06/03/2026
A 401(k) hardship withdrawal should be a last resort. Early withdrawals may trigger taxes and a 10% penalty, and the long-term compounding loss is even greater. Additionally, pulling money out during a market downturn makes it much more difficult to recoup the losses in the long run.
Retirement account balances sank at the start of 2026 amid market swings, according to Fidelity. At the same time, more savers tapped their accounts for cash.