A concerning trend is emerging in the financial landscape as many cash-strapped Americans are tapping into their 401(k) retirement accounts for emergency funds. According to an analysis by Bank of America of its clients’ employee benefits programs, 401(k) plan participants taking hardship distributions increased by 13% between the second and third quarters, reaching the highest level in at least the past five quarters.
The data, which now stands at 18,040 participants, highlights a concerning reliance on retirement savings for urgent financial needs, signalling financial stress among specific segments of the population. Despite a robust GDP and low unemployment rates, the increased demand for 401(k) hardship distributions points towards a broader issue of economic strain for some Americans as the nation approaches the 2024 election year.
Lisa Margeson, managing director of Bank of America’s retirement research and insights group, suggests that the rise in hardship distributions may be attributed to high inflation and the increasing cost of living. As a result of this financial pressure, more individuals are turning to their retirement accounts as a source of immediate cash.
A separate report from the New York Federal Reserve reveals another aspect of Americans’ financial challenges. Despite record-high interest rates, credit card balances have grown by $148 billion over the past year, reaching $1.08 trillion. The report also indicates that the share of households newly delinquent on credit cards is at the highest level in twelve years.
Bank of America’s analysis found that 401(k) participants taking hardship distributions increased by 27% from the year’s first quarter, with an average withdrawal amount of $5,070. While financial experts typically advise against tapping into retirement savings due to the potential loss of long-term growth, the current circumstances are prompting some individuals to prioritize immediate financial needs over long-term retirement goals.
Despite the surge in hardship distributions, there is a silver lining. Bank of America reports that 401(k) contribution rates remained steady during the third quarter, with an average contribution rate of 6.5%. Moreover, more than one in five Gen Z participants (21.3%) and 10.4% of Millennials are increasing their contribution rates, indicating a positive trend towards building retirement savings among younger generations.
While the financial challenges confident Americans face are evident in the increased use of 401(k) hardship distributions and growing credit card debt, the resilience shown by those continuing to contribute to their retirement accounts offers hope for a more secure financial future. As economic conditions evolve, the importance of financial education and preparedness becomes increasingly apparent to weather unforeseen challenges and maintain long-term financial well-being.
