SFRPs taking a hit during the pandemic? Despite concerns about how pandemic related un- and underemployment might increase withdrawals from state-facilitated retirement savings programs (SFRPs), contributions remained steady and withdrawals increased only slightly.

Withdrawing funds from a retirement account prior to retirement is generally frowned upon, and with good reason. Withdrawals are a form of “leakage” that not only limit the long-term growth of account funds, but also come with potential tax penalties. State facilitated retirement savings programs use Roth IRAs, which allow for withdrawal of contributions without taxation or penalties - but is this good? Grant Boyken explores.