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JR

Should we use retirement $ to pay off credit card debt?

Dear Dolans:

my wife and I have about 5 years to retire. we have $1.4M in 401k, 403b and TSA accounts. I will have a employers defined pension (annuity) of about $80k per year in addition to the above counts. My wife will get a pernsion of $40k/yr. Weave about $2k per month in 403b contributions in addition to the 401k plans.

We have about $40k in secured and credit card debt. Should we use some of the retirement savings to pay off this debt? We owe about $170k on mortgage on a home valued at $770k.

Pleas eadvise.

Thanks


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The self proclaimed expert on all thing finance. Specialising in secured loans and payday loans

Hmm, in general it is always better to pay off debt with what are effectively savings since the interest rate is generally far higher on credit than it is on saving. I think that applies in your situation too. Credit interests rates will no longer drain your savings (pension) once they're paid off.

Posted 2009-12-02T12:56:21Z
 
10 helpful answers

Reliable answers to your credit questions.

Normally I don't recommend using retirement funds to pay off credit card debt.  First, if you cash in retirement funds early you'll pay taxes and a 10% penalty which makes it a more expensive way to pay off debt right off the bat.

In addition, retirement funds are generally protected from creditors. And most consumers who contact me aren't in the relatively strong financial position you are in.

I still provide the above warnings in your situation. However, another option for you may be to borrow against your retirement funds to pay off the credit card debt. If you are about five years from retirement, then you could have that debt paid back by the time you retire.The interest rate will likely be lower than what you're paying on your cards right now, and you will be paying interest to yourself. The downside is that money will be out of the market during that time. Of course, that may or may not turn out to be to your advantage!

If you are in the position to pay back your debt without having to tap your retirement funds, that would be the ideal situation. I am sure you've looked at it a number of ways, but you may want to check out the Zilchworks.com program to create a repayment plan. (It's not my program and I get no referral fee for mentioning it to you. I just happen to think it's helpful.)

Good luck - I am optimistic you can retire with those credit card debts retired as well.

 

 

Posted 2009-12-02T18:58:03Z
GerriDetweiler was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

 
93 helpful answers

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Hi there,

I don't think this is a good decision to pay your debts by retirement plan because this can effect your future. Instead of you can pay your debts by payday loans. This is the best way to repay your loans now a days for the working people.

Posted 2009-12-09T07:56:30Z
Thomson Joseph was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

 
1 helpful answer

You didn't mention how much your are earning now, and how much net income you have per month. What is the interest rate on your debts? Pay the highest interest rates first. $40k in 5 years is about $667 a month, if you can afford to spend that a month, pay it off now.

Posted 2010-01-05T06:50:32Z
nordberg25 was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

 

relative to the obvserver

pay it off, kill the cards.

Posted 2010-01-06T14:43:56Z
Grim Reaper was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

 

relative to the obvserver

pay it off, kill the cards.

Posted 2010-01-06T14:44:03Z
Grim Reaper was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

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