Updated 2026-03-20

Guideline vs Slavic401k 401(k) Comparison

Compare Guideline (#15, 7.1/10) and Slavic401k (#25, 6.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeatureGuidelineSlavic401k
Overall Score7.1/106.1/10
Rank#15#25
AUM$9 billion$3 billion
Participants700,00050,000
Plan Sponsors40,000+2,500+
Founded20161995

Ratings Comparison

CategoryGuidelineSlavic401k
Fees & Costs4.7/53.2/5
Investment Options3.3/54.8/5
Customer Service3.9/53.4/5
Mobile App4.0/53.0/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypeGuidelineSlavic401k
Admin Fees$49/month base + $8/employee$1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant
Expense Ratios0.03% - 0.15%Varies by investment choice
Trading Fees$0$0 for stocks/ETFs, varies for options
Advisory FeesN/A - self-directedN/A - self-directed

Guideline Strengths

Slavic401k Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeatureGuidelineSlavic401k
Rollover PlatformGuideline DashboardSlavic401k Portal
Loans AvailableNoYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Guideline dashboardPhone (800-356-3009), Online portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, In-kind transfer of securities, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Guideline if you want:

  • Small businesses
  • Cost-conscious employers
  • Hands-off plan sponsors
  • Index fund believers

Choose Slavic401k if you want:

  • Self-directed investors
  • Active traders
  • Sophisticated investors
  • Those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility

Our Verdict: Guideline vs Slavic401k

Guideline wins this comparison with a score of 7.1/10 vs 6.1/10. Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, making it the stronger choice for most investors in this matchup. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, employer plan availability, and investment preferences.

Full Guideline Review Full Slavic401k Review

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Guideline vs Slavic401k: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Guideline and Slavic401k for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Guideline offers small business while Slavic401k is known for self-directed. In terms of fees, Guideline charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios compared to Slavic401k's Varies by investment choice. Guideline manages $9 billion in assets and serves 700,000 participants, while Slavic401k has $3 billion AUM and 50,000 participants.

Key Differences: Guideline vs Slavic401k

When comparing Guideline and Slavic401k, consider their core strengths: Guideline excels with extremely competitive pricing for small business, while Slavic401k stands out for full self-directed brokerage within 401(k). Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's customer service rating is 3.9/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.4/5. For mobile experience, Guideline scores 4.0/5 while Slavic401k scores 3.0/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Guideline if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Slavic401k if you're looking for self-directed investors. Your decision should also consider your employer's plan availability, fee sensitivity, desired investment options, and customer service expectations. For detailed reviews, visit our individual Guideline and Slavic401k provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guideline scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 7.1/10. Guideline is best for small businesses, while Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Guideline charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 0.15% with admin fees of $49/month base + $8/employee. Slavic401k charges Varies by investment choice expense ratios with admin fees of $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant. Guideline's fees rating is 4.7/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.2/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Guideline and Slavic401k. Guideline uses Guideline Dashboard for rollovers, while Slavic401k uses Slavic401k Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Guideline does not offer 401(k) loans. Slavic401k offers 401(k) loans.

Guideline scores 3.3/5 for investment options, while Slavic401k scores 4.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Guideline's investment options include Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds. Slavic401k offers Individual Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Guideline is best for small businesses, cost-conscious employers, hands-off plan sponsors, index fund believers. Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors, active traders, sophisticated investors, those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility. Compare admin fees: Guideline charges $49/month base + $8/employee vs Slavic401k's $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant.

Pavlo Pyskunov

Pavlo Pyskunov

Managing Director & Investment Fund Director

Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.

Last updated: 2026-03-20