<prompt> Human: When I began my first job in NYC at 23yrs old I immediately opened a 401k plan. After about 2yrs I left the company for another position elsewhere and the 6,250 Id accumulated remained frozen in my 401k account. I found other employment and could not at the time open a new 401k because I had some monumental expenses occur, and accumulated what is now around 6k in credit debit. I only have one Discover card.Now Im 26, and I have been trying bit by bit to tackle this credit debt, but unfortunately, given the fact that Im living paycheck-to-paycheck, it feels impossible to make a significant dent. This debt is weighing on me now as Ive taken an extreme hit to my basic spending for food, because I also have to accommodate:My current rent - 1,425 pr month, and will be escalating to 1,500 in February 2016. My paychecks come twice monthly at 1,425 pr paycheck take-home. Travel funds for work - 130moCableInternet - 116moConEd - 75mo in winter 200mo in summerLaundry - 30moHousehold groceries - 200moFood - 200 - 400moIve been trying to pay off maximum 1k on my credit card monthly. Credit interest on the card comes to 117mo.Essentially my question is - should I utilize the 401k funds to completely eliminate my debt, which would allow me to open up a new 401k with my current employer and start over? Because Ill be able to afford the deduction. I know its typically frowned upon to do so, but given I know many people my age who have yet to even open up a 401k yet, maybe Im early enough in my career to consider this an option? I honestly just want this debt completely eliminated so I can start paying my credit bills off in full again, while being able to simultaneously save for retirement.Any advice is appreciated.  <response>: I dont know what is right for you. I do know that I have twice raided retirement savings for what I thought were justifiable reasons, and wound up regretting them both. 