"Single Mother Contemplates 401(k) Withdrawal to Pay Off Mortgage"

A 46-year-old single mother is considering emptying her 401(k) to pay off her $128,000 mortgage on a house worth $400,000 in Miami. She has an annual income of $108,000, owes $6,000 on her car, and has about $5,000 in credit card debt. While not having to pay a monthly mortgage would increase her savings, financial experts advise against emptying a 401(k) due to taxes and penalties, and suggest exploring other options such as refinancing or selling the house.