<prompt> Human: I live in Virginia. I have two 401Ks from previous employers that are just sitting there. I would like to withdraw early from both to help pay for a new home. I read that if I am separated from an employer I am not able to withdraw funds via hardship withdrawal?. Is this accurate? I have a 401K with my current employer. Should I roll the previous two over and withdraw funds that way?  <response>: The fees and tax penalties involved all point to a bad decision. Have you calculated amount of potential earnings if you leave in a 401k vs depleting 401k and putting it towards a home? You will lose a lot of money in the long run. For every 1k down on a home, you save around 4 dollars in mortgage... You will end up with more money if you purchase a home at 4 interest and keep that money in your 401k. I suggest you sit down and really do the math with this. A 401k is money that should not be touched unless its a MUST and even then ONLY for a short term loan, i.e., 1 year or less. Sorry, but those who are financially savvy will not recommend this. I recommend saving enough to purchase a home you can afford comfortably within the monthly payments you are looking for. 