👴👵 Taking money out of 401(k) plan/IRA to tide you over comes at a cost (AARP Article)

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

401(k) hardship withdrawals are on the rise, but NEW employer emergency savings accounts could help stem tide.

By Tamara E. Holmes. Published February 28, 2024.

https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2024/retirement-plan-emergency-expenses...

[GailL1 · Accepted solution]

@SpringIsHereSoHappy 

Isn’t it sad that people cannot handle their own money - 

Isn’t it sad that people have to rely on government rules to get them to save for an emergency.

Wonder how this program will go over with employers as well as the worker’s - 

We all need to learn how to fend for ourselves in our resources and our plans for emergencies as well as retirement (and even a possible disability or death of a breadwinner).  

Seems like a ROTH IRA would fill the emergency needs after (5) years because after that, one/s principal can come out of the plan - with no taxes or penalties.