Editor’s note: "The Rule of 55" is part eight of an ongoing series focused on how to retire early and the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. Part One is How to Retire Early in Six ...

Tax-advantaged retirement accounts aren't exactly known for their liquidity, and that's largely thanks to a number of pretty strict rules, with only a few exceptions, governing when you can pull out ...

Tapping a 401(k) before age 59 and 1/2 usually results in an early withdrawal penalty. A special rule might allow you to access your 401(k) without a penalty at 55. It’s important to know how this ...

Retirement accounts exist to help you invest to build wealth for your golden years. That’s why Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules make it challenging to withdraw money from tax-advantaged retirement ...

The rule of 55 can benefit workers who have an employer-sponsored retirement account such as a 401(k) and are looking to retire early or need access to the funds if they’ve lost their job near the end ...

The rule of 55 allows penalty-free 401(k) withdrawals only from your current employer’s plan after separation. Funds in old 401(k) accounts from previous employers remain subject to the 10% early ...

There's usually a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you take money out of your 401(k) under age 59 1/2. The Rule of 55 lets you take funds from your most recent employer's 401(k) without penalty if you ...

A special rule gives you access to your 401(k) if you leave your job the year you turn 55 or later. Just because you're allowed to tap your 401(k) doesn't mean you should. Also, make sure to ...