I have a 401K plan with approximately 18,00 in it. I am in credit card debt, can I withdraw what I need to pay off my debt. [email protected]

You can access your 401k for hardship purposes only, I'm told. There are other ways, less costly, to alleviate credit card debt.

You might be able to withdraw some or all the money, it depends on your plan provisions. But it would be a mistake to do so. You probably will not qualify for a hardship withdrawal, which means you will have to pay a 10% penalty. Plus the amount will be added to your taxes for the year increasing your tax liability.

Check to see if you can take a loan against the balance.