401(k) guide topic
Withdrawals & Loans
Clear answers, practical examples, and carefully labeled public-plan evidence.
Can You Use a 401(k) to Buy a House? Loan vs. Withdrawal
A house down payment can make a 401(k) balance look tempting. Before touching it, understand the big difference between borrowing from the plan and permanently withdrawing money.
11 min read →Aug 25, 2026401(k) RMD Rules in 2026: When Required Withdrawals Start and How They Work
Most traditional 401(k) money eventually becomes subject to required minimum distributions. Your age, work status, ownership and account type determine when they begin.
10 min read →Jun 12, 2026401(k) Early Withdrawal Penalty: The 10% Rule and Major Exceptions
The 10% early-withdrawal tax is real, but it is not the only cost and it does not apply to every early distribution. The reason for the withdrawal matters.
10 min read →Jun 5, 2026401(k) Withdrawal Rules in 2026: Ages, Taxes, Penalties and How Withdrawals Work
You can take money from a 401(k) in more situations than many people realize, but “allowed by the plan” and “free of tax or penalty” are two different questions.
11 min read →Apr 10, 2026401(k) Loans Explained: Rules, Interest, Repayment and Risks
A 401(k) loan is not free money, even though the interest generally goes back to your account. Here is how the limits, repayment schedule and job-change risk work.
13 min read →Apr 3, 2026401(k) Hardship Withdrawals: Rules, Reasons, Taxes and Alternatives
A hardship withdrawal can provide access to 401(k) money for an immediate and heavy financial need, but the money usually cannot be put back. Know the plan rules and tax cost first.
12 min read →