Would you borrow from your 401K for this?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (85680)
United States
April 24, 2024 3:05pm CST
I’m not talking about me. I don’t have a 401K, but my nurse friend (the one who rescues all the dogs) does. She’s borrowing from hers to pay for visits and treatments from a functional doctor (doctor who takes more of a holistic approach: physical, mental, environment…). She makes good money, but she had spent her whole life paying for a rescue on her land to take care of animals (as of now: 18 dogs, 2 cats, 7 goats). So far, the doctor has taken her off her 2 medications, made sure her environment was free of basic pollutants (it was as she is very environmentally aware and everything is earth friendly). They changed her diet, put her on vitamins, and next month starts the parasite cleanse! Yes, you read that right. Part of the process is taking an organic cleanse that rids the body of any and all parasites (most people with parasites have no indication they are carrying them, believe it or not).
I appreciate what she’s doing, but her financial situation is bad. I think she should have started with just a change in diet since she eats awful. Sure, the food is organic, and she eats no artificial preservatives or dyes, but still yet, she lives on sweets. On the other hand, if this makes her feel mentally better, then great. I just think being in more debt is going to add more stress in the long run.
What do you think? On the face of it, it’s a great idea I’d do if insurance paid for it (they do not), and they didn’t make you go off all your meds. I did that once, it did no good, and was miserable. With her just being on two, it hasn’t bothered her.
21 people like this
17 responses
@RasmaSandra (73710)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
That is absolutely crazy, I mean I wish her well but all the money and if the money runs out where will she be and all the animals, She is putting herself in a very frightening position,
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (85680)
• United States
24 Apr
@RasmaSandra She would probably like to do that, honestly, but I don’t think she afford the money up front to get licenses or bring it to appropriate code. But I know she’d love to do it.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73710)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@AmbiePam a though just popped into my head. Since she already has goats perhaps some more animals like sheep and she could set up a petting zoo, So spending money to make money but I guess this would be too hard on her, Just a thought,
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34417)
•
27 Apr
In my opinion many bad decisions are being made by your friend. First, 401K 's are for retirement, not the present. Each withdrawal one makes is extra income they will be taxed for by the government. In addition, early withdrawals, under age 591/2 incurs a tax penalty. Second, although there are some good benefits to applying holistic health methods, these cannot replace a medical doctor's care. Going off meds can be dangerous to your health depending on what they are being prescribed for. Third, eating sweets (sugar) is not a healthy way to deal with depression, stress, or inducing happiness. High blood sugar can do some serious damage to your blood vessels and can lead to many diseases over time.
I'm also skeptical of some holistic health practices and their health benefits. Is a cleanse going to permanently rid her of harmful bacteria? I think not. The animal thing is just overkill and indicative of psychological issues in my view. Is she substituting the animals as a way to feel less lonely and make her feel good about herself? Just my thoughts...
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85680)
• United States
27 Apr
She feels the need to save things: people and animals. She does need therapy, absolutely. Her childhood alone was nuts, and she has made really poor decisions over the years. But, boy, she loves more unconditionally than anyone I have ever met. That doesn’t make her less kooky, but it’s why one overlooks a lot.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85680)
• United States
28 Apr
@dgobucks226 I’d pay for YOU to talk to her. She never listens to my warnings.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170460)
• United States
24 Apr
Yes, I if she can't afford it, she shouldn't be doing it. Maybe you should point out to her if she runs out of money, how is she going to continue to feed and care for her animals.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85680)
• United States
24 Apr
I asked her that once when she had another big idea, and she said she trusts God. I do too, but I firmly believe He gave us common sense and really wants for us to use it!
Right now, she has a roommate, but the roomie makes such a mess in the house that the stress just gets bigger.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (85547)
• Bangalore, India
25 Apr
My personal view is that it's not a wise thing to do. With so much in debt and so many animals to take care of, I think that she is taking a huge and unnecessary risk. I can only wish her well and hope that things work out for her.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (85547)
• Bangalore, India
26 Apr
@AmbiePam Yes, she has taken a huge risk. Her friends and well wishers can only hope for things to go well.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (49125)
• United States
25 Apr
I think that she’ll regret taking from her 401.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40615)
• United States
25 Apr
I really have doubts about the wisdom of all that. I hope she's not being scammed.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (79961)
• United States
25 Apr
I hope this all works out for her but I certainly wouldn't borrow from a 401K. I agree that being in more debt will increase the stress and I would be constantly worried about my finances.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (157156)
• United States
25 Apr
I would worry about how she'll feel if she can't afford to feed and care for all those animals. I wouldn't take money from a 401K to do what she is planning on doing.
1 person likes this
also, all those animals, so unnecessary.
@kaylachan (58192)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
At the end of the day, she needs to do what's best for her, even if you don't agree as her friend.
@kaylachan (58192)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@AmbiePam It doesn't sound smart, but she is the only knows what's best.
1 person likes this
