Self-directed 401k falls under federal code (ERISA) and 401k anti-alienation protection. 401k retirement assets are shielded from creditors in Pennsylvania.Explore retirement plan options for the selfemployed, including the solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and cash balance plan. Keogh plans are retirement plans available to businesses that operate as sole proprietorships, partnerships or LLCs. ERISA is a federal law that establishes certain standards for retirement plans in the private industry. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers this plan as part of workplace benefits. ESOP (employee stock ownership plan). This federal law requires retirement plans to conform to certain legal standards regarding their funding, structure and administration.