The recent implementation of SECURE 2.0, a federal law on retirement savings, has expanded the options available for early withdrawals from IRA and 401(k) plans. Previously, withdrawing funds before the age of 59½ incurred a 10 percent penalty in addition to income taxes. However, certain circumstances could exempt individuals from this penalty, such as hardship distributions for immediate financial needs, covering education expenses, funeral costs, or first-time home purchases.
