Everyone's got their mind on money these days -- how to get it and hang onto it.

But some strategies just aren't worth it. A piece at WalletPop examines 10 bad ideas for raising some money -- with No. 1 being taking a 401(k) loan.

Don't do it!! Your 401(k) is not a piggy bank. That money is for your retirement and retirement alone! So unless it's an absolute emergency, do not touch it. Even though you're paying the money back into YOUR account, you still have loan payments to make. Those loan payments may very well eat up the money you COULD have used to contribute more money to your 401(k). Plus you'll pay back that loan with money you've already been taxed on... and then when you finally withdraw it at retirement, you have to pay taxes on it again! Double taxes. What a waste!

Read all 10 here. For a list of GOOD ways to raise a little money, go here. Both articles are written by Ken and Daria Dolan.

Among their good ideas: Negotiate a lower interest rate on a credit card; join Netflix; eat in rather than out; and stick to your own ATMs.

We’ve all been there. You’re out and realize you don’t have any cash on you, and the most convenient ATM is not your bank’s. The two or three dollar charge for using the machine is steep, but not that big a deal, right? WRONG! 

These fees may seem small at the time, but they can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars. Take the time to do a little preplanning before you leave the house, and use your own bank’s ATM. The extra money you’ll save can go a long way!

What are the pitfalls you'd advise people to avoid in trying to raise money in the short term?

---

---