What happens if I withdraw money early?

If you withdraw contributions, there’s no penalty. But if you withdraw earnings before age 59½ and before meeting the five-year rule, you’ll likely owe both income tax and a 10% penalty.
There are exceptions, such as using up to $10,000 for a first-time home purchase or covering qualified education expenses. Still, tapping your Roth early can reduce its long-term growth potential, so it’s best reserved for true emergencies.