Where there's a bill, there's a way

Issue I’m down to my last dime. What’s the worst that could happen if I pillage my 401k?
Workshop Who Gets the Money? Rules for Taking Distributions from Tax-Deferred Retirement Plans
Deets Everybody says, No matter what happens, never, ever dig into your 401k. But what if you’re just a few hundred bucks shy of having to move into your parents’ suburban basement? Consumer and family economics expert Karen Chan schools you on the consequences of prematurely cashing in on tax-deferred retirement savings plans. She’ll also tell you how to minimize tax penalties, do a rollover correctly and convert your regular IRA or 401k into a Roth IRA. Harold Washington Library Center, Authors Room, 400 S State St (312-747-8184). Apr 24, 9:30–11am. FREE.

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Issue My health coverage went the way of my job—down the toilet. Now what?
Workshop Navigating the Cycle of Health Insurance in Tough Financial Times
Deets Lost income is only one of a Pandora’s box of horrors associated with losing your job. Health insurance is another. From employer coverage to no coverage at all, Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Tamatha Smith discusses how you can tailor your plan for tough times and save a few bucks while staying insured. Chicago Public Library, Oriole Park Branch, 7454 W Balmoral Ave (800-382-4548). Wed 22, 2–3pm. FREE.

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Issue I’ve been out of work so I’ve been living off my credit card. Help!
Workshop Getting Out of Debt & Protecting Your Identity
Deets The average American household already carries about $8,000 in credit-card debt. With widespread job loss, that number is bound to rise. If you’ve had to rely on plastic to survive, there are ways to dig yourself out of that hole. Consumer and family economics educator Dedra Thomas tells you how to get in control of your money by contacting creditors and establishing alternative payment plans. She’ll also talk about saving, budgeting and keeping a weekly spending diary to avoid falling into the hole in the first place. Chicago Public Library, Austin Branch, 5615 W Race Ave (312-747-8184). April 25, 1–2pm. FREE.

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Issue My 401k is hemorrhaging—should I take the money and run?
Workshop Saving & Investing in Turbulent Times.
Deets Crisis, downturn, bloodbath: Any way you describe it, the market is ailing. Now that we all agree on that, where should you stash your money? Karen Chan returns to tell you whether you should yank what’s left of your 401k, whether a savings account is your safest best bet, or whether you should just keep funneling money to Wall Street while stock prices are low. Harold Washington Library, 400 S State St, Authors Room (312-747-8184). Apr 24, noon–1pm. FREE.

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Issue Homes are a bargain right now—should I buy?
Workshop To Buy or Not to Buy—That is the Question
Deets You don’t have to be a Shakespearean scholar to know that buying a home before you’re ready can end in tragedy. Providential Bancorp’s Carrie Reznicek shows you how to navigate the volatile real-estate market, tackling topics such as budget preparation, credit and debt management, and effective strategies for avoiding predatory lenders. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 S LaSalle St (312-981-1318). Wed 22, noon–1pm. FREE.

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