Another possible big advantage of being able to roll 401(k) money into an IRA regularly (at least once any 401(k) company-matching contributions for a year are made) would be the opportunity to convert the Rollover IRA immediately to a Roth IRA. Of course, once Roth 401(k)'s are supposed to be available in 2006, then this advantage of rolling over to an IRA would become a non-issue (besides for company-matching contributions which I believe must still always be on a pre-tax basis).

I know that at least some (or all?) companies suspend paycheck-deduction contributions to the 401(k) for a period of time if a distribution / withdrawal is made from the account. Is such a policy some IRS rule for 401(k)'s in general (e.g., which would be the rule claimed to go away in 2002), or would it be some rule than a company or its 401(k) administrator chooses at its own discretion?
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I just read an article in Money Magazine that inferred that in 2002 the new tax law allows a 401(k) to be rolled into an IRA (even if you don't leave the company's employment) as long as the company will allow you to do so.

Due to the limited mutual fund and money market options available from my 401 (k) (and their poor returns), I'd much rather roll my 401(k) into a self directed IRA and control the $$ myself.

Does anyone know anything about this?

NukeJohn