Q. I did a hardship to take care of my mother who had become ill, taking a pay cut on the way, and leaving behind the house I bought in 2005. After a year and a half on the market, the house I used to live in has become a short sale. The bank wants $25,000 in cash, which I don’t have at the moment. The bank also wants to see my Thrift Savings Plan account. I know they cannot levy against it, but I assume they want me to, in order to make up some of the difference. I would like to retire in 3½ years, but I would have to delay that if I take out a loan. What should I do?
A. You should do everything you can to meet your obligations, including delaying your retirement.
