The money that you take out of the 401k is no longer protected against creditors. (Someone borrowing from a 401k seems more likely than the average 401k holder to be at risk for bankruptcy.)
Some plans do not permit net-new contributions while a loan is outstanding. Even when plans permit it, the fact that you're borrowing on Thursday might not have you in a situation to make payroll deductions on that Friday. (This is situational, of course. If you're in dire straits overall, you might still not be making contributions.)
I'd consider borrowing from a 401k to buy a house, or to pay off credit card debts that were 15% or worse and that's it, full stop. Refinancing 7% debt at 4% seems not worth it, especially if you're taking money out of equities to do it.
Ah, I see -- it is a problem borrowing from 401k if you pay it back out of your existing contributions. Makes sense -- I've just never thought of it that way. To me, it only makes sense if you are substituting it for a regular loan, and not touching the contributions overall. In other words, if you are in a good financial situation to take out a regular loan, then a 401k loan could make sense also.
Some plans do not permit net-new contributions while a loan is outstanding. Even when plans permit it, the fact that you're borrowing on Thursday might not have you in a situation to make payroll deductions on that Friday. (This is situational, of course. If you're in dire straits overall, you might still not be making contributions.)
I'd consider borrowing from a 401k to buy a house, or to pay off credit card debts that were 15% or worse and that's it, full stop. Refinancing 7% debt at 4% seems not worth it, especially if you're taking money out of equities to do it.