WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumers stung by the sudden doubling of their minimum required monthly credit card payments are finding new ways to eliminate credit card debt by replacing their card debt with cheaper alternatives such as 401(k) loans, said retirement plan expert, Daniel Lamaute, CEO of Lamaute Capital, Inc. (InvestSafe.com).
Millions of individuals will find themselves unable to pay the hundreds of dollars more required per month on their credit card bills. And, with already stretched budgets the most vulnerable consumers may fall deeper in debt trouble. That’s because, some credit card companies, if you are just one-day late with a payment, will immediately hike the interest rate on the card balance to as high as 29 percent, in addition to charging a late fee.
“We are already seeing a surge of inquiries about the 401(k) loan as consumers look for ways to eliminate their high credit card debt,” says Lamaute. Key attractions of the 401(k) loan are:
* There’s little paperwork, and there’s no credit check.
* The interest paid on a 401(k) loan is credited to the 401(k) account - so borrowers pay interest to themselves, not to a bank or other lender.
* There are no taxes and penalties on early withdrawal as long as the loan is repaid on time according to the loan terms.
* The Interest rate on many 401(k) loans is set at prime rate and is fixed for 5 years, the normal term of a 401(k) loan.
One should contact his employer to learn if their 401(k) plan allows loans. Independent contractor and individuals with their own business (part-time or full-time) can open their own Solo 401k plan with a loan feature.
It’s possible to transfer funds from IRAs, 401k from a previous employer, SEP plan or other qualified retirement funds to a Solo 401(k) plan and borrow up to a maximum of $50,000 or 50% of the Solo 401(k) account balance, whichever is less.
Make sure, however, to follow the 401(k) loan guidelines. Defaulting on a 401(k) loan is very costly indeed, and will cause the outstanding 401(k) loan balance to be treated as a withdrawal subject to tax plus a possible 10 percent tax penalty.
Lamaute Capital, Inc. (www.InvestSafe.com) is an investment firm that specializes in setting up retirement plans.
Technorati Tags: Lamaute Capital Inc, CEO Daniel Lamaute, Solo 401k plansSPHERE: Related Content — CLICK HERE to See What Else is Out There!
About The Author / Editor:
Aria C. Munro works in the book publishing industry and has been a content editor for the Neotrope News Network since 2004. Her black video iPod is most often shuffling Invader Zim episode vids and Thomas Dolby or Dead Can Dance tunez.» Learn More About Aria Munro
Articles & Columns
IRS rules require that loan interest be set at a rate comparable to what a commercial lender would charge in similar circumstances. That may or may not be the prime rate as indicated in this article.
Comment by Kimberly Sheek, QPA, QKA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 @ 20:31:58 -0700 PDT
Reality check – the market has been very volatile over the last few months (years). People who borrow against their 401(k) accounts now may very well be selling their investments at a low point, locking in their losses. They’ll be sitting on the sidelines should the market take off. They will be earning interest of course but it will be coming out of their own pockets and on an after-tax basis. Furthermore, if they are terminated from their employer that loan will most likely become a taxable event immediately. If they’re under 59 ½ they’ll have to pay a premature distribution excise tax on that amount as well. Then they’ll have to figure out where to get the money to pay those taxes or they’ll have to take more of their retirement savings to cover them, creating a worse tax situation. It’s an option but only consider it as a last resort!
Comment by Kathy Hull — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 @ 23:55:44 -0700 PDT