<prompt> Human: Hi PF.My brother, who I respect with money matters, thinks it is an absolutely horrible idea to liquidate my IRA money 10k Roth, 20k Traditional with the 10 penalty to settle my outstanding credit card debts.Im currently living at home with family, I have no cash maybe 200 left in checking cash no assets No car, no house aside from the IRAs and a part time job that I am not scheduled to work for 3 weeks. So... really no job. Im looking for other work but little hope in the short term.I only have credit card debt, no student debt or anything, and it is all on two cards.The thing is, I had been living overseas which caused the debt. I have a son overseas. No child support or anything but I would like to return to him as soon as I get on my feet. Is bankruptcy a good idea? Will I encounter any problems with emigrating should I get the opportunity in the next few years? I had never really considered it until my brother brought it up, he said the retirement money would be protected.Thanks.  <response>: Bankruptcy? Off 10k in CC debt? Absolutely not. Your brother is also right when he said not to liquidate your IRA money.Its ONLY 10k. You can find a way to roll that over using a balance transfer until you start working. 