You can take out your contributions at anytime. Because they were after tax dollars to begin with. You only pay a penalty if you take out money you've earned before 59 1/2. The nice thing about a ROTH is you're not taxed on your withdrawals at retirement like with a 401K.Originally Posted by getto301
But I would still advise contributing to a 401K to get the full employer match, and then start a ROTH. Otherwise you're letting free money get away.