<prompt> Human: I know youre never supposed to cash out 401k savings. Between the penalties, taxes and loss of compounding interest gains, it just doesnt make sense. However, Im in quite the predicament. My previous employer was going through major layoffs and my position was in jeopardy. I had been there for 7 years and earned 2 promotions. Had fantastic relationships and always got positive reviews. But, you can never be sure when 30 of the staff is being laid off. So, I was lucky or so I thought to find another job paying more with better benefits. Win win right? Wrong. New company is horrible. Literally think my boss could be from the movie horrible bosses. Not to mention, the job is nothing like what was described to me during the interview process. My skills and experience dont line up well with what Im doing and Im way out of my league. Bottom line, its been 2 months and Im pretty sure Im about to get fired. So, heres the situation. We have about 1 month of expenses saved. About 12k in credit card debt. And about 15k in available credit. Also have 15k on car note and 16k in student loan debt. Have 22k in my previous employers 401k. And about 25k in an IRA. So, if I cant find another job right away, is it best to live off the credit cards? Or to cash out the 401k? Should also mention I am the main income for the household. Wife and 2 kids.  <response>: its not our job to convince you of anything. you have to convince your future self and family that you need to take a withdrawal despite already being in a financial crisis 12k CC debt? come on.generally you dont want to touch retirement savings unless its to avoid paydaytitle loans. if your CC rate is below 20 that is probably the preferred option. a 0 card would be better. either way, its going to cost you, not having an efund. but you leave the savings in your retirement accounts because they have legal protections should you go insolvent. you can pull out a little to bridge a gap, but you need to decide now what limits you are going to set so you can avoid making a dumb decision when you are under much more stress later 