Logo
    Search

    Can You Use Your 401(k) To Buy a House?

    enJanuary 23, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Monetizing existing resources with AirbnbAirbnb can be an effective side hustle with minimal startup costs, allowing users to offset expenses and generate income by sharing their homes.

      Monetizing what you already have, such as your home, through platforms like Airbnb can be an effective and easy side hustle. The speaker, Nicole Lappin, shares her personal experience of using Airbnb to offset the costs of remote writing retreats while also generating income. She emphasizes that this is a great option for those new to side hustles as it requires minimal startup costs. Meanwhile, she acknowledges the financial challenge of buying a house, which can involve a substantial down payment, currently averaging 20% of the total sale price. This can be a significant barrier for many individuals, especially with rising home prices and interest rates. However, she encourages listeners to explore their options and offers resources for those interested in learning more about hosting on Airbnb. Overall, the discussion highlights the potential benefits of utilizing existing resources and the importance of financial planning and exploration when considering major purchases or side hustles.

    • Using 401k for house down payment: Loan vs WithdrawalUsing a 401k loan for a house down payment lets you access large funds without penalty or tax, but you'll pay interest. A withdrawal means paying tax and penalties, but it reduces overall investment balance.

      Using your 401k to make a down payment on a house comes with advantages and disadvantages, especially when considering a 401k loan. Here's a simplified breakdown: When you're ready to withdraw funds from your 401k for a home purchase, you have two options: taking a loan or making a withdrawal. Each choice has its pros and cons. For instance, taking a loan lets you access a large sum of money without facing penalty payments or income tax. Additionally, the repayment terms are typically generous, with loan repayment windows often lasting five years or more. However, you'll need to pay back the loan with interest. On the other hand, making a withdrawal means you'll have to pay income tax on the amount and possibly face penalty payments if you're under 59.5 years old. This option reduces the overall balance in your 401k account, which in turn decreases the potential returns on your investment. In summary, the primary advantages of a 401k loan for buying a house include no penalty payments or income tax, quick access to a large sum of money, and reasonable repayment timelines. Ultimately, the decision to use a 401k loan or a withdrawal depends on your personal financial situation and long-term goals.

    • Weighing the pros and cons of using a 401k for a house purchaseTaking out a loan from or withdrawing funds from a 401k for a house comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Consider your financial situation and priorities before deciding.

      Both taking out a loan from or withdrawing funds from your 401k for buying a house come with their own advantages and disadvantages. If you choose to take out a loan, you won't be able to contribute to your 401k or receive employer matches until the loan is repaid, resulting in reduced compound interest. On the other hand, you won't have to repay the withdrawn amount if you go with a withdrawal, but you'll face penalty fees and taxes. Additionally, real estate typically has lower returns than a 401k account. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual financial situation and priorities. Weighing the pros and cons carefully can help you determine which option is best for you. If neither option seems ideal, consider looking for a more affordable house or giving yourself more time to save for a down payment.

    • Prioritize your future self when making major financial decisionsExplore options before using retirement funds for major purchases, consider state programs for first-time homebuyers, and seek advice for money questions to benefit both present and future financial wellbeing.

      When considering major financial decisions, it's best to prioritize your future self as much as your present self. While it may be tempting to use retirement funds like a 401(k) to secure a dream home, it's important to explore other options first. For instance, some states offer special programs for first-time homebuyers. By doing so, you can make informed decisions that benefit both your current and future financial wellbeing. Remember, everyone needs money rehab at some point, so don't hesitate to reach out for advice. You can email your money questions to moneyrehab@moneynetwork.com or follow Money News Network on Instagram and TikTok for more resources. Lastly, thank you for investing your time in this discussion. Your financial health is crucial, and every step you take towards improving it is an investment in yourself.

    Recent Episodes from Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

    Tips for Acing a Grant Application and Getting People To Care About Financial Literacy with Jailin Griffiths (Global Head of Purpose at Nasdaq) and Three Grant Winners

    Tips for Acing a Grant Application and Getting People To Care About Financial Literacy with Jailin Griffiths (Global Head of Purpose at Nasdaq) and Three Grant Winners
    Today, you’re going to get tips on investing, building generational wealth, teaching kids about financial literacy and applying for grants— and you’re going to hear this advice from three stellar recipients of the Nasdaq Foundation's Quarterly Grant Program. But first, Nicole sits down with Jailan Griffiths, the Global Head of Purpose for Nasdaq, to talk about the work Nasdaq is doing to further financial literacy, and the voice all companies should be listening to when shaping their mission (spoiler alert: it's their employees!). Read more about Nasdaq’s purpose-driven work, including the grant program, here: https://www.nasdaq.com/nasdaq-foundation  Check out the report Jailin mentions around their New Investor Initiative called Transforming Investor Identity, here: https://www.nasdaq.com/new-investor-initiative. Learn more about Judy Herbst & Savvy Ladies here: https://www.savvyladies.org/ Learn more about Sarah Dieleman Perry & Neighborhood Allies here: https://neighborhoodallies.org/  Learn more about Gayle Villani & GO Project here: https://www.goprojectnyc.org/

    Encore: Nicole Negotiates Her Rent!

    Encore: Nicole Negotiates Her Rent!
    Originally aired April 19, 2022. Money Rehabbers want to know: can you negotiate your rent after signing a lease? Be a fly on the wall as Nicole negotiates her rent with her landlord! Can Nicole get a better deal? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

    Former Disney Star Christy Carlson Romano and Brendan Rooney on Losing All the Disney Money, Healing Financial Trauma and Working With Your Spouse

    Former Disney Star Christy Carlson Romano and Brendan Rooney on Losing All the Disney Money, Healing Financial Trauma and Working With Your Spouse
    You might think that Brendan Rooney, who had a "normal" middle-class childhood, enlisted in the Marines, and then went to Columbia University would have very little in common with Christy Carlson Romano, former Disney Channel child star who, in her words, made— and lost— millions of dollars. And yet, the married couple say their childhoods were not that different when it came to the hard financial lessons. Nicole sits down with Christy and Brendan, who run the podcast network Podco, and talk about what it's like being business partners with your romantic partner. Then, Christy talks about her financial journey after rocketing to superstardom so young, and how she made— and lost millions. We talk about when spending can turn into a form of self-harm, and her advice to anyone looking to build a healthier relationship with money. To watch Christy's YouTube video "How I Lost All My Money," click here. Learn more about Brendan and Christy's podcast network here.

    Related Episodes

    How to Find a House That Is a Good Investment

    How to Find a House That Is a Good Investment
    If buying a house is the right move for you, you’ll want to make sure to buy a house that is a good investment. In this episode, Nicole shares five things you should look for to find an appreciating property that your future self will appreciate. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Successful Career in Advocacy Is Possible with the Right Moves

    A Successful Career in Advocacy Is Possible with the Right Moves

    Very rarely do most consider that advocacy work can be a full 9 to 5 career choice. Janaye Ingram, Airbnb’s Director of National Partnerships knows better than anyone that her commitment to community and advocacy work is more than simply serving a weekend a month. From serving as an Americorps VISTA, to working with the National Action Network under Reverend Al Sharpton, to her time as Miss New Jersey - speaking and driving important initiatives across the state and country, Ingram has built a career that centers making a positive impact on the community while driving organizational and company goals forward. Let us know what you think of the episode using #UnBossedPodcast.


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.