I recently changed job, and am making 25% less, with the money I have in a MM and my little bit in 401k (30k) I could pay off my house and then eventually pay off my cc# debt (which is about 20k, then my car which is 8k). This way I can afford to live at what I earn, and sock money away for retirement, in addition to joining my new companies 401k. I see this as a big chance to get a leg up on life. PS I will turn 35 years old in a month. Any advice would be appreciated- I just don't want to be one of those people whose house gets taken away if I loose my job or get seriously injured etc... I like the idea of knowing I will truly "own" my home! Thanks!
2007-10-10 02:37:42 · 5 answers · asked by Tamara 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
No it's not wise to cash out but you should be able to borrow from your 401k plan combined with your other fund you should have enough to buy your house. You would take a big loss by cashing out early.
2007-10-10 03:31:02 · answer #1 · answered by askmeguru21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you're paying more money in interest on your debt than you're making on your investments, then it probably would be worthwhile.
Remember, real estate is just another form of investment, a very strong and stable investment. Its value will generally always increase over time because there is only so much land in this world and the population is ever growing. This of course really depends on where you live, but your house's value could more than double by the time you retire and possibly return you more money than you would in your current investments.
It's basically moving your investment from one asset into another asset, and will probably save you, and perhaps make you, money in the long run.
2007-10-10 03:11:32 · answer #2 · answered by limaxray 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually I would encourage someone to leave their money untouched for retirement and roll it over but in your case sounds like you need to pay off some debts in order to keep your credit in good shape. Remember you will have to pay taxes on it and may have to pay the penalty for early withdrawal. Some expenses are exempt from the penalty but you will have to check when you decide on exactly what you will be spending it on. As long as you get right back into saving for your retirement you probably wont be hurt too bad. Remember you will need close to one million to retire at the same level you are at when you retire.
2007-10-10 02:49:04 · answer #3 · answered by Diane M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless you need the money to save your life, don't cash out the retirement money. id sell the house first and rent. its just a house... sounds like with all your other debt you cant afford the house anyway really.
cashing the money out, you will be hit with like 40% with taxes and penalties... that is like borrowing money at 40% interest. Not a good idea.
2007-10-10 02:50:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you have 30,000 in your plan, you can only use about 20,000 of it, the other 10,000 will have to be paid as taxes and early withdrawal penalty
2007-10-10 03:01:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋