Instead, you have to move your money first to, say, a stock fund, for 90 days or so. (Cash withdrawals have no waiting periods.) And in the rare case that your employer ends its participation in a stable value fund, your money might be held for up to 12 months (still earning a return) as the fund unwinds.

FORBES: Worried About A Bond Bubble? Consider A Stable Value Fund For Your 401(k)

The average stable-value fund delivered 3.1% last year, down from 4.6% in 2008, according to Hueler Cos.

WSJ: Stable-Value Funds Look Shakier

In most 401(k) plans, to move money from a stable-value account into a money-market fund or short-term bond fund, plan participants have to be invested in a riskier option for at least 90 days.

WSJ: A 401(k) Defense Against Rising Rates

To prevent yield chasing, most stable value funds prohibit transfers to similar options, such as a money market or short-term bond fund.

FORBES: Worried About A Bond Bubble? Consider A Stable Value Fund For Your 401(k)