Susan participates in a Section 403(b) plan at work that includes loan provisions. Susan has recently enrolled in college and has inquired about the possible consequences of borrowing from the Section 403(b) plan to help pay for her education. As her financial planner, what is your advice to her?

Susan qualifies for the loan under section 403(b) plan at work. However, this loan should be well negotiated as regards repayment of the interest elements and the principal.

Explanation:

When a loan is taken up, one has invariably taken up the pledge to repay the Principal component and the Interest element. At the point of funding the loan, a good and favorable interest rate should be well negotiated. As an active employee, the repayment is taken from the monthly pay, after the deduction of statutory tax payment.

It must be advised that Susan should pursue the intention of applying for the loan with utmost faithfulness, as a deviation from this will be frowned upon. Such loan are not to be invested and/or diverted for other purposes.

Susan should properly understand the attending obligation before her - the repayment of principal and interest within the agreed period of time. A default is not advised as this comes with a penalties. The entirety of the loan may be treated as an income, and subsequently taxed in same breath. Plus other penalties.