If you're thinking about cashing out your 401(k) plan early, you need to know about these costs, penalties, tax implications, and rule exceptions first.

If you contribute to a 401(k) retirement account, you may be able to take a loan from the plan. The maximum amount you can borrow is limited to the lower of $50,000 or up to 50% of your vested account ...

2026 brings changes to your 401(k) catch up contributions that you need to know about. Ignoring them could bring IRS hassles or a surprise tax bill. If you are participating in your 401(k) at work, ...

One nice feature of 401(k)s is that they have generous contribution limits, including catch-up limits. In 2026, you'll be forced to make your catch-up Roth-style if your 2025 income is over $145,000.