The best (and worst) ways to raise fast cash

Pros: You're borrowing money from yourself at a low rate (usually prime plus one point, or 6% recently) - so the interest you pay goes right back into your account.

Cons: Not every plan will let you take a loan (about 85% do). Some restrict borrowing to a home purchase, education or medical expenses. You're limited to borrowing 50% of the vested amount. You must start paying the money back right away, and if you leave your company you have to pay up immediately. But the biggest drawback is the loss of potential investment gains.

NEXT: Borrow against other investment accounts