i have a simple IRA left over from my newsleaders days, to which i contributed no money. all the money that was in there when  i left was contributed solely by the company. when i left, there was maybe $200 in there, and now it’s at about $765. last year it maxed out around $950, but then stocks went bust, so i lost (? how can you lose money you never really owned) $200.
so, the time is coming right for me to go to the lender and talk about house buying and seeing if it’s something i should do. i’d like a little more money in savings so i could cover earnest money and an inspector, and the money in my IRA would do the trick (after taxes and penalties, still about $500 cash i didn’t have before).
i’m wondering if i should do this, or just leave it in there. i will probably never contribute to this IRA again, and i have a 401K set up through work that i’m currently contributing to, so it’s not like it’s my only retirement option.
probably not the bunch of people i should be asking since none of you are financial advisors, but i thought i’d throw it out there for feedback.
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edited to add: i just found out that the early-distribution penalty may be waived if the money’s used for a first-time home purchase. i think i’ll talk to the lender and then do that if s/he recommends. obviously none of you have any opinion about this!