<prompt> Human: So, Im getting my life together slowly, but surely. However due to my partner being jobless for a few months. Weve gotten behind on bills and rent. Ive got a 401 k with about 5k in it and was thinking of taking out 2-1.5k I know there are taxes and penalties but, what other unforseen things can happen from taking money out early. Any info and advise is appreciated.  <response>: The unforseen thing is at age 65 your retirement fund will be about 26k smaller than it would be if you didnt take out 2k and given the tax and penalties on 2k you are really pulling out 1300 and missing out on 26k at age 65You should have been working this problem the day your partner became jobless, namely finding some temp work, cutting back on expenses, ... 