What can result from an early withdrawal from a 401(k) or IRA?

The correct choice highlights the significant impact of early withdrawals from a 401(k) or IRA, which can have lasting consequences on an individual’s retirement savings. When funds are taken out of these tax-advantaged accounts before reaching retirement age, not only is the individual likely to incur penalties, but they also miss out on the opportunity for those funds to grow over time through compound interest.

The potential for loss of future earnings is crucial to understand because money invested in a 401(k) or IRA has the benefit of growing tax-deferred, which means that the compounding effect can significantly increase the total savings over the years. By withdrawing early, you not only remove the principal amount from the investment but also eliminate the chance for that money to earn returns that could have been generated if the funds had remained invested.

This highlight on future earnings potential emphasizes the long-term nature of retirement accounts and the importance of keeping the investments intact until retirement to maximize financial security in the future.