Paying credit card debt with Roth IRA

Hello Terry.
Do you think it would be ok if I paid off 2 of my credit cards with my Roth IRA? I am 51 soon to be 52. I am single. Do not own a home. I am renting right now. I have had a few medical issues, over the years. I make about 58K. I have a pension at work that just went from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan. I have worked at the same company for 17 yrs. I also have a couple student loans that I am paying off. I have been putting a lot of energy towards paying off my debt in the last few years. Do you think it would be ok to pay off 2 credit cards with my Roth IRA? Also, any good books, web cites, etc., on understanding financial management. Thank you so much for your time, and consideration.

Terry Says:  I hate to see you pull money from your Roth IRA where it will continue to grow tax free for retirement, in order to pay off those credit cards.  But if you are paying a high rate of interest on the credit cards, you surely want to get rid of those balances asap.  I’m going to suggest you contact Consumer Credit Counseling Services at 800-388-2227 — They are national non-profit, and will connect you to the nearest local office.  Just talking with them and setting up a plan does NOT go on your credit report.  They are experts at looking over your budget and making helpful suggestions so you can pay down your debt.   Even just taking  a part-time job for a couple of years — maybe on weekends — could get you the extra money to pay down your cards, while maintaining your savings.