Deferred compensation plans tend to offer better investment options than most 401(k) plans, but are at a disadvantage regarding liquidity. It's important to review how the new employer retirement plan options fit into your overall savings plan, including any employer matches.Does my participation in a deferred compensation plan affect my benefits from Middlesex County Retirement System? Plan Comparison Chart. Questions. 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. 457(b) plans and 401(k) plans are very similar. Both offer you the opportunity to make tax-deferred contributions to a retirement account. In this article, we'll be covering how deferred compensation plans work, the benefits for your financial plan, and whether they're better than a 401(k). I'm a reasonably well-informed investor and it just seems to me that the Deferred Compensation Plan is an unimpressive investment vehicle.