You’ve been contributing regularly to a retirement plan, maybe with matching contributions from your employer. Without even thinking much about it, you’ve likely built up a nice nest egg. But what happens when it’s time to withdraw that money?

In general, there are two types of withdrawals: Those taken during retirement to meet living expenses, and those taken before retirement typically for potential emergencies or major life changes.

Whether you’re getting ready to retire or considering a pre-retirement withdrawal, it’s important to understand some of the rules for each type.

Taking distributions your retirement plan

Once you turn 59 ½

Once you reach 59 ½ years old, you can typically withdraw money from your retirement account without incurring an early withdrawal fee.

Still, deciding how to withdraw your savings in retirement can be tricky due to two of the possible unknowns: Market performance and your longevity. Fortunately, there are several distribution options to choose from, though there may be fees and/or tax implications depending on the distribution you choose and your age at distribution.

Periodic payments

Of an amount certain: Receive equal, periodic payments on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis until your balance is $0. The number of payments you receive will depend on the value of your account.

Of a period certain: Receive payments on a regular basis according to the frequency you choose (monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual). The payment amounts will depend on the frequency and length of time you choose to receive payments and the value of your investments. Your payment amount is calculated by dividing your current account balance by the number of remaining payments. With this payment method, your balance will be zero by the end of the term you select.

Lump-sum distribution

Partial: Take out a portion of your balance at any time whether or not you are taking a periodic payment. You may elect partial lump-sum payments at different times, or a series of partial lump-sum payments, as you need.

Full: The entire value of your account will be distributed. You can roll over all or a portion of your account to another qualified plan (if available) or have the distribution paid to you (which could mean significant tax impacts).

Keep in mind that not all retirement plans offer all distribution options. It’s a good idea to check with your plan administrator to see if your plan has any distribution limitations.

While the options listed above offer ways to start thinking about retirement withdrawals, none of them are a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Given that your situation is unique to you, it may be a good idea to meet with a financial professional who can help you build a plan that reflects your specific financial situation and goals.

Additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Along with the risk of running out of money, there’s the risk you’ll withdraw too little and live way below your means. This retirement withdrawal calculator can help you understand the potential impact of various withdrawal rates.
• Remember that, with some exceptions, you must start making required minimum withdrawals at age 73 – The beginning age for RMDs is 75 for those who turn 74 after December 31, 2032.¹ The amount you’re required to withdraw is based on your age and the value of your assets. This minimum distribution calculator will help you calculate the amount to withdraw.
• Don’t forget about Social Security payments. While it probably won’t be enough to live on, your Social Security benefit will mean you’ll likely need to withdraw a little less from your retirement funds. The right age to start taking Social Security payments depends on many factors. Be sure to evaluate your situation and make a plan.

Pre-retirement (or emergency) options

Congress authorized tax-advantaged retirement plans and accounts — such as 401(k) plans and IRAs — to encourage Americans to save for the long term. To further incentivize people to save, they instituted penalties such as a 10% tax penalty on withdrawals from many retirement accounts made before age 59½.² But Congress also realized that stuff happens, and you might have a good reason to crack open your nest egg before you turn 59 ½. 

Penalty-free withdrawals

Several situations allow you or your heirs to withdraw retirement savings early without penalty. You’ll still need to pay income tax on that money (unless you’re withdrawing principal from a Roth account). Also be aware that the loosened restrictions that applied to withdrawals and loans under the CARES Act have expired.

Here are the most common expenses you can cover with penalty-free early withdrawals:

• Unreimbursed medical bills, but only amounts greater than 10% of your adjusted gross income.
• Health insurance premiums if you’ve been unemployed for at least 12 weeks.
• Unpaid taxes to the IRS.
• Higher education expenses, but only from an IRA.
• Home purchases (up to $10,000) as long as you haven’t owned a home in the last two years, and only from an IRA.

You can also withdraw funds early if you’re totally and permanently disabled. And if you die, your beneficiaries can withdraw funds without penalty, although spouses generally need to wait until they’re 59½. The IRS provides a full list of exceptions to the 10% additional tax.

This early withdrawal retirement calculator can help you understand how these types of withdrawals could potentially impact your nest egg.

Taking a loan from your 401(k)

You can usually take out a loan from a 401(k) account without taxes and penalties, typically up to $50,000 or 50% of the assets, whichever is less. Generally, you must repay the loan within five years with interest.³

Remember, the money you borrow could miss out on potential growth. That’s why it’s generally not a good idea to take a loan for discretionary purchases and to do so only when you’re confident you can pay it back quickly.

The bottom line

Taking money out of retirement savings before retirement should be a last resort. Even if you avoid penalties, you still face ordinary income tax — as well as the possibility that your retirement savings won’t recover enough to maintain your standard of living in retirement.

There are other options you may want to consider first: Reducing your spending, taking advantage of government programs such as unemployment insurance, taking a home equity loan, refinancing, or negotiating different payment terms with lenders and landlords.