Charted: Dipping into 401(k)s

A larger share of 401(k) holders tapped their accounts early for financial emergencies in 2023 than ever before, according to Vanguard.

By the numbers: The pre-pandemic average was about 2%, according to the WSJ, which reported the development.

• So-called "hardship distributions" have set a record now two years in a row.

Reasons for the trend, per WSJ, are increasing financial pressures like groceries and insurance bills.

• Also contributing is the fact that many 401(k) accounts have done quite well in recent years, giving people more confidence to take a dip.