As of 2025, the average 401(k) balance for Americans in their 50s is around 490,000 dollars. That means a 54-year-old with 4 ...

Saving for retirement in a 401(k) comes with several valuable advantages. Your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, ...

Keep these points in mind as you prepare for that big birthday.

Retiring early with a 401(k) requires understanding how to access funds before the standard retirement age without triggering heavy penalties. This involves leveraging strategies like Rule 72(t) ...

There's usually a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you take money out of your 401(k) under age 59 1/2. The Rule of 55 lets you take funds from your most recent employer's 401(k) without penalty if you ...

If you try to withdraw early from just about any retirement plan, you'll be slapped with a penalty—an incentive to leave your money alone and let it build toward retirement like you always intended.

When times are tough and household budgets are under severe strain, taking cash out of your 401(k) plan can provide some relief. However, it’s best to be cautious, as there are specific rules related ...

You've spent decades contributing to a tax-advantaged retirement savings account. Now, for one reason or another, you want to withdraw your money. Maybe a medical issue has pushed you into early ...