<prompt> Human: I have in a retirement account from an old job that I left before full vestment. 20k before taxesfees. I currently have cc debt that I would like to get rid of as well as carhouse purchases coming soon. Is it advisable to take that money out in a lump sum or leave it in until Im old and crusty and just deal with current debt at a minimum monthly payment until, well, forever?  <response>: Losing the tax advantage and paying the penalty make cashing out your retirement plan a bad idea. 