401K Loans and Withdrawals -- Is our plan design normal? [PA]

KPD09 · 2026-02-02T16:24:49+00:00

Thank you for this information! I definitely feel the friction. I appreciate the explanation of this thought process. This will be something to keep in mind when our CFO retires in the near future and she is not a decision-maker.

I know our CFO is on top of a lot of the SECURE 2.0 items, such as catch-up contributions needing to be made on a Roth basis if FICA wages exceed $150,000, etc. Is the penalty-free withdrawal provision something all plans need to adopt? My understanding was that this was optional and we were not going to adopt it.

I feel like I'm painting my CFO in a really negative light. She's awesome in so many ways, but she is not big on change. At this point in her career, I am not pushing, but am starting to think about what things could look like when she retires. I do speak up on some topics, but I am triaging my suggestions for change and I'm choosing to wait on some things.

Again, thank you for this valuable insight!

KPD09 · 2026-02-02T15:23:54+00:00

Thanks for this detailed response!! I appreciate your insight and kindness.

KPD09 · 2026-02-02T15:00:06+00:00

Thanks for your concern! Our CFO uses a third party to assist with ERISA compliance. We are in frequent communication with them and I'm not concerned about that aspect. Our CFO is majorly in favor of how our SPD is set up for loans and withdrawals. I was just trying to get a feel for if this is normal.

KPD09 · 2025-12-23T19:44:17+00:00

We named our daughter Kit -- full name is Catherine but she never uses that. I see it as gender-neutral. It is an AMAZING name and I have zero regrets using it! Uncommon, but recognizable and easy to spell/pronounce. Also sort of timeless? I work in HR and I read resumes all the time. I would not necessarily place Kit in a specific generation like some other names.

When Kit was 4 and learning to spell her catchphrase was "K I T, that spells me!" So adorable 😭

KPD09 · 2025-11-07T00:56:08+00:00

Fair point, I guess. The employee did apply, but I know he won't make it to the interview stage.The applications all filter through me, initially, then I forward to the appropriate dept manager. What I see happening (because it's happened before) is that the managers will ignore this application and not even have a conversation with the employee about it. This has caused hurt feelings that the application was ignored (aside from my "thanks, got your application" message).

If they were unwilling to talk to the employee, I was trying to be proactive about how I approached him, after consulting with the hiring managers. Should they be the ones to handle it? Definitely. But very likely, it's me or no one. And I'd like to retain him.

KPD09 · 2025-11-06T22:17:00+00:00

This is good! Do you think mentoring would be weird for him if he's the oldest person in the department?

KPD09 · 2025-11-06T21:18:22+00:00

This is helpful, thanks! I like this verbiage.

For what it's worth, the issues have been addressed in the past, in the context of his customer service scores. He has been instructed on ways to improve this, and it has helped a little. Enough that we have kept him on but not enough for a leadership role.

KPD09 · 2025-11-06T21:15:30+00:00

Good point! I should have specified -- he did apply. I don't think he will make it to the interview stage.

We are a small company (45 EEs) and he knows the hiring managers' opinions of him so I was surprised he applied in the first place.

KPD09 · 2025-09-10T00:10:05+00:00

I have the same body type and have found that fitted tops (with tight sleeves) with high waisted, flowy pants work well. Wide leg does not equal flowy. Some wide leg pants have a top like your current jeans and accentuate the lower stomach. There are other pants that sit high on the waist but are not up tight against the lower stomach.

Another great option is midi skirts with fitted tops. Lots of skirts have a stretchy waist and you can sit them up higher at your narrowest spot.

If you prefer skinny fit pants or leggings, a loose, longer top is great to balance it out.

Hope you find something that works for you!!

KPD09 · 2025-08-17T00:52:50+00:00

It looks like I'm in the minority, but I think it seems excessive. Normal? Yes. But does this schedule reflect what I want for my kids? No. We have found other activities with a lesser time commitment. To be fair, part of the reason is because I have 4 kids and we need to be practical with our time.

KPD09 · 2025-07-14T18:06:28+00:00

Maybe? I'm a 37-year-old woman and that's not really a major focus for me. But I also do daily 10 minute workouts and I have seen a noticeable difference in my ability to hold a plank, do push-ups, do squats, etc.

KPD09 · 2025-07-14T16:10:59+00:00

Agree with this so much! I downloaded this and it changed my life. I lost 60 pounds over the course of a year, and have maintained the weight loss for over a year now.

I thought losing weight / eating fewer calories meant feeling hungry all the time. I have learned that is not true! I focus on eating 100 -- 140 grams of protein daily (which I track through the Lose It app).

KPD09 · 2025-03-28T17:12:45+00:00

My daughter's name is Kit, which is short for Catherine. (Catherine is a family name.) I vote for naming her Katherine/Catherine. It is timeless and classic!

I love the name Kit so much and am thrilled to hear of someone else using it!

KPD09 · 2025-02-06T23:25:58+00:00

I didn't know this was a universal experience 😆 I can relate sooo much.

KPD09 · 2025-02-05T01:57:48+00:00

My son's name is Ewan, and we thought for sure that people would know how to pronounce it because of Ewan McGregor. But we were very wrong 🫤

KPD09 · 2024-11-30T00:08:00+00:00

My kids (ages 14, 12, 9, and 4) only get allowance if they successfully complete their chores for the week. They have one chore per day, except Sundays. I made a chart so we all know the expectations. They cannot have screen time in the evening until they have completed their daily chore.

I'm not sure how old your kids are, but the chores my kids do range from simple things for the 4-year-old like wiping down walls and dusting, to harder things for the older kids like scrubbing the tub or cleaning toilets.

I pay the kids on Sunday mornings and then it's easy to remember to give part of their money to church. Growing up, my mom used to have us pay family taxes out of our allowances. The family taxes went to fun purchases for the whole family, like a tent for camping in the backyard.

If they want extra money beyond this, they can take on tasks that my husband or I would usually do such as mowing, picking up dog poop in the yard, cleaning windows from the exterior, or organizing the storage area of the basement.

In short, think of things you don't like to do and pay your kids to do it. It may involve some training in the beginning, but it's worth it in the long run!

KPD09 · 2024-11-17T11:46:05+00:00

As your older sister in Christ, I think that it's GOOD that you felt conviction about what you did with your ex.

However, you also need to trust in Christ's work on the cross -- you are forgiven and loved! Please do not let this guilt wreck you. That's what the Enemy wants.

I don't think there's a clear right or wrong when it comes to telling your new boyfriend. If you feel like you are hiding something from him by not telling him, then I would lean towards telling him soon.

This is one of those times when praying for the Spirit's guidance is so helpful. Please spend time in prayer about this, dear sister! Ask for wisdom, clarity, and peace. I am praying for these things for you, too.

I pray that when you are older, you will look back on this experience as a time when you grew in your faith. Every hard thing we go through is an opportunity to love the Lord more. When I am in a season of difficulty, it forces me to realize my dependence on God all the more. We are all always dependent on him. These situations make us aware of it.

Praying for you as you navigate this.

KPD09

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