<prompt> Human: Ive had several jobs, and a new one as of recently, each has given me a nominal amount of 401k savings. I have three very small 401k savings accounts from different employers, and one significant 401k account with 20k. I took out a loan on that 401k to purchase a home two years ago, which I have now sold the balance is marginal at this point. I was wondering what the best option is to consolidate, and possibly, to make the funds more accessible. Any pointers? I want to avoid paying taxes at my income based marginal rate.  <response>: I was wondering what the best option is ...to make the funds more accessible. Any pointers? I want to avoid paying taxes at my income based marginal rate.Yes--you really should leave your 401k alone. Continually pulling from it to finance various things will hamper its growth and cut into your retirement. IMO, its best to treat these funds like theyre accessible no sooner than your late 50s.If you are seriously thinking of pulling money early and just eating the 10 penalty, you can somewhat offset the tax load with deductions andor low income. Generally speaking, though, youre going to pay at least 20 federal state 10 penalty on early withdrawal. 