STILLWATER – Building financial accounts is an important priority for many people moving toward retirement. While those reserve funds grow, financial management experts typically agree it’s important to be patient and not withdraw early.

However, job loss and income reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic have left some families in dire straits, said Cindy Clampet, Oklahoma State University Extension assistant resource management specialist. Those circumstances are prompting further consideration with new options on the table.

“Generally, when a person taps into a retirement account ahead of sc...