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    blacktalon's Avatar
    blacktalon Posts: 13, Reputation: 0
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    #1

    Oct 5, 2008, 03:45 PM
    Cashing in my 401K
    I need some good advice.. First of all I am 61 years old and currently have income of $70K from both myself and spouse income. We have a home equity line of credit with a balance of $50K which is due in Dec 09. I am currently making quarterly interest payments of approximately $1000. I have a 401K plan from a previous employer presently valued at $136K. Should I cash in my 401K to pay off this $50K? I could then begin putting the max into my other 401K which currently is at $16K. I realize I would have the 20% taxes withheld which would leave me with about $108K. I could then pay off the $50K home equity, put the remainder in CD's or something and continue contributing the max into my other 401K. I'm not sure what to do about this and any help would be appreciated. Also the $136K is currently in an IRA which will no enable a loan process.
    Stringer's Avatar
    Stringer Posts: 3,733, Reputation: 770
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    #2

    Oct 5, 2008, 04:43 PM

    I am not an expert or a CPA, but I think that keeping the equity loan would be a better decision. The interest on this loan is deductible from your taxes, I would sit down and see how much of a deduction annually you are receiving from the equity loan and compare that advantage to other options. If you find that this is substantial then keep the loan and consider other investment options with the $108,000.00 $401K since you are not contributing to this plan now.

    I am not sure about this but please check out whether CD's are Federally insured, if not then I would reconsider.

    I am 63 and I have lost 20% of my 401K... in the mean time I have switched it all to Treasury Bonds until things improve somewhat.

    Stringer
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