The purpose of a 401(k) is to provide retirement income, so the last thing you ever want to do is access that money while you're still working. But if times get tough and you grow desperate for cash, you might be tempted to tap that account early and access the money that's technically yours.

Retirement should be a time to kick back and relax, whether that means traveling the world or staying at home to play with the grandkids. Unfortunately, far too many seniors are spending their golden years worried about their finances-- and debt is a big reason why.