Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Host of the Retire Sooner podcast and CFP™ practitioner. Happiness may be subjective, but with multiple studies suggesting ...

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Once you turn 55, you're eligible for catch-up contributions in various retirement accounts. The rules for 401(k) catch-ups are changing and may impact you. You may be able to tap your 401(k) early.

If you try to withdraw early from just about any retirement plan, you'll be slapped with a penalty—an incentive to leave your money alone and let it build toward retirement like you always intended.