I recently had to renew my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, as I do every two years to meet the CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct. As I went through the three-step process to renew my certification, it made me reflect on recent questions asked by a 50 Plus reader: “Should I use an advisor? How do I chose an advisor and is it important if they are Certified Financial Planners?”

When I turn 59 and a half, I think it would be a good idea to withdraw $40,000 from my 401(k) to pay off high-interest rate credit cards (24 percent APR). I plan to continue working until I'm 65, and my current 401(k) balance is more than $500,000. I know that the $40,000 will be taxed according to my income level. Good or bad idea?

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