"Honey, I Shrunk the 401(k)!"

In medical parlance, this is referred to as "circling the drain."
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401(k)s tapped to save homes
By Christine Dugas, USA TODAY

Struggling to save their homes from foreclosure, more Americans are
raiding their 401(k) retirement accounts to pay their bills -- and
getting slammed with taxes and penalties in the process, according to
retirement plan administrators.

Rather than borrow money from their 401(k) accounts, which would have
to be paid back, a growing number of beleaguered families have been
ca****ng out, plan administrators say.

The main reason? The need to stave off foreclosure or eviction.

- more -
http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/retirement/2008-03-10-401k-withdrawals_N.htm