Here’s how to ditch your restrictive 401(k) plan and pick your own investments

Fix My Portfolio

If you’re worried about this move being too risky, wait until you see the top asset of those already using a 401(k) brokerage window

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 6:56 p.m. ET
First Published: June 23, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. ET

There are thousands of mutual funds, ETFs and bonds to choose from in the wide world of investing — so it’s possible to feel hampered by the two dozen or so options you get to pick from in your company’s staid 401(k) plan.

If that sounds like you, then you may be tempted to break free and go your own way, using what’s known as the “brokerage window” or “self-directed option,” which allows you to take some — but usually not all — of your 401(k) money and invest it as you wish, even in cryptocurrency BTCUSD or gold GC00 if you so desire.