I may be wrong but I believe you can transfer old 401ks and traditional IRA investments into the current 401k, so long as your employer allows it. Then you have a greater sum to pull from if needed. I don’t think that negates the rule of 55 but
@Adam Sandler can clarify.
Tricky part isn’t the rule itself, but rather that all these questions depend on the plan provisions. In theory yes, depending on how plan is structured. I would advise if trying to do these strategies to talk with the plan advisor, and if not them, the plan management company. Your company HR is not likely to know this stuff.
@DarthVol1 also correct about what they said.
I am more friendly to rule of 55 than 72t, but with either the rule of thumb for general public is if you feel the need to do this you’re likely doing more damage to a long term plan that would not support early withdrawal than the benefit of the short term capability.
@kong
I also don’t like that you cant move the account and so like with most group plans you end up with less control over investments and which holdings to liquidate from typically, which is a paramount consideration alongside tax implications when in withdrawal phase of life due to sequence of returns risk.
And while we’re on the subject of pulling from 401ks, for those who’ve had the ability to buy company stock in their plan, you’ve probably never heard of NUA (Net Unrealized Appreciation), but it is awesome when processed correctly and coordinated with savvy tax planning.