Taking money from an retirement account poses a whole new set of issues. There are serious tax implications for early withdrawal distributions that you must be aware.

These tax issues need to be explained by a CPA only!

Also, and most dangerously, it is very rare that someone every repays their IRA or 401K. Typically, if you need money for financial hardship, you rarely pay it back in a lump or installments. Ultimately, that money is not working for you over the years and you will pay the price when you need that money down the road.

When people are struggling the predators come out with promises and untold offers to reduce debt and offer debt consolidation.

It may sound callous.  However, Yes, I do mean to scare you.

Be careful these are the last 2 options are taking on more debt from your home equity lines or borrow money from your IRA's / 401k's to pay off other debt.