05/06/2026
Most retirement accounts (401(k)s, 403(b)s, SIMPLE/SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s) are funded with pre-tax dollars—which means withdrawals are typically fully taxable.
And if you pull money out before 59½?
You may owe ordinary income tax + a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Yes, there are exceptions (like disability, certain medical expenses, IRS levies, and some military distributions)… but for most people those are situational, not strategies.
In this reel, I break down two planning tools that can help you access retirement funds penalty-free if you follow the rules correctly