<prompt> Human: First reddit post, so Id appreciate some leeway in code of conduct and whatnot. I was a Summer intern with this small NPO in Washington, DC. I loved that organization and my job, but there wasnt a full-time position for me after the internship ended, I took a banking job back home that Im not really happy with that pays 13hr with decent benefits. Cost of living in Arkansas is pretty low, so thats still bad but not as terrible as you think if youre reading this in an area with a significantly higher cost of living. Im slowly paying things off anyway, and maxing out my employee match on my 401k. Ive been with this bank for 3 years now. A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to apply for an office administrator position with my former employer for around 40,000 final compensation negotiations pending. From what I understand, its come down between myself and one other former intern so Im starting to think about how to make this move. My wife inherited the home we currently live in, so the only housing expenses we have at the moment are utilites and whatever happens to have broken that month its an old house with lots of jerry-rigging, and Im no mister-fix-it. Im going from this to renting in DC. What research Ive done says to expect to pay around 1,000 a month. Im considering trying to pay rent 6 months ahead of time to negotiate lower rent. Im thinking of cashing out or borrowing against my 401k to fund the majority of that initial 6-7k. Just looking for some advice. Is this a good idea? Is there a better idea that I am overlooking? Am I overestimating how much of a discount a landlord will give me for paying ahead? Am I crippling my retirement? If I decide to borrow, should I rollover the funds to a Roth before doing so?Full disclosure: Im 25. My wife and I have a 2 year old son. We are going to try the distance thing, and so will not be making the move with me at this time. Selling the house is not an option.  <response>: I wouldnt move all the way to DC for a 40k job. Likewise wouldnt pay six months of rent ahead of time. And certainly wouldnt borrow against a 401k to do so. This just all around seems like a bad idea. 