How to get early access to saved money

[sheepgetlambs]

Our retirement savings are largely in Roth IRAs and 401ks. We recently realized that we might have trouble accessing that money when we RE because we won't be anywhere near the various minimum age requirements? Should we be stashing our money somewhere else the remaining years until FIRE? I find it frustrating to look at our growing stash and realize we won't be able to access it for the early years of ER, and when we finally can access it, it will be more than we need for the estimated remaining years of our lives.

Any suggestions from the Mustachians out there?

[geekette]

You can access it early - google Roth Pipeline, for one.

[sheepgetlambs]

Thanks. I googled it and will read even more when I'm not tired. My goal, of course, is to be able to access our retirement stash without paying an early withdrawal penalty. I'll share Roth Pipeline with DH and we'll both read up on it. Thanks again.

[arebelspy]

72(t) is another way besides the Roth Pipeline.

http://jlcollinsnh.com/2013/12/05/stocks-part-xx-early-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-and-roth-conversion-ladders-from-a-mad-fientist/

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/11/11/how-much-is-too-much-in-your-401k/

[NewStachian]

One thing I found out from my financial advisor is the gov't tracks your principal in a roth by what you claim on your tax return. I always skipped that with the mindset "i don't pay taxes on this, so why would I fill it out on my tax form?" Oops. I now have to file some sort of form to put my roth principal on the books. Luckily, I'm a few years out from needing it.

[Nords]

Thanks. I googled it and will read even more when I'm not tired. My goal, of course, is to be able to access our retirement stash without paying an early withdrawal penalty. I'll share Roth Pipeline with DH and we'll both read up on it. Thanks again.

Here's an excruciatingly detailed summary on what to do and how to do it:
http://the-military-guide.com/2014/03/20/early-withdrawals-from-your-tsp-and-ira-after-the-military/

If you don't have a TSP then substitute the acronym "401(k)".

I now have to file some sort of form to put my roth principal on the books.

I don't understand what type of form you're describing.  Can you give more info or a link?

[arebelspy]

I now have to file some sort of form to put my roth principal on the books.

I don't understand what type of form you're describing.  Can you give more info or a link?

Is it perhaps called a 1040X?  ;)