Inflation is something most Americans are thinking and talking about a lot lately. Not only does inflation impact the prices of consumer goods; but the federal government also uses it as a benchmark in determining whether to increase contribution limits to qualified retirement plans or to raise monthly Social Security benefits. On an individual level, […]
Category: Self-Directed IRA
Self-Directed IRAs and NFTs: Prohibited Collectible or The Future of Alternative?
This digital asset has seen a boom over the entire year of 2021, so what’s the fuss about? What is an NFT, how does it compare to cryptocurrency, how will the IRS treat the asset, and more. What is an NFT? Non-fungible token. NFTs (or “non-fungible tokens”) are a special kind of crypto asset in […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Gold – Updated for 2021
Gold has a long history as a “safe harbor” asset, guarding portfolios against stock market volatility, currency fluctuation, and more, over the years. With the price of gold on a steady drop compared to all-time highs a year ago, as other asset classes, including cryptocurrency, have appreciated, many gold enthusiasts worry whether or not the precious metal is holding its […]
What Novice Investors Need to Know About SDIRAs
A self-directed IRA is, simply put, a type of retirement savings account that permits you to invest in nearly any type of asset you want using tax-advantaged strategies to do so. Put simply, an IRA is simply a retirement vehicle. The term self-directed has emerged because so many companies serving as custodians of these accounts […]
Know Your Business Retirement Accounts: Simple IRA, SEP, Solo 401K and ESOP (Updated for 2021)
Being aware of the different types of self-employed retirement accounts that are available to you is important to get the most out of your retirement and retirement planning. The accounts that are available to most employees are your typical IRA and 401K with Roth and Traditional kickers. However, your account options are much more plentiful […]
Taxes, Contributions, and a Self-Directed IRA: Your Questions Answered
Ultimately, what makes or breaks a decision on what type of self-directed IRA is right for you will probably come down to tax structures within the account. That means it’s crucial to understand what these benefits mean, the limitations placed on them, and what that means to you. Self-directed IRAs are powerful tools that can […]
Self-Directed IRA Accounts – Introduction to a Roth IRA
With more than one retirement account option it can be hard to know which account would be best for you. If you are setting up your first or fifth retirement account it can be hard to know which is best for you. The main types of retirement accounts are Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401K plans, […]
How and When a Hardship Withdrawal is Allowed in an IRA or 401K
First off, what is a hardship withdrawal? A hardship withdrawal is defined as an emergency withdrawal of retirement funds from a retirement plan. This type of distribution can be allowed without penalty from retirement savings vehicles like Traditional IRAs or 401Ks, given that specific requirements are met. It’s important to note that even if all […]
What are the Potential Pitfalls With a Self-Directed IRA?
Opening up and operating a self-directed IRA is more intensive than a traditional IRA. It can be more intensive because you’re the one in charge. You choose the investments and do all the work that generally someone else does. The other awesome and daunting thing about a self-directed IRA is that there are endless investing opportunities. […]
Why Not Both? Operating a 401K and an IRA Simultaneously
If you contribute to your 401K account, you may still contribute to a Roth IRA and/or a traditional IRA, as long as you meet the IRA’s eligibility requirements. However, if you wish to contribute to a traditional IRA and take a tax deduction for that contribution, depending on your income, your contribution to your employer’s […]
Start Rolling Over Your 401K to an IRA
When it comes to a 401K, you can take it with you from job to job, and in fact, you should, and it should be in the form of a 401K rollover. But making the most of the money you’ve built up means performing the rollover correctly. Here’s the four-step process for how to rollover […]
The Importance of Diversification of Your IRA Portfolio
Whether you’re new to the investing game or a novice, there’s something that everyone needs to learn, and that’s diversification of assets. Diversification is fundamental, not only for your portfolio’s sake, but also for your future retirement’s sake. When you have a self-directed IRA, and the investment options available to you are practically limitless, that’s […]