<prompt> Human: Im planning on opening an investment account soon, but Im wondering how easy and quick it is to take money out of the account if needed. Is it easy to do and I can do it at any time? Is there a penalty for withdrawing from one of these accounts?  <response>: If youre referring to a taxable brokerage account the money is fairly liquid, however you will be taxed on any gains according to the capital gains tax rules if you cash out. For mutual funds you have to wait until the end of the trading day, after which it takes about 2-3 business days to get the money as cash in your savings or checking account. 