how do you actually go about getting your 401k withdrawal?what does the total penalty and tax percentage taken off add up to?can you get it at any time of the year? is it possible for your 401k to be "tied up" when you need it?please help!!!

This depends on your company and the plan manager. Some plans work everything off a quarterly basis. So, depending on when you file the forms, you might have to wait 3 months for a check. Other plans work monthly or more frequently. The plan administrator should be able to tell you.

But taking money from a 401K should be considered a last resort. Besides the tax consequences, you will lose 10% in penalties.