Is It Okay To Tap Into My Retirement Funds?

The global health crisis has hit everyone in some way. For many, they experienced tremendous loss of income, some with none at all. While unemployment and added government assistance stimulus checks were helpful to some degree, there are many who are still greatly struggling and weighing all income options, including accessing retirement funds early as a matter of survival.

Tips From Our Friends at Choice Investments

Generally speaking, it is always better to leave your retirement accounts alone and pull funds from non-retirement accounts first. This has to do with many factors including the longevity a retirement account requires to make steady gains and compensate for market losses. Over time, these accounts steadily grow. If money is taken out, the compound rate of return structure changes and there are usually pretty stiff penalty fees and taxes for early withdrawal.

Alternatives To Consider

• If you have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and are under the age of 59-1/2, rather than withdraw from your IRA, you may want to consider a personal loan, or home equity line of credit (HELOC). This allows you to borrow against yourself at a lower rate, rather than assume the 10% penalty, and have to pay taxes on the money withdrawn.

• If you are over the age of 59-1/2, you could take a monthly withdrawal from your IRA to make the loan payments. This way you are only taking out a portion each month, which can be more cost effective than withdrawing a larger lump sum.

• If you have a 401k you can always take a loan out against that plan too. Again, this is not ideal, but it is a better alternative than withdrawing a larger lump sum.

• If you have no other choice, then by all means withdraw from your IRA. Money is needed for survival and nothing is more important than your life and health. Just be aware of what you may lose in income overall during the long term.

Invest Smarter

Whether you’re a new or experienced investor, we’re here to help with our investing options. We are more than happy to discuss your personal situation as everyone’s is unique, especially during this stressful time.

Call 315-735-8571 to talk about your options or make an appointment with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives today. Simply click on the button below, select “Advisory Services” from the menu and choose “Investment Services.”

¹IRA's are offered through First Source FCU and are federally insured by NCUA.

²Stocks/Stock Funds, other securities, and advisory services are offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor and Member FINRA/SIPC. These products may also be offered by a First Source "dual employee" who accepts deposits on behalf of the credit union and also sells non-deposit investment products on behalf of Choice Investments LLC through Cadaret, Grant & Co. Choice Investments LLC, Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. and First Source are separate entities. You can check the background of these financial professionals through FINRA’s BrokerCheck. First Source Federal Credit Union is not a registered broker dealer and is not affiliated with Choice Investments LLC.

NOT FEDERALLY INSURED    •    MAY LOSE VALUE    •    NO CREDIT UNION OBLIGATIONS    •    NO CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE 

Funds invested through Choice Investments are not federally insured, may lose value, and are of no way obligations of First Source FCU. Involves investment risk and may involve loss of principal. First Source has no guarantees of securities and annuities products offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Financial Professionals associated with this site are registered to conduct securities business and licensed to conduct insurance business in certain states. Response to, or contact with, residents of other states will be made only upon compliance with applicable licensing and registration requirements. The information in this website is for U.S. residents only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase brokerage services to persons outside of the United States.

Finding the solution that works for you

Both a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) involve borrowing money against the equity you’ve built up in your home. Each has its own benefits, depending on how, and when, you plan to spend the money, as well as how you’ll pay it down. While often this type of loan is used for major home improvements and renovations, you can actually use it for many different purposes: college expenses, traveling, paying for a wedding, paying down debt, and more.

What is Home Equity?

Home equity is the difference between your home’s fair market value and the outstanding (remaining) balance of all liens on your home. As you make payments on your mortgage, or if your home’s value increases, your equity grows. We can help you determine your home’s equity. Since these two home equity solutions mean borrowing against the value of your home, they’re considered secure loans, with your home as the collateral. Each option is essentially a second mortgage. 

What Are The Benefits of a Home Equity Loan?

A home equity loan has a fixed amount, with a specific payment schedule, so repayment is predictable. It can often be combined with your original mortgage to simplify monthly payments at a fixed interest rate. If you’re approved, you receive the entire amount up front. This can make a Home Equity Loan preferable for a large purchase like a new pool, or to pay off a one-time expense like a wedding. The interest can also offer potential tax benefits (consult your tax advisor).

What Is A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit, with a maximum amount from which you can pull from up to a certain number of years, with a variable interest rate, similar to how a credit card works. It also provides for draw period extensions, meaning you can continue to borrow from the line.

What Are The Benefits of a Home Equity Line of Credit?

If you receive approval for a HELOC, you can decide when to use the available funds. As you need money over a longer period of time, you can draw as you need it. After you withdraw funds, you’ll have a minimum repayment due, though you can usually pay off more. While a Home Equity Loan provides immediate funds for a one-time larger purchase, a HELOC is generally recommended for purchases made in smaller amounts, such as home renovations spread out over weeks or months. The interest on a HELOC may also offer you tax benefits (consult your tax advisor), depending on what you use it for.

Not Sure What’s Right For You?

A number of factors go into deciding which home equity solution will work for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. We can help you decide which Home Equity Option is best for you. Call 315-735-8571 to talk about your options or make an appointment with one of our representatives. Simply click on the button below, select the “Apply for a Loan” service from the menu and choose the “Home Equity” option.