Q: I lost my job due to a reduction in the workforce a year ago. I am wondering what I should do with my 401(k). I am 60 years old, and my husband will be 62 in December. He lost his job about two years ago. I was collecting unemployment, but since I am now receiving a small pension from my previous employer, this has stopped. I still owe $5,000 on my car loan and was wondering whether I should take money out of my 401(k) to pay this off. Right now I have just over $112,000, which is all invested in intermediate and short bonds. We also have the usual bills, mortgage, etc., which is $1,000 a month in utilities, charge card bills and a loan. I also own some stock, which I have taken a huge loss on over the years. I have been applying for jobs but not having any luck. Any advice would be appreciated. -- A.P., via e-mail
A: It is clear that age discrimination is alive and well, and folks your age will have a difficult time finding jobs at your previous income levels. You can, of course, withdraw money from your 401(k) without penalty; you'll have to pay taxes. Given your job situation, it's possible you won't have to pay taxes. Your investments in bonds as of now likely produce a very modest return. You mentioned that you've taken a huge loss in your stock, but if you have invested in relatively secure companies (even though the market sunk considerably a few years ago), most of those stocks recovered nicely. I hope that is true in your case.
Regarding your car payment, it's likely that the interest you are paying on that loan is substantially greater than the 401(k) is earning. If that is the case, consider taking the $5,000 and paying off that loan.
Q: The company I work for offers a lump sum and an annuity as options for retirement payment. There is a rumor that the company is going to do away with the lump-sum option. How is the lump-sum option determined, and do they have to give notice if they change the way they offer pension payments? -- A.B., via e-mail
A: The human resources department of your company is the place to start your investigation. Rumors are a nickel each. Because each situation is unique, I have no idea how the lump-sum option is determined and whether it is to your advantage. Further, they might have no obligation to tell you that the pensions are being changed, particularly if you make no contribution.
Your first stop is human resources. Ask the questions you've asked me. If they start to finesse, you may want to talk to some of your colleagues and collectively have an attorney make the inquiry.
