[throwitawayfam]

I did word it poorly, and you captured what I was trying to get at (thanks).

The benefit is for people that need to withdraw from their 401k before retirement without getting hit with the interest/fees. I guess another part of the benefit is if you want to take advantage of employer match but you don't want to invest in your 401k.

I didn't know about self directed retirement. I'll have to go do some research.

[BeetleB]

Well, avoiding taxes, and getting employer matches are the benefits, but you haven't explained how the amount will grow. You haven't invested it in anything.