New Power Generation Inc.
NPG Financial Services Inc.
7726 Winegard Rd, Suite 17
Orlando, FL 32809
(407) 929-1684
npgfs1@gmail.com chrislopez@npglife.us

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Member 2021

Retirement Read Time: 3 min

Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)?

The average household with revolving credit card debt had a balance of $6,006 in 2021. For the average household carrying credit card debt in 2021, this equated to an annual interest of $1,029. With the average credit card annual percentage rate sitting at 20.48%, it represents an expensive way to fund spending.1,2

Which leads many individuals to ask, “Does it make sense to borrow from my 401(k) to pay off debt or to make a major purchase?”3

Borrowing from Your 401(k)

  • No Credit Check—If you have trouble getting credit, borrowing from a 401(k) requires no credit check; so as long as your 401(k) permits loans, you should be able to borrow.
  • More Convenient—Borrowing from your 401(k) usually requires less paperwork and is quicker than the alternative.
  • Competitive Interest Rates—While the rate you pay depends upon the terms your 401(k) sets out, the rate is typically lower than the rate you will pay on personal loans or through a credit card. Plus, the interest you pay will be to yourself rather than to a finance company.

Disadvantages of 401(k) Loans

  • Opportunity Cost—The money you borrow will not benefit from the potentially higher returns of your 401(k) investments. Additionally, many people who take loans also stop contributing. This means the further loss of potential earnings and any matching contributions.
  • Risk of Job Loss—A 401(k) loan not paid is deemed a distribution, subject to income taxes and a 10% penalty tax if you are under age 59½. Generally, should you switch jobs or get laid off, you must repay a plan loan within five years and must make payments at least quarterly.4
  • Red Flag Alert—Borrowing from retirement savings to fund current expenditures could be a red flag. It may be a sign of overspending. You may save money by paying off your high-interest credit-card balances, but if these balances get run up again, you may have done yourself more harm.

Most financial experts caution against borrowing from your 401(k), but they also concede that a loan may be a more appropriate alternative to an outright distribution if the funds are absolutely needed.

1. NerdWallet.com, 2022
2. TheBalance.com, 2022
3. Distributions from 401(k) plans and most other employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Generally, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions.
4. IRS.gov, 2022

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Debt Stress

Debt Stress

There’s a link between debt and stress.

Social Security: Maximizing Benefits

Social Security: Maximizing Benefits

There are other ways to maximize Social Security benefits, in addition to waiting to claim them.

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

This article can be a helpful guide when begin preparing for education expenses.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro

Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.

Retirement Plan Choices for Small Businesses

Retirement choices can be intimidating. Picking the right strategy.

View all articles

Historical Inflation

This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.

Home Mortgage Deduction

Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.

Saving for Retirement

This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

View all calculators

Long-Term-Care Protection Strategies

The chances of needing long-term care, its cost, and strategies for covering that cost.

Protecting Those Who Matter Most

The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

View all presentations

The Power of Compound Interest

Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.

Working With A Financial Professional

A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.

The Latte Lie and Other Myths

Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.

View all videos