With millions of people out of work at present, many of them are having to dip into their retirement funds in order to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. Most of us have been taught that our 401k's and IRA's should be considered off-limits until we're ready for retirement, but it's hard to live up to that standard when so many are facing foreclosure and the kids are going hungry.
The good news for younger workers is there will likely be time to make up a good portion of those potential losses in capital before retirement rolls around, but the future looks quite bleak for those who happen to be middle aged or older. If you find yourself in the latter age group, it's imperitive that you do whatever you must in order to make it without having to tap into your retirement accounts.
Cut back on expenses as much as possible, take a second job, turn a hobby into a second income...whatever it takes. There is no tomorrow when it comes to trying to re-build a retirement nest egg when you're already just a few short years from retirement.