Investment Options Good financial management consists of two different distinct facets, the first of which is learning how to make the best use out of your limited earned income in order to best meet your current expenses, and the second of which has to do with learning how to implement strategies that......
• Great Debates: Traditional vs. Roth IRAs Welcome once again to the little corner of the blog where we discuss some of the greatest arguments in the personal finance world.  Today, we'll discuss which is better when planning for your retirement, a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA.  (There are also traditional and Roth flavors of 401(k)s,......
• The Total Money Makeover By Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey is a popular radio talk show host and author and his latest book, The Total Money Makeover has generated quite a bit of excitement. He claims that money management is 80% behavior and 20% knowledge, and there is a lot of truth to that. While the book covers......
• Should you invest in a 401(k)? Trying to decide whether you should invest in a 401(k) (or equivalent retirement plan)? It's one of the most commonly suggested first steps for people trying to get their financial house in order; many financial advisers will tell you to contribute to your company retirement plan (at least, up to......
• Savings Goals In The New Year And Beyond Making just one goal with regards to your savings can make a real difference.  Here are savings goals which can help you have a financially secure and less financially stressful 2010, so know your situation and choose one which best suits you. Why You Need a Savings Goal Goals are......