quote:
if i were to withdraw $2500 from my 401k, any idea as to how much I would have to pay in penalties?
$250, plus the $2500 is taxable income, so that's another $500+, so the answer is "a lot." If you can avoid it, don't withdraw. Borrow against it instead. The amount you "borrow" is escrowed in a guaranteed, low-paying fund, and you "pay yourself back" at a net APR of about 2%. This way, you are not absolutely hemorrhaging money.
Of course, we're talking about borrowing against funds you voluntarily contributed, not employer contributions. The only way to lay hands on the latter is if you don't work for that employer anymore.