Question

How does a PLESA compare to simply taking a hardship withdrawal from my 401k?

Answer

A PLESA is specifically designed to provide accessible short-term savings without affecting your retirement account. Hardship withdrawals from a 401k are subject to income taxes and, for those under the age of 59½, a 10% early withdrawal penalty — and they permanently reduce your retirement savings. PLESA withdrawals carry no such penalties, and your retirement account remains intact. If your employer offers a PLESA, it’s generally a much less costly way to access funds in an emergency.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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