<prompt> Human: As the title states I am going to be getting a divorce soon and need to come up with the money for a new apartment. We dont have much savings only 2k so it will be hard to make a deposit on an apartment living in the Bay Area. I have a 401k from a previous job that is a little over 8k. Was wondering what PF thinks about taking this out now to help fund a new apartment and the furniture etc I will need to start over. Going to need a bed, move in for an apartment is usually first last and security usually close to 1 months, other furniture etc. I make 74k a year and I am targeting a apartment around 1850. Even though I dont want the divorce I am moving out to hopefully get close to my work. I know we should have saved more please dont just tell me why we needed an emergency fund. Medical bills etc made that impossible. I also dont want to move to a tiny little room and save up to get a new place. I want something new to start my life over now and living in some tiny little room with nothing but my regrets...its too much. What does PF have in regards to what this will cost me 10 tax hit? On the withdrawal? Will it fall under 2016 tax liability or 2015 taxes due in a month? I have another 401k with my current job that has 10k that I plan to keep and continue making 15 contributions per pay check. I will also immediately working on my own emergency fund in a separate account.  <response>: You will owe your marginal tax rate plus a 10 penalty. If you withdraw it in 2016, its on your 2016 taxes.Get roommates. You cant afford your own apartment right now. Try to sublet. 