Deferred compensation plans tend to offer better investment options than most 401(k) plans, but are at a disadvantage regarding liquidity. Deferred Compensation is a retirement savings plan which lets you save for the future through easy payroll deductions.457(b) plans and 401(k) plans are very similar. Both offer you the opportunity to make tax-deferred contributions to a retirement account. I'm a reasonably well-informed investor and it just seems to me that the Deferred Compensation Plan is an unimpressive investment vehicle. A 401(k) plan is a qualified deferred compensation plan.